Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Son.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to Atlanta about eight years ago from a suburb in Columbus, Ohio. I always loved Ohio, but I knew I was meant for something more, somewhere bigger with more opportunity for what I wanted to do with my life. Growing up, I never questioned my intelligence, but it was tough at times growing up with three siblings who were literal geniuses. I knew I wanted to go a different path in my life, but never knew what it was, so I focused and put all my energy in golf and hoped that my future career choice would just come along the way. Golf was a very important part of my life. If my dad wasn’t working, he was spending all of his energy on the course with me teaching me all he knew about his favorite sport. By my junior year of high school, I came to the realization that if I did too, it would all be worth it someday. I ended up getting a full-ride scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design. My dad and I spent every day on the course the summer before going off to college. 18 holes in the morning, lunch, back to the range to hit 250-300 balls and 2-3 hours of short game practice every evening. I believe that sports are so crucial to be involved in while growing up and learning who you are. Golf taught me patience, work ethic and to never give up. Each time I stepped out onto a golf course, climates were different, my body reacted to my mind differently and sometimes, situations came up that were out of my control. The only thing I realized I could control was my perspective and how I react to those situations. I truly believe from golf I have become a better, more sufficient person from the person I was before I took up the sport.
After ending my golf career I didn’t really see myself using any of my teachings out of the course, but I still use those lessons till this day in my everyday life; personal and business-related. I am the Creative Director for two businesses and freelance on the side as well. Being able to juggle so many jobs roots back from being able to juggle college, golf and a job to support myself. The people I’ve been able to meet in golf tournaments and in my college have been such a blessing as well. I’ve learned to not judge by appearances but take the time to learn their stories. I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and take risks and chances for life decisions and business decisions. Who I am today is all because of the amazing experiences I’ve been through with so many great individuals. I feel so blessed to be able to live in a city where I am still able to learn and grow while meeting so many great people to collaborate with and learn from.
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?
Honestly, nothing in life is ever smooth, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve grown and learned so much throughout the years and I know that I will keep learning the rest of my life. That’s the beauty of living. We take risks, sometimes we may fail, but when we succeed… it is the most rewarding feeling in the world. Nothing has ever been handed to me and I am thankful for that, because it has made me who I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am the Creative Director & Director of Operations at Havana Club ATL, Creative Director & Owner of Figurati Fashion and I am starting my own LLC for Graphic Design called GDesigns. I’ve taken on many roles at the age of 26 and it keeps me very busy but I absolutely love what I do. I went to SCAD for Graphic Design & Advertising and I am so happy to say that I was able to do what I love and learned in college in my career. I’ve always been a “people person” as well, so being able to lead a team at one of the biggest nightclubs in Atlanta and mingle with the amazing customers, has truly been a blessing as well.
Figurati Fashion has been such an amazing company to be apart of. I am partners with three guys… in a women’s fashion line. How great is that?! They are my biggest support and trusts in my fashion sense and decisions when it comes to each season’s lines. Our company is all about #WEMovement (Women Empowerment) and collaborating with the other talent in the Atlanta area while looking like fashionistas doing it.
All three companies are so special to my heart. I love bringing happiness and confidence into people’s lives and within these three companies, I am able to in different aspects of life.
What were you like growing up?
I am the youngest of four siblings and you could say I was the runt of the family. I thrived in sports while they thrived academically. I’ve made my mistakes, just like all kids do growing up. I was a bit insecure, always wanting to fit in and be the center of attention. I always joke around and say, “If I met Gina in high school and college, I would not like that girl today.” Haha. But I don’t regret anything or any decisions I made back then because I wouldn’t be who I am today. I truly believe we as people change every 6-12 months, from the people you meet, the experience you go through and the decisions you make within those life experiences. Growing up, I wanted all of the attention and was pretty dramatic at times about little things. Today, I am someone who wants to shine light onto others and make them feel special, worthy and beautiful. Honestly, I feel so blessed I am apart of establishments and companies where I can utilize my position to do so.
Contact Info:
- Address: Havana Club ATL
3112 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 - Website: havanaclubatl.com
- Phone: 404-941-4847
- Email: https://havanaclubatl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havanaclubatl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havanaclubatl/
Image Credit:
Zach Veatch
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