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

Hi Felicia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

Growing up I always loved being creative. When I was about 10 years old, I remember making my own birthday invitations. Even though I took art classes throughout high school, I wasn’t sure how my artistic side could be translated into a career.

After talking to my guidance counselor during my sophomore year of community college, before transferring to a 4-year university, I expressed to her my interest in going into a creative field. Her response was, “I wouldn’t be successful in the art industry and that I should stay with my original major, computer information systems”. Following her advice, I didn’t change my major and stuck with the CIS track and I ended up failing my first semester. I knew then it was not the best fit for me, so the following year I changed my major to graphic design. I still graduated, receiving my BFA in graphic design and walked across the stage having already secured my first graphic design job at Stein Mart, Inc.

Before I had my daughter in 2012, I was an entrepreneur who used my expertise in the creative marketing industry to provide graphic design and branding services to other businesses and organizations. But I’ve always wanted to create designs that have a purpose and a positive impact on society. Over the years my company has pivoted and expanded into creating products and platforms that empower women of color.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Mygani LLC is a lifestyle brand that creates inspirational accessories for women + girls of color. In 2016, we launched our own branded products featuring black girls with naturally curly hair. The images featured on the company’s product line are based on my daughter’s and I likeness, as well as other girls that look like us. Our products are designed to inspire women + girls of color to always believe in themselves regardless of their hair texture or skin complexion. I feel blessed to be able to use my creativity to design images that have a positive impact on the community.

Additionally, through my career I have taught graphic design and business college courses as well as mentored other women owned businesses.

One of my proudest moments happened last year when we became a brand partner on shop.essence.com for a second consecutive year. The website is an e-commerce marketplace that features black female entrepreneurs. As a little girl, I remember flipping through the pages of an Essence magazine and envisioning myself being featured in the magazine one day. So, having the opportunity to be featured on this platform is a huge deal for me!

During my entrepreneurial journey, I have been featured on national platforms: Essence, Forbes, and Walker’s Legacy, as well as local platforms: Rivercity Live, WJXT Channel 4, the Chat, Buzz TV, Jacksonville magazine, and the Florida Times-Union. Mygani LLC was named Best Custom Accessories by Best Society, USA in 2020 & 2021.

In June 2020, I began collaborating with the local Jacksonville television segment, Rivercity Live to highlight positive stories of black mom and women-owned businesses in collaboration with my Mompreneur Marketplace platform. This collaboration is close to my heart because I want to contribute to being part of the solution for social and economic justice, especially for black women business owners. I also created a Black Mompreneur Directory for black mom and women-owned businesses to list their business at no cost.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although I have several people in my life that I am grateful for who have encouraged and supported me, my grandmother is at the top of the list. Even though she passed away Valentine’s Day 2013 of Alzheimer’s, I still feel her presence and her encouraging me in my personal and professional journeys. She was the sweetest person and would do anything for you, but she was also stern and taught us to always stand up for yourself.

Website: www.mygani.com/shop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygani_llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygani.feliciawright/

Other: Black Mompreneur Directory https://www.mygani.com/black-mompreneur-directory/

Image Credits
Felicia at desk Valeria M Photography Felicia & daughter on couch Purple Mafia Photography Black Princesses Travel Bag Leesha Archie Enterprises, LLC. Black Mama Mug Leesha Archie Enterprises, LLC. I’m speaking mug Travel Bag Leesha Archie Enterprises, LLC. Felicia and daughter w/handbags Valeria M Photography

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