Meet Anya Gibson: E-commerce business owner

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

Hi Anya, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
Even though my business launched a little over a year ago, I constantly keep my end goal in mind. There’s a term in the educational field that best describes how I evaluate my goals: “backwards design.” Essentially, you create units/lesson plans with your final learning goals in mind, teaching with your desired results as your guide. As a former educator, I frequently plan things out with my old “Ms. Gibson” mindset, and my business is no different.

My end goal is to:
(1) Own a brick-and-mortar in Atlanta
(2) Host workshops benefitting my local community, geared towards WOC of all ages
(3) Have 1 other business (leaning towards home decor or another shop that sells custom, eclectic apparel)
(4) Have an established relationship with many other small business owners in Atlanta
(5) Serve as a mentor for young female entrepreneurs

Simply, I want to leave a positive mark on my city and I want to assist others in any way that I can via Three of Swords. When I’m an old woman, I want to be able to look back and feel as if I’ve checked all of my professional boxes. I always try to follow my heart, so if I randomly wake up one day and want to continue running ToS while I sell silverware, manage musicians, or raise some chickens in Middle Georgia…I’ll probably end up doing it! The end of my career will have no regrets, I can guarantee it.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
If I could speak to the whole world about my brand, I would tell them that it exists to celebrate the beauty & vibe of those who are often disregarded in alternative scenes. ToS is for the goth who proudly wears joggers 3+ days in a row, the e-girl who wants to see unique, diverse features represented in her favorite brand’s models, and the punk who doesn’t want to spend $200 on 1 shirt. It really is for anyone and everyone with an edge.

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?
(1) Oakland Cemetery – One of the most notable historic cemeteries in Georgia, Oakland is one of my all-time favorite Atlanta spots. I enjoy coming here to hang out with friends, take photos, or walk around and take in all of the beautiful, macabre architecture.

(2) Westview Cemetery – Another notable historic cemetery that is even larger than Oakland. A little less known, but just as fun to explore.

(3) Nakato – An elegant, cozy Japanese restaurant with amazing food (A+ sushi with huge fishbowls) and kind staff. Perfect for dates!

(4) Big Easy Grille – AMAZING modern cajun food with a laid-back vibe. My personal recommendation: oyster po-boy with a cajun marg.

(5) National Center for Civil and Human Rights – When it comes to classic places that all Atlanta kids go to on field trips, this attraction is undoubtedly the best. The exhibits are well-researched, aesthetically pleasing, and super informative. There’s also a great gift shop! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
(1) aestheticblack.com (IG: @adamsbadatart)

Adam, the owner of Aesthetic, Black, is a local graphic designer, screen printer, illustrator, and sneaker reseller. He is a personal friend of mine and his work is vibrant, young, and creative.

Website: https://threeofswordsatl.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/threeofswordsatl

Facebook: facebook.com/threeofswordsatl

Image Credits
Photographer of all photos except one of Polaroids on concrete wall: Madeline Lenahan (https://madelinelenahan.22slides.com/) Photographer of photo of Polaroids on concrete wall: Anya Gibson (self)