Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Guillory.
Hi Gina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Baytown, TX. Graduated from Ross S. Sterling High School. Had a promising future. Became pregnant shortly thereafter. Changed the course of my life. Didn’t go off to college as planned. Took the educational scenic route at Lee College taking about a decade to complete a two year degree. Worked and attended Lee College while raising three kids. Yes, I had three children by this time. Was hired by the City of Baytown in 1993 in an entry level position. I am currently employed by the City of Baytown after 28 years. After several promotions, I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Finance. In 2017, I was elected to the Lee College Board of Regents and also serve on several boards and committees throughout the community. I frequently volunteer to stay involved, connected, engaged and positioned to help, strengthen and empower our underserved citizens/students.
In February 2021, I assembled a team of community minded residents to help me spotlight and support local black business owners, the (Baytown) Black Owned Business Alliance (BOB Alliance). The vision was to demonstrate the power of supporting one another. I thought if we could show our young people how we support one another then they too would start to support instead of competing. Then, if we could show black business owners supporting other black business owners then we could help one another reach our full potential. It started with a thought and a prayer in almost a year ago and now we have spotlighted over 20 local businesses and have strengthened the partnerships between the businesses as well as the local newspaper and the residents. The businesses are gaining more exposure, increasing their foot traffic and boosting their sales. Everything I do to support and promote the businesses is absolutely free with no strings attached.
Why do I do it? Because I absolutely LOVE my community and I want to be found doing whatever I can to be a blessing. It is my reasonable service and it brings me great joy to know I was instrumental in having a positive impact in my community. I was saved to serve. This is my contribution and my way of paying it forward.
I should have been a young black female statistic according to my start, but I’m living proof that it’s less about how you start and more about how you finish. I want to finish strong by encouraging and inspiring others to serve unselfishly.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been smooth. Many times when I would approach business owners who don’t know me they would be suspicious of my motives. When I explain what the BOB Alliance does and then tell them it’s free, they decline or give me that side eye. Seems to good to be true. So there are businesses that could really benefit from the spotlight but were hesitant. Didn’t allow it to hinder me though, just moved on to the next.
Then you always have those who are sitting on the sideline…….. watching, only looking out for themselves, but have opinions about how you should do what you’re doing. Not willing to get involved, but always have something to say. You know, “Why is she only supporting black businesses? Thought she was a community person who represented ALL the people”. “How she gonna tell you to support a business and she doesn’t even have a business of her own”. You know them, I’m sure you’ve met a few in your lifetime. How do I respond to them? I don’t. I don’t even acknowledge their comments. I have work to do and I know we are being a blessing. So they keep talking as I keep walking…..walking in victory!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a 28-year employee of the City of Baytown as well as a community advocate for social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. I’ve created several diverse groups to keep the conversation going and hold officials accountable while being supportive. We have a lot of work to do but progress is being made and our Police Department is in a much better place.
I use the solid relationships I’ve developed over the years, within the entire community, Goose Creek ISD, United Way, Communities in Schools, Lee College, Harris County, Chamber of Commerce, etc. to help bridge the gap of trust.
I’m known for being outspoken but speaking in a way that others will tune in instead of turning me off. My passion, love and commitment is reflected in my actions. I’m compassionate and I’m willing to take a stand and hold fast to what I believe in. I’m fair, honest and trustworthy. I’m consistent and very timely. What you see is what you get. May not always be the most tactful and diplomatic, but you always know where I stand and you always know where you stand with me.
I’m most proud of the hearts of my children. I was a young parent and they didn’t get the best because I was figuring life out on the fly while still growing up myself. But what I did get right is the message of love, faith and family. They aren’t perfect and each of them have scars to prove the battle, but their hearts are always in the right place. At the end of the journey, the heart is what God will judge us by and for that, I’m proud. I just pray they are proud of me and forgive me for what I didn’t know and for what I didn’t do well.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t allow negative/toxic people to discourage you. I tell my team members, “You’ll miss a really good circus, if you keep being distracted by the clowns”.
Consult God through every stage of the process and once you know He ordains it, don’t stop. He will make the crooked ways straight and you will reap if you faint not.
Contact Info:
- Email: guillorygina@yahoo.com
- Instagram: gigistyle_me
- Facebook: gina guillory
