Today we’d like to introduce you to Gayla Minor.
Hi Gayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I originally started in the Summer of 2019 just as it being a hobby and adding it as an additive to blogging. I actually approached my cousin n law about creating personalized coffee mugs. She showed me everything I needed to know and that led me to where I am today. She was grateful enough to bless me with my own machine that I still use today.
I appreciate her because Love, Gayla Creations wouldn’t be what it is today. After she taught me the things to be successful, I then went home and practiced and was just excited. Then, I started posting some of my work and then overcame self-doubt. I looked at my likes, comments, shares, and there were none. I became discouraged and overwhelmed with comparing myself to others that I stopped. I pushed the machine to the side and just gave up.
Fast forward to 2020, we’re at the beginning of the pandemic and the machine is still sitting there. So, I kept saying I’m going to sit down and get it right this time. I sat down and created things and of course, I didn’t get it right the first and maybe the second time. I knew that I could do it if I just kept trying. During that time, I taught myself patience. I lacked patience especially creating things cause I would mess up and have to start over.
Now when I’m doing orders, I prompt myself with patience and time, because I inspire myself to take my time, learn and most of all make sure I turn my customer’s vision into reality. Now, this time around, I decided to do more than coffee mugs, but tumblers and wine glasses. I posted my work and immediately got inquiries about orders and so much love. I was overjoyed and knew then after I tried so many times, I did it.
I never wanted to be a crafty person. I always said going into Michaels and Hobby Lobby that I didn’t want to be that person that is in the store every week finding stuff. Now here I am, that person. I learned so much about myself during 2020 when I started. I learned that I’m a very creative person. Some of the creations I make are made personally from the ideas and visions I have. Love, Gayla Creations started out as just a hobby, but now it’s my baby.
I absolutely love what I do and most of all knowing I can leave my customers with a smile or even tears of joy!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Of course, every journey won’t be easy. Starting off, I experienced self-doubt and even compared my work to others.
I begin asking myself: “What am I doing wrong? “Why aren’t people supporting me like I thought they would? I questioned myself so much I gave up without even trying then. I did and still do struggle with consistency. In order to build my brand and make it successful as I expect it to be.
I catch myself when I don’t get the results I want, but I remember I have to be consistent. In 2020, it was rough for everyone. I was experiencing depression and anxiety and Love, Gayla Creations is then and now an outlet for me to express myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Even though I’m not in the position I desire to be in, I’m presently working for a government agency. I actually graduated in August of 2021 with my bachelor’s in Health Care Administration. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the healthcare community.
I originally started majoring in Nursing, but then changed my major after my grandmother unexpectedly passed. I just didn’t have the willpower to do it anymore. I will say I specialize and am known for fashion. I absolutely love clothes and piecing together outfits. It’s another way I get to express myself. I am most proud of myself. There were moments when I didn’t want to do anything! I found the courage and strength to move forward at times I didn’t want to. I was ok with being stuck.
I’m so glad that I found myself and created a jewel from the pain, which is Love, Gayla Creations. What sets me apart from others is being different. I always ask myself and others, “How is your business different compared to other businesses?” I always want to do things differently compared to others jumping on trends. Not saying trends aren’t good, but create your own trend.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is accomplishing your goals, achieving your impossibilities, and exceeding your expectations.
The road to success is definitely not easy and everybody’s success is different. You may fail in the process of being successful, but you use those lessons and failures to be successful to do things differently. It’s your success, no one else’s. The only person stopping you from being successful is YOU!
Contact Info:
- Email: lovegaylacreations@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovegaylacreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovegaylacreations
Image Credits
Lia Burnett
