This week, in our ongoing “Meet the Marker Monday” series, we’re excited to introduce you to Gina of Addae.

 

 

LBC: When did you start your business and what inspired you to take the leap as an entrepreneur? 
Gina: I started Addae in December 2013. I got the idea to do custom mugs from a friend who made a comment about how I need to put my custom lettering on mugs. I had made it a goal this past year to practice my lettering by starting a 365 Day Project challenge that was inspired by Lisa Congdon. Everyday (well…almost everyday) I would write something down that I was inspired by and then I would post it on Instagram. In the back of my mind, I had always wanted to create a product with my lettering but I figured it could wait until I felt really confident about my work. When my friend made the comment about doing mugs, I was instantly intrigued and so I did a little research and jumped right into creating custom mug designs.

 

 

LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Gina: I create beautiful designs on mugs that focus on typography. I want my products to be chic and inspirational to those who want to be successful in their everyday lives. Most of my friends and family have coffee first thing in the morning, and I figured that I could create mugs that could subtly inspire people in the very beginning of their day.

 

LBC: Where can we find your products?
Gina: You can find my mugs on Etsy at custommugdesigns.etsy.com or I also take custom orders through email at custommugdesigns@gmail.com.

 

LBC: What inspires you? 
Gina: Anything and everything! I’m not a morning person, but I keep my bedroom blinds open just so I have a better chance of waking up to the sun rising. Absolutely everything about the sun rising (and setting) is truly remarkable. It is different every single day and I use it as a time to reflect and appreciate everyday beauty.

 

 

Music is an inspiration and I actually use it as a tool to set the mood for all sorts of things. I always start my day by playing Bob Marley in the mornings when I get ready. Listening to Marley reminds me to appreciate the little things and more importantly, to keeps things simple. Also, most of the lettering projects that I have done during my 365 Project Challenge were inspired by music.

I also have a morgue file of random images that inspire me and I add to it on a daily basis. You can find pictures of food, great make-up, typography, packaging, fabric, architecture, landscapes, etc. Instagram and Pinterest make it especially easy to be inspired.

 

LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made.
Gina: The best business decision that I’ve made was to stop waiting for the “perfect” time to put my work out there and just do it. Everyone has to start somewhere so I set aside my fears and I took action. I knew that people would like my custom mug designs but I was concerned about sales. When I got my first sale on Etsy, it was enough to validate what I was doing and it has given me motivation to keep doing my thing!

 

LBC: What’s been one of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered during your journey as a maker and how have you managed to conquer or mitigate it?
Gina: I tend to get ahead of myself when making things. I often buy more supplies that I need and make more than what is being demanded. I’ve started to manage this better by limiting my trips to the store.

 

 

LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If we blasted ourselves forward a few years, where would we see your company?
Gina: One of my dreams is to open up a boutique storefront where I could be a curator and a maker and have an entire line of Addae products on display.

 

LBC: Please share one of your favorite resources: a book, a website, an app, a gadget, an event… anything that’s helped save time, money or sanity!
Gina: Google is my favorite resource for everything! Also, I’ve recently attended the Renegade Craft Fair in LA and it was an amazing experience where I met so many different types of makers. I would recommend all makers attend at least one Renegade Craft Fair and use the opportunity to ask makers for advice/questions.

 

LBC: Tell us about a pearl of wisdom someone has shared with you. Who said it and how did it help propel you forward?
Gina: Growing up, my grandma always told me that I could achieve anything as long as I applied myself. She would always have very cliché things to say but it was always the truth. My grandma helped shaped my work ethic and she always believed in me.

 

 

LBC: What is your guilty pleasure?
Gina: Binge watching TV shows on Netflix.

 

LBC: If you were given a million dollars, but were not allowed to keep a single penny for yourself, friends or family, how would you spend it or give it away?
Gina: I would create a co-working space/clubhouse like Rena Tom did with Makeshift Society but I would focus on creating an environment for people in high school and college. We would provide mentors, workshops, and resources for students who want to start their own businesses. I think that it is so important for people to realize that you can do what you love and make a decent living.

 

Connect with Gina + Addae all around the web:

Company Website
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram

 

Thank you, Gina, for sharing your talent and gorgeous mugs with us. Wishing you great success!

 

Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker Monday” series? Drop us a line: hello@luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!