Justabrooklyngyrl’s all about following your dreams and bringing everyday talent to you whose doing just that! From Biggie to Drake “My Gifts” are a fashionista(0) must-have and adds character to your decor! Maya Smith started “My Gifts” and we scored a one on one with the entrepreneur, her secret blueprint to success and how she got started.
The unique handmade porcelain dishes can be used for more then storing your precious jewels. It’s a perfect accent on your coffee table or chest of drawers and your just in time for this gift giving season!
Justabrooklyngyrl guarantees that after reading this you will not only purchase every “My Gift” dish but it will also inspire you to face your fears and take on the world!
What’s “my.gifts” exactly? How did you come up with the name?
My close family and friends call me, “my” which is a nickname for Maya. I’ve always liked when people call me that, so I’m always looking for ways to incorporate it in any ideas I may have. The “gifts” part is because I make gifts you can give yourself or someone else.
How did you get your idea/concept for your jewelry dishes?
I’ve always been a big fan of Tumblr (midtermyesterday.tumblr.com), and have a lot of great pictures stashed in my likes and old posts. So, I knew I wanted to extend that into something of my own. I had this guy draw out some of my favorite photos of different artists I like, and then I designed a calendar with the images on it. I didn’t really like the calendar idea at the time, and then saw this plate with Michael Jackson on it. Once I saw that, I knew what to do with the images I’ve made for the calendar.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
I’m really inspired by other creatives – people who have ideas and bring them to life. That’s really cool to me. It’s not easy taking things that are in your head, actually making them happen, and then sticking with it and believing that your ideas are cool/worth it.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
@miflandbrand, @sla_te, @musingsofkrav, @ilovekdia, @chrle._, @tylynnnguyen
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
That I made something that represents myself. Also seeing my customers using their dishes, that’s always cool.
How do you generate new ideas for the jewelry dishes?
I only use people I actually listen to or like. Now that I am learning my brands buying trends, I find myself branching out to popular artists, so I try to incorporate that while staying true to myself. I also plan to start using other images not just people.
What piece of advice would you give to young women who want to become entrepreneurs?
I was reading a book about identifying your passions and talents and how to market yourself once you do. The book helped you to identify your hard assets – skills, strengths, and expertise and your soft assets – passions, creative abilities, and values. This was one of the most clarifying things I’ve done for myself, and I would recommend it to anyone who is just starting out, and doesn’t know where to begin. (Book: Practical Genius, Gina Amaro Rudan)
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
I would sit down with Osho. He was an Indian mystic, guru, and spiritual teacher. I would talk to him about my every day melodrama, and have him put me in my place and re-center me to what’s important. I recommend his books as well.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years ?
In 10 years I will be 35, so I hope to be healthy, happy, wealthy, and madly in love with my husband, and have some kids running around. Business wise, I hope to proposer in any and everything I come across.
“My Gifts”will soon be a household name with its unique and stylish jewelry dishes. Just remember where you heard about it first!
Follow my.gifts on Instagram! Purchase all dishes on www.etsy.com mygiftsphl
Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams, or wake up and make them real!
justabrooklyngyrl
