Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Gray.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Designs for Something Grayt was created from my desire to well, create. I’m an educator by day, but I’m definitely a creative by nature. My first venture was as a mobile DJ which I started just out of college and pursued for 15 years. After some time, I felt the urge again and settled on providing custom apparel as a way to provide a needed service, secure an additional income source, as well as satisfy my creative void. I’ve been in business since the summer of 2017.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve certainly faced challenges along the way and continue to make my way through. Finding a niche in a fairly broad and open market has been one, but I’m thankful for repeat customers and those who refer others to me based on prior work. Settling on a good work-life balance has also been a struggle. I can recall times of pulling all-nighters in order to complete jobs due to improper time management. I don’t regret it, but I’m definitely able to fulfill work orders more efficiently now after a bit of experience. My mantra is Design. Wear. Repeat.
Designs for Something Grayt – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Designs for Something Grayt provides custom designed apparel and accessories for individuals and groups, large and small. I use a variety of resources to design and create to a customer’s unique specifications (Adobe and Affinity Designer, sublimation, heat transfer vinyl, hand-painted originals). I’m most proud of being a black woman-owned small business. I’m also proud that I have mentored and trained a few others in the same industry. I hope to inspire others, regardless of age to pursue their creativity while providing reputable goods and services to others for a profit and create avenues for outreach and economically giving back to their communities.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as obtaining the goal a person sets for herself. Striving to reach another’s level of success may not bring the internal joy a person is seeking. Material rewards are great, don’t misunderstand, however, I believe if a person’s internal desire to provide something to the world never fades, the opportunities for success are never ending.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dfsgrayt.com
- Phone: 3469780047
- Email: somethinggrayt713@outlook.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/designsforsg
- Facebook: @dfsgcustomsforyou
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