The Genius in Me.

May 25, 2021

RE: Vocal_Creators Contest

Dear Vocal_Creators,

I am honored to present this essay for your review. The purpose of this statement is to discuss my projects that I am passionate about & how, through my work, I plan to make a difference by creating a Social Impact.

Pretty Paisley Designs, LLC launched on April 20, 2020. At the height of a Global Pandemic, the world was in a frenzy. Not knowing why our world turned upside down—hearts begin to collapse & minds began to shatter.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommended wearing face coverings; however, there were no mask insight. All mask were sold out with no hint of when they would return. Nervous, with a 1 year old,—I pulled out my sewing machine and taught myself how to sew by watching YouTube videos. Let us take a road down the “makings”, shall we?

1- 22- 20, I made a Vision Board to show a visual representation of my goals. One of my goals was to learn how to sew & sell/ market my products.

2- 11-20- For the first time, I took out of the box a sewing

machine that a friend bought for me 8 years ago.🤷

2- 13-20- I attempted to learn how to sew via YouTube. I wasn’t

successful and gave up because I couldn’t figure out how to thread the bottom bobbin.🤦

2- 15-20- I gave up! I decided learning how to sew an apron just wasn’t for me.

3-13-20- The world begin to shut down due to the pandemic. I begin to learn how to sew fabric masks.

4-20-20- Launched Pretty Paisley Designs and made 53 fabric masks & sent them out to family and friends.

7- 8-20- Learned how to Embroider.

9-20-20- Started selling & marketing my handmade/ embroidered masks.

10-20-20- Launched my website: prettypaisleydesigns.com

In a nutshell, In a time when most fell to their knees & settled for the misfortunes thrown their way—

✓ I set a goal;

✓ Committed myself to learning a craft;

✓ Perfected it;

✓ Stayed with it; &

✓ Started a LLC

So you ask, why am I so passionate about my project? We are one of a kind. Pretty Paisley Designs currently specializes in making handmade, embroidered mask. Our uniqueness sets us apart from others, and although you see the design that is in front of the mask, our value is in the message that lies behind the mask. Our goal is to be an energizing force that motivates & inspires all races & all cultures; from different walks of life, to embrace Unity, Respect, Strength, and Acceptance.

Racism, Racial Inequality, Colorism, Religious Conflict, Political Polarization, & Poverty are a few issues that have a seat at America’s table.

My masks have opened the door to an even greater vision. With Embroidery, Screenprinting, and Digital Print, I plan to bring these issues to light using a wider variety of printable garments. Our goal is to provide a language of Hope.

I am currently a team of one. I am responsible for the cutting fabric, sewing, embroidery, creating, managing, videographing, photography, marketing, posting, packaging, shipping & website. I plan to grow & sustain my business by finding a strong team that will help me create a powerful brand, while blazing forward with unorthodox thinking. I plan to invest in a Marketing, Sales & Retainer Strategies, Print Equipment, Proper Technology, Partnerships, Customer Service & Fulfillment Centers.

Ultimately, my goal is to build & partner with the Sports Leagues, Music Industry, Media, and Politicians to bring greater awareness to the issues.

I hope this essay conveyed the essence of my Why. Thank you.

Crystal Maxwell

Owner of Pretty Paisley Designs, LLC

Instagram: @prettypaisleydesigns

Website:prettypaisleydesigns.com