I had the pleasure of interviewing a very inspirational designer and businesswoman Gina Renay. I spoke with the lovely mom-preneur to discuss her life, goals, how she started her career and advice she can give to aspiring artists and business owners facing adversity in today’s tough economy.
Gina Renay is a knitwear designer, costume designer, crochet instructor/coach, motivational speaker, wardrobe stylist, and sales representative. She has been crocheting since childhood and is taking the art of crochet to a whole new level. She designs hats, skirts, scarves, dresses, handbags, earrings, ponchos, belts using her unique crocheting techniques. She also makes her own fabric with crochet.
MABU: As a mother, how do you manage your business and family?
Gina Renay: I have 3 daughters, 17, 15, and 13. My children are creative, self sustaining, believe in me and are in mom’s corner. We inspire each other. I use them as my muse. You got to have the clothes on people. I don’t push mannequins down the runway. I like to embody a person’s creative spirit. It can take a whole lifetime to live your life, all we have right now is this moment.
MABU: When did you first learn to crochet?
Gina Renay: At age 9. I used to dress and make his and her clothing for my Barbie dolls. I was self taught.
MABU: Wow you were just a child. So where did the idea to become a fashion designer using crochet techniques come from?
I never went to school for this. I was in school majoring in court stenography. I was asked to provide fashion designs to a college, and asked to participate in a fashion design scholarship. I was surprised to learn that I did not have to be a fashion design student at the school to participate.
MABU: That is a true blessing. It takes a special person to create the beautiful fashions you share with the world. What is your inspiration?
Gina Renay: If you got a dream, put it out there. I grew up in New York, in the projects. No one was doing anything like this. I had dreams of getting out and seeing the world. I used to go down to the village and Central Park and jest people watch. I knew there was a better life. I lived in Mississippi and became a Katrina evacuee. We lost everything. The day we left was the day before Katrina hit. We went to Georgia to visit family. I thought to myself, “you have a life”. When we got back the water came above my waist. We’re give new life everyday.
MABU: You teach others how to sew. How long have you been teaching your acquired skills to others?
Gina Renay: For two and a half years. I also used to have a TV show called the awesome crochet. I taught classes to black and white women. People said to me, “you don’t want to go to Mississippi, they hang black people”. I wasn’t brought up with that mentality. I helped to bring people together for a common reason, crocheting.
MABU: You stared adversity in the face and smiled pushing onward. Any advice you can give to aspiring entrepreneurs dealing with adversity during these tough economic times?
Gina Renay: I distract myself. I look back at my work, journal, review goals, meditate, pray, repeat words of truth, inspiring quotes. I don’t stay in one position, a position of defeat. Sometimes you have to be comfortable doing it alone. Give yourself to others. I volunteer to teach crochet twice a month as a part of the creative crochet club. You have to write the vision. You really have to get outside of yourself, and get encouragement. I look at my students as my creative children. There is your natural children and your creative children. You have to raise and nurture them. Does a good mother forget her children? Also be mindful that you never know who may be watching you. Three years ago I gave someone one of my business cards. This same woman approached me and stated “I recognize you and like what you’re doing”. She said she has been to my website several times and is aware of my crochet club. I was surprised.
MABU: What new projects are you working on?
Gina Renay: A television show, magazine, and video blog. I am working to open up my foundation to help others realize the gift of their hands. Helping others give gifts through creating a gift of hand legacy. I will continue teaching.
For additional information and to view more of Gina’s work visit her website at
www.ginarenay.com.
Read the original article at
www.mahoganybutterfly.com
