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

Hi Gail, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
A principle that I am still working on is remaining true to myself, not allowing other peoples opinions, comments, or actions affect how I see myself. It is important to understand who you are, what you believe and the ability to set boundaries with everyone. Energy is a boundary, that can affect your creativity positively or negatively, and I have experienced both. As a creative you will interact will all types of people, most are all on the same tract to sell their art, build their social media platforms, or create new merchandise. So often, we share our dreams with people who are not necessarily supportive, and suddenly we fall victim to people being people. That is why, strengthening my self esteem and social self-awareness have played a major role in the development of my business.Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business has multiple services, I create custom embroidery thread-art, art note cards which are prints of my artwork, graphic design services, I design and embroider apparel and I also digitize logos for business and personal use. What set’s me apart from other businesses is that I don’t have a middle man, everything I create is done in house, I can design a logo, digitize it and embroider that logo on customer merchandise. I am currently showing my artwork in the Pottery Barn in Highland Village and this is a direct result of creating relationships with people who can strengthen your business acumen and at the same time help you build a network of cohorts. In addition, I offer my services to other small business owners and often times they return as a paying customer. My goal in business is to support new business owners, specifically women owned businesses. I am not from a family of business owners, therefore, I had no one to ask how to start a business. It is difficult reading legal terms, trying to understand tax laws, however building a relationship with an accountant who may need graphic design work or a lawyer who needs an accountant is the beginning of bartering for service and knowledge. Organization, documentation, consistency and focus…repeat, in my opinion these are the most important skills a business owner should have. Without organization your document control will cause you to lose money or not know how much money you’ve made. Consistency plays a huge role in how the market views your product or services in person and online. Social media is a huge part of my marketing platform, I recently have been working on rebranding my Instagram and website. I want the customer to have the same experience in both places. Brand Identity is a real thing and it’s a difficult part of building a business when your new to the market place. I want people to know that GailPDesigns is owned and operated by a creative, that works daily to gain the trust of the consumer by delivering quality artwork, design and embroidery services to small business owners.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?
Unfortunately, I don’t really hang out a lot, however I will attempt to share some of my favorite venues. Before COVID19, I normally would start with a trip to Galveston beach visiting the local shops and eateries in the area. I would also suggest taking a bike ride around the city with 3rd Ward Tours. In the evening each day we would visit art galleries in the art district such as Houston Museum of African American Culture, The Community Artist Collective, Contemporary Artist Museum of Houston, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Cockrell Butterfly Center. For great pizza I’d suggest Luigi’s Pizzaria on Almeda or Turkey Leg Hut. For the cigar connoisseurs I’d suggest Sweet Lips Cigars. I personally enjoy roller skating so I’d take my friend to Dairy Ashford Roller Skating Rink.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to everyone who purchased merchandise and services from me during the beginning of COVID-19 and have continued supporting me. Most are not aware that I am not employed and without their purchases I would be struggling financially.

Instagram: @gailpdesigns

Facebook: @thegailpdesigns

Youtube: @gailpdesigns

Image Credits
Artwork: GailPDesigns Photographed by : GailPDesigns

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.