Mabel Young shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mabel, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I had a major proud moment in my business when I hosted a workshop that had tripled the amount of people I had ever had register. It’s been three years since I launched Make & Take Doormat Workshops into my business. What started off as small and slow, a workshop here and a workshop there, turned into multiple public and private workshops scheduled monthly. I had hosted dozens at this point and my highest participants was 27 – two different classes. Just shy of hitting my three year mark of hosting, I had a public workshop with 89 people. I was completely blown away that something I offered could bring in that many friends to learn and paint on doormats. I’m still blown away, very grateful and thankful as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mabel Young and I hand paint funny doormats. I started Greta June Designs in the thick of Covid in 2021, on total accident. We were six months into rescuing our family Pomeranian, Greta June and I was on the search for an easy do it yourself unique gift. I stumbled upon making your own doormat on TikTok and ventured out to create what I thought was perfection. Turns out, it was way harder than I expected but I gifted anyway and shared on social media. As time went on, more orders were coming in and I was signing up for Sip & Shops as a nameless business so I had to come up with something quick. Rescuing Greta and having her during Covid was pure joy for me so it was no question that I’d name my business after her. She was my little mascot showing up to my events and grabbing the attention of everyone she could. Greta has since gone to heaven but we carry on her name and legacy through Greta June Designs. Since her passing, we have opened up our Greta June Bus which hosts private make and take doormat workshops and pop ups at local events around the metro. The bus has been a spicy thang since her remodel but so was Greta, so it fits.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I had to grow up quickly at a young age. I worked two jobs after finishing school just to survive. What I wanted to do and what I had to do were the complete opposite of what I thought being an adult would be like. My Uncle Scott had started a business from idea to ground up and even ran it himself. I worked under him for many years as my second job and loved it. I learned so much from him just working the different positions as needed. He helped me buy my first car by teaching me how to finance and build credit. I always learned that as long as you love what you do, it’ll never feel like work and how much fun it is to actually not have a boss, from him, He was always learning and teaching. I am truly blessed to have had him as my Uncle, I feel that I owe my work ethic and appreciation for self employment to him.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are important.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
It depends who you ask, some would say all I do is work and travel and some would say that I am wild, crazy and random. But together, I do feel they would say owning your own time and being involved really matters to me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I have had quite a few tap dancing moments that have been so exciting. Buying, rehabbing and opening my own school bus is the highlight of my business. It has provided me so much happiness all while humbling me at the same time. I literally do happy dances every time I book a workshop, whether it’s public or private. I am just blown away that I get to teach what I love to do everyday and that people want to learn and support me. Recently, I had a month of successful numbers across the board that only Holiday events produce. I learn everyday that my small business really does make an impact whether it’s a private party of friends getting together, or a public event where anyone and everyone can show up and be apart of something.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gretajunedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretajunedesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gretajunedesigns
