Meet Catherine Gulley | Designer & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Catherine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I really wanted my own business. I had no idea what I really wanted to do, but I know I was tired of working for other people. It took some years before I actually did anything, but God made a way for it to happen. So one day I was watching TV with my niece and then I heard make lip gloss. “I’m like what”, so I heard it again. I knew it had to be the Lord telling me, so I started looking up how to make lip gloss. I went on Amazon and bought myself a lip gloss kit. I practiced making lip glosses and at first it was too thick, but later I found the right consistency. Then started doing more and more research on how to start and run a business. I didn’t know how hard it would be to start my own business, but it wasn’t easy for me. I gave up many times, because I didn’t have the help, I thought I needed. Mosted of all I gave up on myself, so I had to talk to God and talk to myself if I really wanted to continue. My answer to myself was yes, I want to continue with my business and do more. That’s when I started my other business Next Seven, my denim company. I love everything about denim so I was like I can turn this into a business. I had to think how thought. So, I made some denim boots and the way they turned out I knew I had to start this business. I prayed for a name and the Lord gave me Next Seven. I’m in the beginning stages of my businesses, but I have had more opportunities than I ever thought I would have. I’m so excited to see where my businesses go from here.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well, I want to start off by saying that I love what I do. I love everything about fashion and cosmetic, but it hasn’t been an easy ride. I’m not where I want to be, but I’m working hard to get where I want to be. I had to do a lot of praying ( LOL) because I gave up so many times on my business and myself. You can’t just say I want to be an entrepreneur and don’t want to do the work it takes. I had to work hard, say no to the parties. I had to get rid of all the distractions. Its still a working progress and its working well for me. I think what sets me apart from the others is that I’m real with it. If I can’t do it, I’m not going to act like I can. My business is all about confidence. I want the people who buys from me feel so good about themselves and feel confident. So, I have two businesses: Poise by Cat and Next Seven. Poise by Cat is we sell lip gloss, lashes, body butter, body oil and body scrub. All homemade items. Next Seven is my denim company, we do distress denim. Jackets, jeans, dresses, and shoes. The Lord gave me my names for my businesses. I have always loved lip gloss and denim so It made since to me to start businesses doing what I love to do. Being creative is something I always wanted to do but didn’t have the outlet to do so. So now that I do have that outlet, its time to let it all out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week-long trip I would take her and we ate so good. I like to cook so we wouldn’t go out to eat a lot, but we would go to The Sun Dial Restaurant because of the beautiful view. Also, we would go to Bones because we both love steak! We would try some new places as well. We are going to 9 Mile Station for drinks one day and then try The Garden Room another day. We don’t club so we’re going to the zoo, different museums, love museums. The aquarium and the theatre and enjoy the different parks. We’re going to do whatever she would want to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is not just one person I can thank, because it’s been a few people I can thank and give a shoutout to. I give all thanks God my father. He gave me all my ideas for my businesses and has been opening up so many doors for me. God has put the right people in my life. My sisters and My friends for their encouragement and support. Praying with me, pushing me and helping me in their own way. It’s been a blessing.

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/poise_by_cat

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Catherinegulley9111

Other: https://www.Instagram.com/next_seven2022