The Pom-Poms

When I think about creating, I automatically think to myself “What can I do with these hands?”. I’ve used all kinds of materials to craft with. I’ve used everything from beads and crystals to tulle and yarn. The craft that I’ve decided to tell you about is my latest most favorite craft. It’s my handmade Pom-Pom earrings. Sounds like a simple thing, doesn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t know how to make a Pom-Pom? Well, that’s my rational mind speaking. My creative mind says, “Yes, tons of people can make a Pom-Pom, but you make THE Pom-Pom.” So, let’s take a minute to burst into laughter before I proceed. Once we are done with this much needed laugh break after a long week of work, I’ll tell you what makes my Pom-Pom THE Pom-Pom. I’ll also tell you how making THE Pom-Pom catapults me into creating my own happiness. Now breathe, focus, and proceed.

I started crafting at a very young age. I remember winning an art contest in 5th grade. I won 1st place! I also remember no one making it a big deal. I just remember someone announcing me as the winner and went on with our regular 5th grade day. You know, learning stuff we never use in adulthood. Trust me, the government classifies me as an adult, and I don’t use any of it. Nevertheless, the lack of praise didn’t stop my creative desires. As I briefly breeze through middle and high school, it was nothing to remember, I find myself becoming a grown up still fascinated with making things with my hands. I’ve started a side hustle making hand decorated journals and tote bags. I started in graphic design for a mixtape I never put out. Whew, give me a moment to reel myself back in. I was never short on what I was going to do next creatively therefore I was never short on happiness.

In 2010, I started making handmade hair accessories. I made a flower headband and posted it to Facebook. An old high school classmate saw it and had to have it. She asked me if she could buy it. Someplace between me enjoying making something so beautiful, the likes I got on the photo, and one person paying real money for it, I decided I would start a business. That is when Little Miss Gabby was created. I got a logo made and worked tirelessly to make handmade hair accessories. I even made my own journals. When I say made my own journals, I mean cut the boards, cover the boards, and bound them together. I didn’t understand business, but I understood that I loved the process. I likely both over and under charged for some of my creations. It was because I didn’t understand business, I had to put Little Miss Gabby on pause when I lost my job. My business was solely funded through my own personal income. Life took a turn for the worst. I lost my job, my apartment, and had to move back in with my mom. It was at this point where I desperately depended on creating. It wasn’t a dependence for money. I was desperate for a feeling of purpose, peace, and overall happiness. It was a dark place, but my creating brought me light.

Fast forward to 2014. I am back on my feet with a stable income. My brain had never run out of ideas, but my money was short. I created a vision book and wrote everything down. When I got the extra money I changed my business name to Gabby FruFru, got a new logo, and started up again. I went back to what I love which are hair accessories. This time, I knew much more about what I was doing and how to make sturdier products. They were selling. I was overjoyed. With my accessories selling I had room to move into other things such as paper flower, more graphic design, and party decorating. In 2018 I was accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design. I was becoming very hopeful about my future in the creative field. I had the inventory, the clients, and soon I’ll have the education. Between 2018 and present day I have faced many challenges. I’ve been thrown off track so many times I can’t even count, but my heart always belongs to creating. I get back on the saddle and jot off again.

Now we have arrived to where I am today. With all the years of growth, life lessons, disappointments, and accomplishments I’m in a much brighter place. I’m working out of a closet. Now sit with that for a moment, while I tell you why that is significant. I used to work out of the corner of my room which was tiny. Then I got a bigger room which means the corner got bigger. Finally, I started working out of room that has a real-life walk-in closet. Most people would think to put clothes and shoes in there. All I saw was my next studio. I painted it, setup more shelves, hung some pictures on the wall, and inserted a table. It’s fully functional and I’ve created some amazing things that people can’t wait to spend their money on. I cherish these moments I get to package up someone’s order, write a handwritten note, and place that packing slip on top. Someone trusts my creativity with their money to now bring them happiness. What an honor.

So, what makes my Pom-Poms THE Pom-Poms. It’s me! Simply put I am what makes everything I touch special. I was created special to create special things for those who needs encouragement. For the people that want to have fun with their look and embrace the child that never dies within. For those in need of color, vibrance, energy I provide that. I use my hands to express myself. I use my hands to uplift myself. I use my hands to separate and distinguish myself. I transmit that vibe straight to those who receive what I create. The one thing all my trials and tribulations have taught me is that you can do what a million others are doing, but a million others can’t do it like you. I am unique and wonderfully made. In turn, I put that into everything I put my hands own. I identify myself in the things I create. That is how I create my happiness.