Today we’d like to introduce you to India Gay
India, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
IANYS is an innovation hub designed to educate and empower fellow creatives, entrepreneurs and young professionals on their road to success. Specifically, it’s central focus is in business, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, content creation and public relations.
IANYS was inspired by my own journey as a student entrepreneur. I began formulating and producing my own hair and skincare products at 14 years old. By 16, I was the owner of Synai Symone LLC. By 18, I launched Repair and Restore, my first product line, made up of 5 hair care products within the wash day category. By age 20 I launched my second “Refresh and Retain” line which consists of maintenance and loc products ranging from oils to hair mists.
This entire experience immersed me in the realms of business, marketing, advertising and public relations. With that however, it was very challenging to navigate at such a young age and as a single member business.
I launched IANYS in August 2024, at age 21, with the hopes of helping, inspiring, empowering and educating fellow innovators who may be in need of guidance. So far, I’ve had the pleasure of launching a free resume for guide for high school and college students with key tips and insights from recruiters I’ve worked with. I’ve also been posting daily insights, strategies and motivation/ testimonials within each of my focus areas to further help those in need while I continue working on more digital resources.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey. I started as an entrepreneur in high school while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, being a student-athlete, and serving as class president. In college, I graduated with my bachelor’s in three years with a 3.94 GPA, while also being vice president of my class and president of the entrepreneur club, all while juggling internships and extracurriculars year-round. At times, my life was so consumed with college that I neglected Synai Symone. Sales slowed, social media engagement dropped, and I struggled to stay motivated. After graduating, I had more time to focus on my business, but with most of my customers at FAMU, I had to find new ways to market without campus events. This led me to create IANYS. I’ve noticed that there are many like me—some pursuing their passions in college while others have found the time and resources to begin taking their first steps. I’m still learning with this new venture, but I’m excited to share my experiences and help others on their journeys, regardless of what stage they are in.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I recently graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations. During my time there, I interned year-round with the KAO Corporation, specifically with Wakati Haircare, a brand started in part by my HBCU. This internship, spanning my second and third years, allowed me to work in marketing and see the work I do for my own brand on a much larger scale. I loved being part of hair shows and homecoming activations. Now, my internship has evolved into a brand management and digital communications role, where I work across multiple brands, including Wakati, assisting with digital marketing strategies ranging from email campaigns to organic social media and influencer partnerships.
I’m proud that IANYS is a byproduct of everything I’ve learned from my internship. I enjoy helping brands tell their stories through copywriting and creative briefings. As a FAMU alum, I’ve been taught to “lift as I climb,” and I see IANYS as my way to help others while continuing to grow in my professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Recently, change has brought me the most happiness. I thrive on new experiences, and since graduating, I’ve been on a travel high. I took my first trip out of the country to Paris and London and realized how much of the world there is to see. I came back with a new perspective on life and decided to focus more on my passions, as college had consumed so much of my time. Whether it’s traveling, trying new activities, meeting new people, creating content, running my two businesses, or taking time for myself, I’ve truly enjoyed the happiness that’s come with my transition from college life to adulthood.
Pricing:
- Freelance Creative Consulting Services are available upon inquiry, with pricing varying based on the specific project. To inquire, please visit the “Our Services” or “Work with Us” section of ianyscreative.com.
- The Ultimate Resume Guide is free to download on ianyscreative.com. Keep an eye out for more digital resources coming soon!
- Synai Symone hair product prices vary by item, ranging from $12.99 to $17.99.
- I have free college, professional, and career-related videos available on YouTube! Check out my channel @indiasynai.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ianyscreative.com and https://synaisymone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianyscreative/ and https://www.instagram.com/synaisymone/ and https://www.instagram.com/indiasynai/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ianyscreative and https://x.com/synaisymone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@indiasynai
- Other: https://www.indiasynai.com
