We were lucky to catch up with Deepali Govind recently and have shared our conversation below.

Deepali, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Once a software engineer in India, I had spent nine plus years dedicated to the meticulous craft of software testing. It was a career that provided stability and a sense of professional accomplishment. However, life took a turn when I made the decision to leave that career behind to take care of my children. It was a daunting but deeply rewarding choice, prioritizing family over the familiar rhythms of corporate life.

In 2015, my journey took a significant twist as my family and I moved to the United States on a dependent visa. The initial years were a period of adjustment and learning—a new country, new customs, and a hiatus from my professional career. Despite not working formally, I immersed myself in understanding the culture, exploring opportunities for personal growth, and supporting my family in their transitions.

Five years later, in 2020, a pivotal moment arrived when I finally secured my work visa. It was a moment of validation and renewed opportunity. I sought a job that would accommodate my responsibilities as a parent, eventually finding a fitting role at a high school where the hours aligned perfectly with my family’s needs.

During this time, I also ventured into blogging, starting in November 2020. What began as a personal endeavor soon blossomed into something more significant. My blog gained traction, attracting awards and guest contributors, validating my growing influence in the digital sphere.

However, life in the U.S. was marked by frequent moves. In October 2023, we relocated once again. Despite the upheaval, this move became a catalyst for a bold decision—to step away from my high school job once more. The uncertainty of change was daunting, yet I trusted in the journey that had brought me this far.

Settling into our new home, I found inspiration in my surroundings and the experiences accumulated over the years. Harnessing my passion and entrepreneurial spirit, I launched “Dreamz by Dee,” a business specializing in customized gifts. It was a culmination of years spent adapting, learning, and honing skills beyond software engineering—skills in communication, creativity, and resilience.

Reflecting on the journey, I cherish the risks taken—the leap into unfamiliar territory, the patience during periods of uncertainty, and the courage to redefine success on my terms. Each experience, from leaving a secure job in India to embracing entrepreneurship in the U.S., contributed to realizing my dreams. “Dreamz by Dee” not only represents a business venture but a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and following one’s passions wherever they may lead.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Welcome to “Dreamz by Dee,” where we specialize in transforming your dreams and imaginations into reality through our bespoke and customized gifts. We understand that the perfect gift isn’t just something off the shelf—it’s a unique creation that speaks to your thoughts, emotions, and personal journey.

At “Dreamz by Dee,” we take pride in our ability to listen closely to your ideas and visions. Whether you have a well-defined concept or just a spark of inspiration, I am here to collaborate with you every step of the way. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, we ensure that each piece is crafted with meticulous precision and heartfelt passion.

Our range of customized gifts spans across a variety of categories to suit different tastes and occasions:

Personalized Keepsakes: Preserve cherished memories with custom keychains, stainless steel thermoses printed with your favorite images, or elegantly personalized jewelry boxes.

Custom Apparel: Commission personalized T-shirts, aprons, table mats, or tote bags that reflect your unique style and personality.

Handcrafted Decor: Enhance your living space with custom-made planters, pillow covers adorned with personalized designs, or beautifully crafted coasters.

Special Occasion Gifts: Celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day with thoughtful gifts such as custom sweatshirts, hoodies, and caps that leave a lasting impression.

What sets “Dreamz by Dee” apart is our unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe that every gift should tell a story and evoke heartfelt emotions, ensuring that each creation becomes a cherished keepsake.

We invite you to bring your dreams to life with “Dreamz by Dee.” Let us help you craft something truly extraordinary that will be treasured for years to come. Contact us today to embark on your personalized gift journey!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a reputation as trustworthy, honest, and capable of delivering custom products within tight deadlines is fundamental to establishing a strong presence in the market. Allow me to illustrate this through a recent experience:

Recently, I received an urgent order for a custom T-shirt just before Mother’s Day to be completed within a strict time frame of only 4 hours. Despite the challenging deadline, I successfully completed the project by following an exact process:

1. Design and Client Approval: I immediately started working on the design, ensuring it met the client’s specifications and expectations. Communication was key here—I kept the client informed throughout the design phase to ensure we were aligned.

2. Execution of the New Technique: If applicable, I quickly mastered and implemented the new printing technique required for the project. This demonstrated my adaptability and willingness to explore innovative solutions to meet client needs.
Timely Completion: With the design approved and technique mastered, I proceeded to execute the T-shirt production swiftly and efficiently. Despite the tight time frame, I ensured every detail was precisely attended to, maintaining high standards of quality.

3. Client Satisfaction: The T-shirt was delivered on time, meeting the client’s expectations and even surpassing them. The client’s satisfaction was evident in their positive feedback and repeat business.

4. Building Trust: By consistently delivering on promises, maintaining open communication, and ensuring quality output, I have been able to build a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable professional in the market.
To further solidify this reputation:

5. Consistency: I strive to consistently deliver exceptional results on every project, regardless of the challenges presented.
Transparency: Honesty and transparency are core values in all my interactions. I ensure clients are informed at every stage of the process.

6. Client Relationships: I prioritize building strong relationships with clients based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. This approach fosters long-term partnerships and referrals.

By sharing stories like these, I aim to demonstrate my commitment to excellence, reliability, and client satisfaction in delivering custom products within demanding time frames. This approach not only differentiates me in the market but also establishes me as a preferred choice for clients seeking quality and efficiency in their custom product needs.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My journey as small business owner and a stock trader started unexpectedly –

Initially, at the suggestion of my husband, I ventured into the stock trading side hustle while still having time for my family. What began as a tentative exploration soon captivated me with its challenges and rewards. Within six months, I found myself fully immersed in the world of stock trading, navigating its complexities and relishing the satisfaction of making informed decisions in a dynamic market.

Simultaneously, my custom gifts business emerged organically from a simple hobby. Initially, I enjoyed creating personalized gifts for friends and family, never imagining it would evolve into a business. Yet, as demand for my creations grew and positive feedback poured in, I realized there was potential to turn my passion into a sustainable venture. With dedication and a willingness to learn, what started as a casual pastime blossomed into a full-fledged business endeavor.

Both ventures—stock trading and custom gifts—have taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the rewards of pursuing what I love. They have allowed me to balance entrepreneurship with the joys of family life, proving that with determination and a supportive environment, dreams can turn into successful realities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deepalidreamz.com
• Instagram: dreamzbydee24 and gkdeepal
• Facebook: deepali.govind or dreamzbydee24
• Linkedin: deepali-govind-3942b818
• Twitter: https://x.com/deepal1982
• Youtube: @deepalidreamz
• Other: https://linktr.ee/dreamzbydee