As diversity and inclusion are two significant topics right now, we all know representation matters, but it doesn’t just matter in the boardroom or corporate America; it also matters in life’s simplest of activities. From the blanket we toss to the side in the morning to the yoga mat we use to unwind in the evening, Black people appreciate seeing those who look like them. This is why businesses such as Mygani LLC are so important.
This Jacksonville, Florida business is owned and operated by Felicia Wright. Wright’s career started as a graphic designer. “I was that little black girl growing up who was insecure about how other people saw me and how I saw myself. I didn’t want my daughter or any other little black girl or woman who looks like me ever to feel this way,” Wright says. “So I used my 20 plus years of experience as a graphic designer to create our product line.”
Mygani’s product line features custom illustrations of Black women with naturally curly hair. Wright says, “We want to empower them (Black women) to be self-confident within themselves regardless of their hair texture or skin complexion.”
The product line consists of handbags, travel bags, yoga mats, mugs, and blankets.
Wright says she had her share of challenges when starting her business. “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart. Many times there are more failures than successes. I went through periods of doubt about myself and my goals, especially when the people closest to me didn't support me,” Wright explains. “I was also faced with the challenges of saying no to opportunities that did not align with my goals for the future. This was a hard lesson to learn, especially when I first started out; you want to accept every opportunity.”
She goes on to say, “There were several times when I wanted to quit. But, I knew I wanted to be able to use my talents to create designs that had a positive impact on society while also creating a legacy for my family. Being an entrepreneur also afforded me the flexibility to set my own schedule to fit my lifestyle of being a wife and a mom.”
Mygani LLC’s signature event, Curls and Convo™, is an annual event that is designed to instill the value of self-confidence in Black girls and women regardless of their hair texture or skin complexion. The event consists of panel discussions, hair demos, swag bags, and vendors.
“We talk about all things that make our natural hair and Black culture magical,” Wright says.
The event also advocates for the Crown Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The Crown Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which denies employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles, including braids, locs, twists, or Bantu knots.
What does a day in the life of your line of work look like? “A typical day for me as a mompreneur is reading my daily Bible verse or affirmations when I first wake up, though I need to be more consistent with this. I help my daughter get ready for school, mainly doing her hair, she's nine now and more independent, and then I drop her off to school,” Wright recounts. “Once I start my workday, I follow up with existing connections (customers, clients, partners, and my business coach). Then, I set aside time to promote our top sellers, update our website and create new images or products.”
Wright says she has implemented business hours to ensure she practices self-care. “This is very important because it's easy to blur the lines of work and home when it's in the same space. I try to clock off at a scheduled time to spend evenings with my family, and somedays I just need a nap!”
Photography by: Valeria M Photography
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