Meet Altineka Golphin | Teacher and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Altineka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a natural progression driven by the necessity for a supplementary income. With over two decades dedicated to being a full-time teacher and cheerleader coach, I recognized the potential to create a family legacy for my daughters, Haven and Harlee. This led to the birth of Have Hart Designs.

Contemplating entrepreneurship initially brought about some hesitation, but the idea of additional income and the prospect of sustaining myself during retirement motivated me to take the plunge. The name “Have Hart Designs” itself is a reflection of my daughters’ names and embodies the heart and soul I put into this venture.

As I delved into the planning process, I carefully considered the time and financial commitments required to make my business operational. However, to my pleasant surprise, the startup costs were manageable. Determined to stand out, I focused on creating distinctive merchandise, often incorporating a vinyl flare, which has proven to be a unique and cherished aspect of my products, ranging from shirts to tote bags and key chains.

As an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and, an approved vendor for the last two years; Have Hart Designs has found its niche in catering to Sororities, Fraternities, Family Reunions, and various events where personalized merchandise is in demand. The power of social media has played a crucial role in spreading my vision nationwide, connecting me with customers from coast to coast.

While I may not have gotten every detail right from the start, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve built something meaningful that goes beyond financial success—it’s about creating a legacy for my family and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I may not readily label myself as an artist, my inherent creativity has always driven me to discern what appeals aesthetically. To me, being an artist transcends conventional definitions; it’s about employing my imagination, skills, and expertise to craft items like sweatshirts, t-shirts, tote bags, keychains, and earrings—each designed to captivate and inspire repeat purchases. Juggling multiple roles as a full-time parent, teacher, cheerleader coach, and dedicated entrepreneur with a thriving business has been no easy feat. Time, or rather the lack thereof, remains my fiercest adversary. Amid these myriad responsibilities, ensuring timely completion of each order, particularly as a substantial portion of my business thrives online, becomes paramount. In this balancing act, my nine- and thirteen-year-old daughters have become invaluable allies, assisting me in managing both time and orders.

Through divine grace and unwavering determination, I’ve steadily cultivated my business over the past four years. Each year brings a heightened level of profitability and, more importantly, a sense of pride in my creative spirit. This spirit propels me to continually diversify my product line and attract new customers, fostering a dynamic and ever-evolving entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
After residing in the Atlanta area for over three decades, I’ve amassed a many wonderful experiences. When choosing the ultimate Atlanta excursion for my friends, I invariably kick off the adventure with brunch at the Garden Room. This charming locale exudes a delightful atmosphere, complemented by great cuisine and amazing drinks. Following this culinary delight, a visit to the renowned High Museum becomes a must. Affectionately known as “The High,” this cultural haven showcases an extensive collection of both modern and contemporary art, offering a captivating and educational experience amid thousands of captivating pieces.

No excursion is complete without a dash of retail therapy, and for that, we venture to Perimeter Mall. Boasting a well-balanced blend of stores and restaurants, Perimeter Mall proves to be an all-encompassing destination, ensuring a day filled with shopping delights.

And to cap off the perfect week, Thursday evenings come alive with the rhythm and excitement of Eclipse di Luna, where music and free salsa lessons create an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s the ideal finale to a day brimming with diverse experiences in the vibrant city of Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support system my parents Albert and Gail Fountain. As I pursue my entrepreneurial journey and strive to build a successful business, I am fully aware that it wouldn’t be possible without their unwavering help and dedication.

Their willingness to step in and assist with the day-to-day responsibilities while I focus on work is truly invaluable. My parents are selflessness, patience, and understanding are a constant reminder of how blessed I am. They go above and beyond to ensure my family well-being is nothing short of extraordinary. I am forever grateful for the countless sacrifices they’ve made and continue to make.

This shout-out is a small token of my appreciation for everything they do. Their love and support empowers me to pursue my entrepreneurial goals with confidence, knowing that I have them by my side. I am truly blessed to have parents as amazing as them.

Thank you, once again, for being the pillars of support in my life. I love you both more than words can express.

Website: www.havehartdesigns.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/havehartdesigns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveHartDesigns?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Etsy Shop https://havehartdesigns.etsy.com