Meet LaQuin Gray | Myshiki Founder and Entreprenuer

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

Hi LaQuin, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creativity. At a young age, I have always enjoyed sewing and papercrafts. During the pandemic, where a lot of hospitals and nursing homes did not have N95 masks, a good friend of mine and I began to sew up and give out free mask covers for the staff and residents of the nursing home. From there, word had gotten out that the staff was covered and wanted to start purchasing more for their family and friends. As times started to change and restrictions began to lift, I had a lot of fabric left over and I was not sure what to do. I found through research that scrunchies were starting to become popular again so I tried my hand at making scrunchies and enjoyed the process. I enjoyed sewing and attending craft shows to sell my scrunchies. The experience has allowed me to meet other crafters, travel around Georgia, and build community with the customers that come back to purchase my hair accessories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have worked in the food and hospitality industry for two decades and loved the operations, but felt that I reached a point that I could do more to grow and find other means to sustain myself. My family has always worked smart, but strived not to get too comfortable and strive to evolve to remain relevant to change. Change is never easy, but because of this resistance I was able to learn from people around me and adapt to challenges around me. I am happy to have a support system to not only amp me up through the good times, but to also speak into my challenges that have brought me to where I am today. The biggest lesson that I have learned is to be ready. One of the best leaders I had taught me this early on when I first started my entrepreneurial ventures. I was selling candy filled rings (candy wreaths) to my neighbors and families.

With the Myshiki brand, I want people to love and care for their hair as much as I care for mine. In general, I want people to use their God given talent(s) to help others and have a way to sustain their livelihoods from their hard work. I love my natural hair and when I use my product, I want to accentuate the natural look and encourage others to also feel comfortable being who they are. If they choose to wear my scrunchies, headbands, hair ties, etc. just know that I also wear them and would never put something out to my customer without trying out myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have had friends from all over the world visit and want to learn about the Atlanta area. I have taken my friends to the Varsity, we have dined over Korean BBQ in Buford and Duluth. We would visit Underground Atlanta (long ago) or have bubble tea at our local Sweet Hut or Kung Fu Tea. I have even taken my friends to church with me! If I have a craft show, I would take my friends with me for the experience and even use it as an opportunity to mentor others who are curious as to what it is like to participate in craft shows.

I encourage people to do something that may get you a bit out of your comfort zone, but can also be enjoyable. Georgia has a lot to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well first and foremost, I give the praise to God for my talents and all that I am. I am blessed for having parents, family and friends that also have the entrprenuerial spirit to create solutions to help others. I appeciate my community for supporting me through all of my projects, craft shows, and encouragement to grow within my business adventures.

Website: https://www.myshikicrafts.com/

Instagram: @myshikiboss

Facebook: Myshikiboss