Meet Gabriela Yvonne | Product Formulator & 2D Concept Artist

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

Hi Gabriela, what do you attribute your success to?
The success behind my brand is drawing inspiration from an authentic place no matter what part of the process I’m in. If I begin to slide into what others might expect of me too much, I will lose that initial creative spark that fuels my product formulations or my art. Both businesses became successful and they’re different sides of me, but with a similar approach.

You’ll hear a lot of creatives say that it’s when you don’t have those inhibitions that things just flow, and I find that to be true even after I make the product or the piece. It’s not enough to just make it. The process has to continue long after. It goes into all the details of knowing who your audience is, what you are going to provide them, understanding their pain points, and even how your brand or business is marketed. That process won’t always be linear.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My art and being a business owner go hand in hand. I spent a long time in the science field during my graduate studies and that became useful for me when formulating my product line. It is also useful to tap into my artistic side when it comes to the small details of my brands such as packaging, formulating and reaching my audience.

I run across a lot of inspiring stories, and I’m not sure mine really is one, but I can relate to a difficult situation occurring and being left with few choices other than to create something out of the struggle.

I got sick for a while years ago and it really put me out. I wasn’t able to work in my field at the time anymore and spent a lot of time having to mourn that loss in my life. Eventually, despite my limitations, and with enough work and focus, I was able to create a business out of my passions. It was a slow climb, mostly working alongside other professionals and basically getting a crash course MBA from my bedroom, but I knew I wanted to build something.

Then the success began to happen. It was a little surprising if I’m being honest, but I’m grateful. I’m lucky to have every part of my supply chain be superb; from the chemist I worked alongside for my formulas, to our suppliers and farmers. With the art, it’s all the guys who put my visual pieces onto something that can be shared with others, like a canvas or street wall. It isn’t just me that makes either of my businesses successful, but the support I’ve received too.

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 get this question often and I’m happy to report that I have some ideas. Some of the best foods are the hidden gems. Definitely dining at Cafe Italia in Grapevine if you enjoy authentic italian dishes, plus the owner is amazing. Talk about a successful business done right 😉

There are also some fun spots like Quarter Lounge Arcade for a game night, and the Dallas Arts District for anything music or art related.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

There are a few for me.

Shout out to the Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free Certifying Organization that continuously works on making sure brands produce products safely and humanely to all animals. We thank them for their support.

Personal thanks to my mother who has been a huge supporter of my brand and businesses from day one, always encouraging me to show up authentically, even when society pushes back against it.

I also thank Jonathan Anderson, who has always inspired me through his own journey and hard work in music, and who encouraged me to start putting my creative work out in the world. He has been a big part of me stepping outside of my fears to make that happen.

Website: www.skoopskin.com

Other: www.marzimakesart.com coming soon!

Image Credits
Andy Emery Gabriela Yvonne