Welcome to our GLADly Chat Episode 10!
[Video transcript:
Meet Monica AKA Hula Bella
[SLIDE: Tell me about yourself?]
Hello! My name is Monica and I’m from Pasadena, California. It’s under Los Angeles County.
[SLIDE: What do I do for a living?]
I am a performer doing hula hoops and fire dancer.
Also, I am a designer and I majored in graphic design.
So, I do a lot of different things and I create Deaf and Horror artwork combined as well as things related to deaf pride identity.
This would help many deaf people to accept being a Deaf person.
It’s okay to be a Deaf person by educating people to accept who we are.
Educating people will change their perception by becoming comfortable around and within the deaf community.
I think it is important to reframe our place for what it should be in the hearing world.
[SLIDE: Share your inspirational quote?]
My favorite quote is that when you win something, always ensure others win too.
It is important to share the benefits and support each other.
I am always looking for something to ensure that people receive the benefits and inclusion they deserve.
With that said, I would go to the Deaf events where the vendors are so I can support and gain their businesses.
That is what I am doing for our deaf community.
Just like our ASL SK8 Day roller skating event.
I discovered many ways to grow my business with the ASL students and hearing people who aren’t aware of our deaf community.
Also, some deaf people who are new to the deaf community want to learn from Deaf experiences.
Want to start a booth and learn how to run a small business?
Jump in the cold water and learn how to swim where you can learn your way to success in your business.
This will inspire you and others! Those employees at Pigeon’s Roller Rink have learned ASL for two years and can communicate with the deaf community during ASL SK8 Day event.
That is why it is important to bring our deaf awareness to the community and grow our business.
It will take a while to succeed in your dream, but you must do it by leaving your comfort zone and starting your business now!
[SLIDE: The person who inspires you?]
The person who has inspired my life was my great aunt because she came to Los Angeles to start a “Punk Era” for all Women Punk Band.
So, she had a great attitude where nothing stopped her from being a rebel and being able to sing.
She continued to reach her dream that she wanted in life.
That is why she inspired me and realized that I can do it more than I know!
Even though we might have some limitations, I went ahead with my business. I made it happen and have been in business ever since.
That is why I looked up to my great aunt for what she did, and she succeeded!
[SLIDE: What products or services do you provide?]
We have many different things and products.
such as T-shirts, hoodies, zipper jackets, beanies, hats and much more!
There are many design options that can be customized upon a request, and I do offer private services for design related work.
I am not only limited to products, but I can also do bundle orders for large orders, can do video editing work for any kind of platform including graphic design and much more!
If you want to know more about my services or need something else that I can do for you, please contact me!
Meet Mixxie Hernandez
[SLIDE: Tell me about yourself?]
Hello! My name is Mixxie Hernandez, and my pronoun is he/him.
I am a native of Long Beach, California. I am deaf, transgender man, and pansexual (P.A.N. as a short term).
I own a photography and custom sticker art business, and I am an artist and jewelry maker with resin.
For general photography, I can take photos of models, weddings, engagements, births, families, pets, and much more!
Any kind of occasion you want, I’d be more than happy to do the photoshoot!
I can design a sticker for your face, your family, and many things you want.
The reason why I wanted to start my business is because I want our deaf entrepreneurs to be recognized and overcome the discrimination and prejudice when becoming business owners.
[SLIDE: The person who inspires you?]
Who inspires me?
My grandfather! He loves doing photoshoots and art. He taught me how to do photoshoot and art during my childhood.
That is what I became right now, and he was the person I looked up to!
Amazingly! My grandfather is a very encouraging person, trained me with photography using an antique camera with film.
I’ve been training my whole life as a child with photography and art taught by my grandfather.
My energy and passion have been ongoing ever since and that is how I became like my grandfather.
Also, it helps a lot with my mental health for doing this and it’s important for everyone else as well!
[SLIDE: What business and product do you provide?]
Check my products which I made some jewelry with resin and custom sticker art.
[SLIDE: Share the challenges you experienced?]
My challenge is communication with hearing customers because it requires some time to discuss with customers by writing back and forth on the paper.
I want to ensure that I do understand what customers want and provide excellent services to meet their needs.
It was a great experience for me, and I managed to make things go smoothly as much as possible without any difficulties. Most of my customers are happy with the services I provide!
My second challenge is to make resin jewelry because it is custom that I need to measure, cut, dye the colors, and carefully craft to match what customers want.
Thank you for coming to our ASL SK8 Day, meeting the Deaf vendors and socializing at our event!
We truly appreciate your support!
Please visit our websites!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Thank you and have a good day!]
