We were lucky to catch up with Gigi Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gigi, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Many years ago when my children were little, I was a single mother working as a secretary full time. I decided I wanted to build a playhouse for my kids. I knew I could do it. I would load my little SUV with wood many days on the way home from work. On the weekends I would build, declining many weekend parties and events, and finally it was done. My children loved it and had many fun years making fun memories in it. About 10 years later, I was sick of my miserable corporate job and wondered how I could make money doing what I’m good at and something I love. I did some research and found there are only a few, if any in Southern California, custom playhouse builders. People were looking to purchase something they can just request and not have to assemble or paint themselves. All they wanted to do was move in. It was a great opportunity.
I then decided to build one and sell it. In 2007, my first sale was a little 4×4 playhouse and a family with a pregnant goat purchased it and we all were so excited. I knew then I had something I could nurture. After a few more years of juggling work and selling playhouses, it came time where I could quit my job altogether and sell playhouses full time. It has been 17 years and we have grown our skills and clients. We have helped people start businesses from their homes, during Covid we helped families enjoy their backyards with in home classrooms or just a getaway for the kids, and even helped companies open indoor playgrounds where our builds stand proudly with different themes for children to play.
There is competition out there, like big playhouse builders that charge a small fortune. There is a big shed company that would be an option for lookers of playhouses. But there is no one out there that does what we do. All our builds are custom to the inch to accommodate any small space, all options are offered like roofing styles, paint colors, flooring choices, curtain patterns, window and door placements, loft options, lighting and decorations options…everything you can think of where all you have to do is just move in, saving busy parents and grandparents time, while still blessing their families with something that will last many years and make many memories. And we also try to work with various budgets, giving more families the opportunity to purchase.
All our builds are made with screws and not nails, so anyone can disassemble their playhouse and have it moved.
Our future goals are to continue nurturing our skills and making families playhouse dreams come true.
See all our builds on FaceBook and Instagram. Gigi’s Playhouses
https://www.facebook.com/gigisplayhousessocal
Gigi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Growing up, I watched my father build pools and houses. He was a musician and carpenter. I think it was in my DNA, to be able to work with my hands. It came easy to me. I also have always thought outside of the box. I am not a general contractor. I just love building cute little homes for kids. Although I started out as a single mother of 3, birthing the dream to have my own business with something I enjoy doing, I am now married and my husband has helped me take my dreams to an entirely higher level. We work as a great team. We are inspired by Chip and Joanna Gaines from Magnolia Farms and look up to them as to what we could possibly do in the future. It does seem like a far fetched dream, but you never know what the future holds.
Now we also build all types of structures, from playhouses to hen houses, dog houses, cat houses, she sheds, sheds, shops, classrooms, etc. All made with the customers thoughts in mind.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A quick story was when I built my first playhouse. I clearly remember my mother telling me that no one would ever want to buy a playhouse from me. I know her comment wasn’t to hurt me, but she has always been from the old school mentality where one works the 9-5 job, take the crap from your boss and eventually collect from your 401K and Social Security. I understand her concern. Nevertheless, I didn’t let her comment stop me and now look what I’ve done, 17 years later, being my own boss, facing the challenges I have chosen for myself, and continuing to never give up on my dreams. I still love my mother! :)
Have you ever had to pivot?
While trying to keep my dream alive, still working a full time job as a secretary, the Universe always seemed to be on my side, even when I didn’t think so.
After dealing with unfair practices in the corporate world I worked full time in, a boss from hell gave me many reasons to cry to myself driving to and from work, there were many signs telling me what to do. I eventually was hospitalized due to health reasons and all stemming from the terrible work atmosphere I was in. I decided I will do whatever it takes to never have to be in that position again. After physically healing, I made a plan and got back to work, for myself this time. I started building playhouses full time, drove Uber and Lyft and put my home up on AirBNB. After a few years of my dedication, I am able to just build playhouses and have a much better, happier, healthier life, and the most important part of all..I am in charge of my time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gigisplayhouses.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigisplayhouses?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gigisplayhousessocal?mibextid=LQQJ4d