Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Wright.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Felicia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
While in college, I took a graphic design course as an elective and learned that I could make a living by combining art with technology. After talking to my counselor, she strongly advised that I stick with my original major, computer science because I wouldn’t make any money or be successful in the art industry. I listened to my counselor failed my first semester of college. I immediately changed my major to graphic design and ultimately graduated from the University of North Florida with a BFA degree in graphic design. Before I walked across the stage, I secured a position as a graphic designer with a major retailer whose CEO happened to be our commencement speaker for graduation.
After ten years of working as a senior graphic designer in Corporate America, I decided to branch out on my own and launch Mygani LLC. I started out designing invitations and announcements for family and friends. After being introduced to the local chamber and SBA, I transitioned into designing for other businesses. This transition helped me grow clientele, as well as develop professionally.
I wanted to further my education and in 2011, I was awarded a full scholarship to obtain my MBA from the University of Phoenix in recognition of my community service. The MBA program provided me an opportunity to learn more about the day to day operations and internal functions of a business.
Fast forward to today, I am still providing creative marketing services to other companies. But I knew I wanted to do more and create designs that had a purpose. In 2016, I decided to add my own branded products to the company’s offerings. Our product line is designed to inspire women and girls of color to always believe in themselves regardless of their hair texture or skin complexion. In addition to our products, I also host an annual signature event that are designed to instill the value of self-confidence in our girls and women.
During my entrepreneurial journey, I have been featured on several local Jacksonville media platforms: Rivercity Live, Channel 4, the Chat, Buzz tv, Jacksonville magazine and the Florida Times-Union.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to entrepreneurship has not been a smooth road at all. There have been countless times that I’ve wanted to quit and give up. Especially when I was pregnant while running my company and pursuing my MBA. But I’ve always had a small part of me say, “keep going” or another mompreneur tell me how I inspired her. Those are the moments that let me know this journey is about more than me just being an entrepreneur. It’s about me using my gifts to help others in a unique way. I’ve also learned that not everyone will support you. Sometimes you even have to push forward without the support of those closest to you. Though it’s tough, I’ve learned you must push through the negativity to pursue your dreams and create your own legacy.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mygani LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Mygani LLC is a creative social enterprise that creates inspirational products and platforms for women + girls of color. In 2016, we launched our own branded products featuring brown girls and women with natural curls. The images featured on the company’s product line are based on my daughter’s and I likeness, as well as other girls that look like us.
My proudest moment happened earlier this year when I became a brand partner on shop.essence.com. The website is an e-commerce marketplace featuring black female entrepreneurs. I currently have three of our top products featured on the website, two of which are also now featured on the 2019 Essence Buy Black Gift Guide. Growing up, I remember how I would flip through Essence magazine and envision myself featured in the magazine one day. Having the opportunity to be featured on this platform is a huge deal for me!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans are to expand my product line and secure space in a retail store or boutique. I would also like to grow my signature event, Curls and Convo outside of the local Jacksonville area by collaborating with other organizations and brands that have similar goals. Our Curls and Convo event is designed to instill the self-confidence in women + girls of color regardless of their hair texture or skin complexion. The next event will be held February, 1, 2020 in Jacksonville, FL. The event will include a natural hair panel, vendors, refreshments, hair demos, community resources and swag bags filled with natural care hair products. We will also facilitate a discussion about how the Crown Act bill was introduced to Florida and how we as a community can help stop the discrimination against black hairstyles in school and the workplace. Bl back Hairstyles in School, Workplace Black Hairstyles in School,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www,mygani.
com/shop - Email: fwright@mygani.com
- Shop Essence: https://shop.essence.
com/collections/mygani-llc- felicia-wright
Image Credit:
(2 pics) Purple jumpsuit on brick wall – Leesha Archie Enterprises
Sitting on white couch – Julie Ryan Photography
Mommy and daughter – Purple Mafia Photography
Sitting/bag on bench – Purple Mafia Photography
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