We recently connected with Gema Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gema, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

It brings me so much joy and creative freedom to be a business owner. It allows me full control over my destiny and the opportunity to learn and grow exponentially. Don’t get me wrong being an entrepreneur can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding at the same time. You just have to stay focused and consistent on your goals and be resilient when facing obstacles.

I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I never felt the same sense of fulfillment working conventional jobs, as I have felt while being my own boss. I understand the security of a stable job but sometimes you have to take a risk and bet on yourself! Some people thrive on the challenges and freedom of entrepreneurship, while others may prefer the stability and structure of a regular job. Nothing is wrong with either decision it just depends on your personal preferences, goals, and circumstances.

A few things I can suggest if you’re considering becoming a business owner.
Follow your dreams but do thorough research, make sure your vision is authentic, plan things out, carefully weigh the pros and cons and seek advice from experienced entrepreneurs or professionals to make an informed decision.

Gema, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Greetings all, I’m Gema owner and founder of Manifesting Gems LLC.

I always had a desire to be my own boss and my grandmother Doris is my biggest inspiration because she has a successfully owned and operated a daycare for several years. I have watched her closely as she used her passion to build her business all while helping her community have excellent childcare. She always encouraged me to do what I love and to follow my dreams. Over time, I discovered my passion and desire to want to help people of color reach optimal wellness, and Manifesting Gems was born.

Manifesting Gems is a Black Woman owned business established and operating in New York City, New York. The company is centered around overall wellness, while focusing on developing and exercising cognitive skills, melanated representation, and creating an environment of good vibes. Manifesting Gems aim to serve those seeking inspirational and motivational products that will positively improve their well-being and quality of life.

We offer products like our fun In The Meantime Adult Inspirational activity book that is centered around increasing positive productivity by completing brain-challenging inspirational puzzles. Other products we offer are our To-Do List Notebooks, Daily Journals, and additional merchandise like keychains, stickers etc to check out on our Manifesting Gems website.

What sets Manifesting Gems apart is that we are a conscious and intentional business that creates products to positively enhance well-being and quality of life. The motto of Manifesting Gems is “The Gem is Within” because my goal is to inspire, and I truly believe that we all have greatness within us to share with the world. We prioritize positivity, personal growth, positive and uplifting customer experience, and building a community of like-minded individuals who support and encourage each other. Prioritizing those types of core values can create a positive impact on today’s society.

I am most proud that I am going through the process of betting on me and my dreams!

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

Manifesting Gems products and merchandise can be found on our website. Our books are also being sold on Amazon.

Although, using platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy etc. are very beneficial in the sense that they carry a large and established customer base, which can help your business reach a wider audience. I would rather customers shop from my website because I will be able to connect with them personally and they will experience intentionally packed orders with personal touches of love in each order shipped.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My business was funded by personal savings. Honestly, this is the most common method for a lot of small businesses starting out. I did a lot of research and used certain apps to help me get my vision across. Creating social media accounts for my business was very important as well because it is one of the main ways we connect with our customers. You absolutely have to have some sort of money to start a business. I have recently been applying for business grants to help elevate my business even further.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.manifestinggems.com
• Instagram: @manifestinggems
• Facebook: manifestinggems
• Twitter: @manifestgems
• Youtube: manifestinggems
• Other: TikTok: manifestinggems Email: [email protected]