Today we’d like to introduce you to Amaya Johnson.
Hi Amaya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my business by experimenting with different things I’ve always wanted to do. Sewing was one thing I always wanted to learn how to do so I purchased a sewing machine and taught myself all the skills I needed to know. I started off selling reversible, satin bonnets, scrunchies and doing simple alterations. As I continued to grow, I started making formal gowns and other garments. In the midst of improving my sewing, I learned to paint. Painting is another skill I always wanted to learn how to do so I decided to start painting on denim jeans and jumpsuits. Customizing clothing is something I’ve always had a passion to learn how to do so every day I learn new ways that I can make and customize garments.
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?
I’ve been in business for 2 years. I started during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, and I have to say the road had been pretty smooth. There hasn’t been any situation so challenging that I decided to give up. I always look for ways around struggles and if a struggle happens to come up, I find a way to solve or make it better. The biggest obstacle I have is with myself. Telling myself I can’t do certain things because I don’t know how or because I haven’t done it before is where I seem to struggle the most, but it is a learning progress. I always aim to try anyway if I have to opportunity because I’d rather do something scared and make mistakes that I can improve on than not do anything at all and make no progress. I recently changed my business name from Exclusive Kreationz to Meraki by Maya, and I feel that will be a challenge as I continue to rebrand.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in sewing and painting. I sew custom garments such as gowns and jumpsuits according to my clients, and I paint on denim. I am most proud of the prom dress I made for senior prom 2022. I am known for selling reversible, satin bonnets and the dress I made for prom. I think my creativity and my ability to build on what I know sets me apart from others. Although I have a skill that I can stick with for life (sewing), I still find other things I can incorporate into what I already have (painting and many other things). I feel like the more I know how to do, the happier I will be in running my business because I’ll have a wide variety of services for people to choose from.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, I will be done with my schooling, having a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising. The change I see for myself is being able to open my own shop to do all of my work in instead of working in my home. I plan to become a bigger brand using the influence of social media.
Pricing:
- Reverisble Satin Bonnets – $10.00
- Custom Gowns Starting at $500
- Painting Services Starting at $50
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakibymaya/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCau7HVeJjQyuuUJla99hwug
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@merakibymaya
