Today we’d like to introduce you to Tipanka Mayo.
Hi Tipanka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2019, I graduated from college and started a new job as a medical assistant. A few months later, in January 2020 I was involved in a terrible car accident which caused me to be disabled. For months I worked on getting my ability to walk again while also looking for a job to accommodate my new disability. I was going to school to become a nurse. It was a dream of mine to be in the medical field, taking care of people, helping them get back to how they once were. Unfortunately, that wasn’t my calling. Being a single mother I knew I had to do something quickly. I had a young child to support and wasn’t going to let this tragedy stop me. That summer, I order my son and dad a yard sign for their birthdays. After a day, I thought this seemed like an easy job. One that wouldn’t put much stress on my leg. Minimal contact, an in and out type of job. A simple, honest living. I wanted to own a party store that could be a one stop shop, but yard signs came first. Seeing the set up they’d made, I thought to myself; I can do a better job. Then ideas started pouring in. Wonderful Kreations!
Kreations came from my passion to create. Decor and design have always made me passionate. I love putting my touch on a project to make it sparkle. I never thought I’d be a business owner. The companies I worked for in the past always said I exceeded their expectations. I work hard, and that passion lives in my work. Every work experience I’ve known, I put into my own business. That propels me to new levels each time.
I focus deeply to give each client the great experience they deserve. While working at Starbucks I learned the importance, and impact of catering to the customer. Once a client shares their vision, I create a story about the person who the sign is for. I lost a lot when I had the accident, and the pandemic caused me to go into depression. I remember my family trying everything they could to keep me happy. This business pulled me out, it wasn’t about the money, I just wanted to make people smile. While the world was shut down and everyone was forced to stay home, family and friends weren’t able to celebrate holidays together. I wanted to bring that joy of celebration without people having to be close. Drive by baby showers, birthdays, graduations, parades, all brought that happiness and comfort. The Wonderful Kreations sign made a spark touch the yard, and is perfect for photos. Imagine surprising someone when they wake up to leave home in the morning and they have a huge, detailed, sign that reads happy birthday or congratulations. Can’t help but cry, smile, or laugh. It triggers emotion to the individual and those around them, even to neighbors. Many of my clients cry from excitement when they see their sign in the yard. They feel loved, appreciated, and special. Thinking back to when I did the sign for my son and dad the expressions were priceless. I want that for each and every client. For them all to feel special.
A year and four months later, I have traveled all over the city of Houston from Spring, Cypress, Humble, West Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Missouri City, Fresno, Iowa Colony Manvel, Pearland, Rosharon, Pasadena, Friendswood, Texas city, and La Marque. Even sometimes sponsoring a few signs for little league football teams, neighborhoods, storybook academy, and the city of Pearland 5K fun run. Yard signs is the foundation of wonderful kreations, but we have so much more to come. Recently we’ve launched luxury picnics, indoor or outdoor. We also have party rentals, but this just the beginning, so excited for the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At times, it has not been a smooth road. My biggest struggle was learning how to be a business owner. The industry is up-and-down and challenging, not knowing if what you have to offer would be wanted. I came in inexperienced and had to learn first-hand all the inter-workings of the business. Another obstacle I had to overcome was not being emotional when dealing with a hard-to-please client who suddenly changed their mind. The challenges would-be newcomers to the industry who are not enthusiastic about their work, want to display signs without passion and charge either a cheaper or enormous fee.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love this job! My work is unique, and able to express myself in unexplainable ways. I work from heart, and when others try to help me by asking for a diagram, I cannot give them one since it’s in my head and heart. I am known for my creativity. I want to see a side of my client where I can express their desire. I have excellent customer service experience, and I know how strong my client’s wishes and desires are. I am most proud of going beyond my comfort zone, of pleasing my clients. I am proud of how much I have learned and how far I have come in this industry. I’m known in Yard Groups; I am a leader and a mentor. My creative designs set me apart from others, and I have a good reputation with clients.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Believe in your dreams, don’t give up!
I have 4 sisters who are all business owners. I graduated from Hightower high school class of 2013. When I’m not working I love to spend time with my son, family and closet friends. I’m an outgoing and adventurous person. I love to travel whenever I get a chance to leave. I educate and mentor young single mothers. I teach them to never give and keep pushing. Trust yourself and take that leap of faith.
Contact Info:
- Email: Wonderful.kreationss@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Wonderful.kreationss
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderful.kreationss/
- Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/Wonderful.kreationss
Image Credits
Tipanka Mayo
