Meet Aletha Gill: Home Decorator & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aletha Gill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aletha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business MyHBCUHome was birthed out of a desire to see our historically black colleges and universities displayed in our homes. It initially started as a home staging company, under another name, a few years ago. The business was part time while I worked full time in corporate America. During the pandemic, I was laid off my full-time gig. I decided to bask in the moment and enjoy family time, as well as focus entirely on my own company. I’d also pivoted to offering more handmade home decor products versus services.

When most students step on their college campus, it feels like home. This is the feeling I’d like my customers to have when they exhibit my products in their space. A feeling of comfort, pride and familiarity representing their HBCU in a room.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
MyHBCUHome is the premier provider of home accents celebrating our historically black colleges and universities. We offer some home décor and apparel items. We are a small black woman owned business based in Marietta, GA. We whole-heartedly believe in putting utmost effort and love into our products. This builds and cultivates long lasting relationships and partnerships. Our brand is rooted in excellence and a deep appreciation for our ancestors achievements to educate.

MyHBCUHome has uniquely designed products. Most pieces are handmade, and display our keen attention to detail. Understanding the culture and nuances of the historically black colleges and university community is key and we trust it shows in each piece we design and sell. This is what sets us apart from others. One of our best sellers is the 2 tone college pillow that is made of two different materials on either side and joined with handmade piping, or cording. We are most excited about the endless possibilities with our lines of pillows that celebrate the HBCU circle.

When starting a business, as any new venture in life, there are always challenges. Frankly, my greatest challenge, currently, is balancing stay-at-home mom life with being a one-woman business. Its great my company evolved from a part-time home staging background, as I’m able to leverage clients and inventory from that phase of the business. Now, with us navigating life through the pandemic, there are newly found problem solving skills I’ve been able to produce. The greatest help is my family and friends as a support system. I know I can’t continue to move forward without the assistance of the ones closest to me. I am beyond grateful for them. I’ve also been able to partner with a great sewist that understands my vision and assists me in executing on it. I’m reminded of the african proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” This is the reason I engage resources and I’m okay with asking for help. Time is such a valuable resource, so I try to daily maximize the time I dedicate to MyHBCUHome.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend was visiting and I wanted to show them a good time, we’d hang out in a couple of different areas. Some of the places that would be on the list to eat are Slutty Vegan on RDA, Big Daddy’s near the airport or Paschal’s in Castleberry Hills. If we are staying in my neck of the woods it’s Capers or Forks and Flavors. I live at Kennesaw Mountain, so we’d definitely have to get a quick hike in. Additionally, I think it would be fun to visit a couple of the recent pop-up exhibits like The Black Hair Experience or the Culture Experience.  I’m a fan of museums and arts so, catching a show at the Fox, or visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or ‘The High’ are a must. We might end the day with some live music at Apache Cafe, Kat’s cafe or City Winery at PCM. Last but not least; church, but if we don’t make it, view it online – LinkedUp Church is my home and my fave.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are tons of people I’d like to shoutout. I thank the Lord daily for giving me vision and purpose – without God, I believe none of this is possible. I appreciate my family for their support – specifically, my husband Dwayne who holds down our household while I’m being a creative visionary. My mother, Alma, who loves her grandbabies and is always down to watch them whenever needed. My sisters and dad who let me send them samples and are some of my biggest fans. The group I call my test market – they give me their opinions when I text them crazy pictures and ideas. They include, but are not limited to: Deidre, Valencia, Marcus, Carmin, Kim, Christie, Crystal and a host of others. My Spelman College sisters and moms that push me in more ways than one, my extended/adopted A&T family, my Morehouse brothers, the Charlotte crew and my book club girlfriends. I love you all!

Website: www.myhbcuhome.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhbcuhome

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhbcuhome

Image Credits
Belle Rouge Photography