Hi Beautifuls! What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to recognize a Queen. A lot of you are familiar with Ginger and GeminiFllyii. But I wanted to take a moment to revist and do a “where are they now” type of feature. So much has changed over the years with Ginger and her Brand. Don’t take my word for it, check out the first feature on GeminiFlyii – https://imjustjackie.com/2013/05/18/small-business-spotlight-feature-gemini-flyii/! Then the lastest feature below. And you will truly see the “EVOLUTION OF GINGER”
Q. May 2013 was the first time I interviewed you for a small business spotlight. Tell us what’s new with Ginger & GeminiFlyii? What inspired you to start your own business?
A. My daughter inspired me to start creating. Now that I’m a mother of two, the inspiration has shifted to scaling my brand and introducing my children to brand building.
A. What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
I’m inspired by so many things. Culture, fashion, music and even food have been the driving forces inspiring me over the years to present time. Also, other artist give me ideas as well. The thing that sets me a part is that I’m constantly opening my mind up to change and paying attention to what’s going on around me.
Q. What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
A. I consider myself a self taught artist. I first used books and inspiration from others (which I still do) then I experimented with different mediums until I found my flow. Now, my flow is constantly changing so who knows what I will work with next.
I developed my business skills through sticking to what was simple and easy for both me and my customers. I wanted the experience for the both of us to be as seamless as possible. I will say that over time you will have to pivot but start with what you can handle first.
Q. What has been your biggest success to date?
A. I’ve had so many beautiful opportunities to happen to me while on this journey! From some of my first blog interviews, to magazine covers. The biggest success to date was when I decided to go back to my hometown to host my feature pop up shop. By me being a military spouse, I’ve conducted business strictly through my online shop. Never before had I held an event where my customers could come and shop in person. It was a huge success and to see the faces of women that had shopped with me over the years brought me to tears. Such a great experience and memory for me!
Q. What has been your biggest challenge? A. My biggest challenge has been balancing work/home life. We are in the middle of a pandemic and my whole family is home now. My husband of 12 years is now retired from the military so he’s home working on a second career. My daughter is home doing distance learning due to Covid-19. Also, I have a busy 3 year old and my studio is right in the midst of everything. Things can get a bit hectic but with time management and some sacrifices, we manage to keep things running well most days …Oh, and lots of coffee! Lol
Q. Can you describe your typical work day?
A. I get up maybe an hour before the rest of my family does. I begin with prayer and positive affirmations. Next, I drink a glass of water to get things flowing in my mind and body. I shower/dress for the day and make my cup of coffee. After that, I grab my planner and my playlist then make it upstairs to my studio. I start with knocking out priorities first. I do this so if anything comes up, I know where to stop and start again. I try to work no more than 4 hours a day in my studio and sometimes that’s not consecutive.
Q. Which small businesses are you inspired by?
A. I’m inspired by Shop Babes by Ciera Rogers. She is a visionary and knows exactly what she wants for her brand. The brand embodies the comfort of sexiness no matter the size of the woman.
No Pressure Co by Pamela Renee is a unisex brand that has a great message and meaning. Pamela is a go getter and believes in quality work.
Sola in the city LLc is a curated candle and home decor brand. Love the sophistication and chic details involved.
Q. If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
If I could go back, I would’ve done more open markets and vendor opportunities. When the outside world reopens safely I cannot wait to mingle with my people again, respectively.
Q. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own creative business? A. Make sure your business is something you love to do! Don’t do something because you see someone else be successful at it. That’s their superpower not yours. Research but don’t overthink. You will start out one way and pivot soon there after and that’s the beauty of growing… anything.
Thank you so much Ginger for sharing your experience and growth with us all! Beatifuls check out GeminiFlyii on the sites below
Website: https://geminiflyii.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/geminiflyii
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geminiflyii/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/geminiflyii
ImJustJackie 