Today we’d like to introduce you to Gigi Rodriguez
Hi Gigi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been creative. In the daily grind I never really had a chance to dive into the creative side of myself as much as I wanted to. I typically work multiple jobs and do a lot of gig work however I was never able to find my purpose. It wasn’t until I met my now husband Arcilio and Covid that I was made to slow down. I found myself with more time than I knew what to do with and support that enabled me to start dreaming again. I started painting a picture a day. Taught myself different styles and techniques and when the world opened up again I was able to share my art a bit more. I sold my art to friends and coworkers, hung my art wherever someone would let me and fiddled around with the idea of becoming a vendor.
When I lost my mother in April of 2023 this great loss sent me into a huge depression. The only thing that got me through it was the love of Arcilio, adopting our dog Prince Wookie III, the support of my friends and manically creating for months on end. I channeled my pain into my art and let myself be inspired by it all. I did my first market nye 2024 with Pulse at Bonfire Atl. I’ve done as many as I can since then. I learned that I didn’t need to find a niche or some huge career to feel successful. I can create whatever I put my mind to including my own reality. That’s how I came up with The Whimsy Van Winkle Store. I’ve been blessed with too many interest so I make fluid art, homemade whimsical potpourri, collage magnets that range from sad to hilarious, whimsy loc ponytails, tie-dye clothing and home decor. I got the potpourri idea from my mother’s funeral roses. Her home always smelled lovely so it’s a tribute to her. This is just the beginning. The Whimsy Van Winkle store is a place where you can find a multitude of fun things for yourself, gifts for others, festival fashion or just some good vibes for your home. I love talking to people,
dressing them and beautifying the world through color. Nothing makes me happier than a smiling face with something from my store. I know now that I can do anything and that’s a freeing place to be. I’m not here to change the world but if I can spark a little joy then my heart is full and I’ve finally found that purpose I was looking for.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I never really expected this to go smoothly. I never expected to be as far as I am now either. I try not to have many expectations. I’ve never had a business before so it’s been a bit daunting to take this from a hobby to something real and I am very much still on my way. I guess my biggest struggle has been finding ways to finance all these creative ideas and buckling down on the hard stuff that isn’t necessarily creative but needs to be done. I’ve also struggled with finding the right markets and places to vend my wares. It can be heartbreaking to not make back what you paid to be there. I’m learning not every market is for me and it is important to choose the right places for my products. The rejection that comes with sales can sting at first but nothing beats that feeling than when someone connects with something you actually made with your own hands and from your own mind. It tends to even out and I’m still working on my selling technique. I still struggle with these things sometimes but I have met some other amazing vendors who have no problem sharing their wealth of knowledge on how things work at the markets. We all help each other out and I’m grateful for the community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Whimsy Van Winkle store?
The Whimsy Van Winkle Store is your one-stop shop for unique handmade creations! At Whimsy Van Winkle, I believe in the magic of creativity and the joy of bringing a little whimsy into everyday life. Ive done floral arrangements for weddings and parties. Whimsical home decor made with upcycled products and lately with it being festival season it’s been my Whimsy loc ponytails. I hand make my dreads with unique colors and trinkets to create an easy, festive and beautiful look for your hair. Because I believe beauty should be accessible I pride myself on reasonable prices. I even feature a $5 clothing rack for every shape and size if you want to funk up your wardrobe for the event. I’m proud to make everyone who wants to feel like their most enchanted selfs to do so without breaking the bank. A good portion of my art is currently hanging at Birdies Wings in Kennesaw and available for purchase. Best tenders ever.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I love the idea of a mentor however I haven’t found a mentor yet. I pray a lot, believe in myself and trust my intuition. I ask for advice and opinions of others when I need to and I try new things even if it scares me now. I have always worked hard for others so I just put that energy into myself now and it’s working out so far. Putting myself out there has never been easy but it’s necessary to get where you wanna go. So just do it!
Pricing:
- Whimsy loc ponytails 25
- Magnets between 5-10
- $5 clothing rack
- Whimsy aromatics potpourri 15 per jar 8 per satchel
Contact Info:
- Website: Whimsyvanwinkle@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsyvanwinkle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559099204901&mibextid=LQQJ4d
