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

Hi Grace, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My parents often refer to me as a busy body. They would always say to me “Grace, you just can’t sit still!” Sitting still was never my strong suit. I’ve been an avid planner user since the age of 10. A planner has been part of my back to school shopping list since the 5th grade. Daily planners have been imperative in keeping me organized from childhood to adulthood. After years of purchasing planners, I realized that there were no planners that were reflective of my vibrant culture or offered me the balance that I needed. Yes, it helped me stay busy but it never helped me sit still and reflect. I wanted an all-encompassing planner that included tips on fiscal responsibility, personal empowerment, spiritual well-being and self-care. Each day is a step toward your destiny and I wanted to create a planner that reflected that notion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I am most proud of regarding The Arrivista Planner is that the brand is still standing. Having launched June 1, 2019 with a 2020 calendar year planner, I like many others was so excited to embark upon 2020, the year of perfect vision. Little did I know that 2020 would be the start of a pandemic that turned the world upside down. Having to launch our second iteration of The Arrivista Planner was extremely challenging. I dealt with production delays, in-person events being canceled. In-person events accounted for 90% of my sales during my inaugural year. I had to learn to how pivot, focus on onl.ine marketing, sales, and fulfillment. It was a trying time, but worth it. I know have a myriad of skills that I have been able to apply to our current launch. The Arrivista Planner is now in multiple boutiques and have nearly sold out of all of our products in a fraction of the time we have in years past. What I would like the world to know The Arrivista Planner brand is destined for greatness!

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.
I’m a huge foodie. I absolutely love to eat. I would first start by taking them to brunch at one of my favorite Balkan restaurants-Ambar. DC is full of amazing museums. We would spend one day touring one of my favorite museums, the National Portrait Gallery. Washington is a beautiful city. We would also spend one day doing a city tour to review and the enjoy the historical aspect of the city. For dinner, we would visit Zaytinya, one of my absolute favorite restaurants and to end my bestie’s stay we’d have an amazing brunch at The Park!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, sister and fiancee have been integral to the success of The Arrivista Planner. They have continuously encouraged me, attending events with me and pushed me forward in times of frustration. My family is the absolute best and my love for them is infinite! 🙂

Website: www.arrivistaplanner.com

Instagram: @ArrivistaPlanner

Facebook: @ArrivistaPlanner

Image Credits
Photography cred: Elena Felton, Belle Imagery Portraits

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