Hello Teralyn, Welcome to The Relatable Voice Magazine! We’d love to learn more about you. Could you please share where you're from and tell us about some of your favorite hobbies and interests?
Hello! First of all thank you very much for having me. I am from Clermont, Florida 20 minutes from the Disney parks : ). Some of my favorite hobbies include drawing, graphic design, singing, musical theater, reading and traveling. I have always loved art growing up, which became my favorite interest from there.
What inspired you to start your own brand of shirts and totes?
I had a passion for art at a young age. I loved to draw cartoon animals, airplanes, and landscapes. I later started to sketch realistic people and what I just mentioned above when I took art classes. Early teens, I was introduced to digital art where I learned calligraphy and typography. I drew my own cartoon animals as well since I always enjoyed drawing them on paper. Took the cartoon animals and transferred them on tshirts. From that point on, I thought of opening a small art business where I can make and sell personalized shirts. I later expanded personalizing more items like totes, tumblers, coin purses, aprons and more!
Can you tell us the story behind your brand’s name and logo?
My family and closest friends call me by my nickname Tey. I thought that it would be cool if I named my brand after my nickname since it’s my very own. Because this is an art business, I added “Arts” next to my nickname making it “TeyArts.” My brand’s motto is, “Spreading Kindness and gratitude.” The hands represent “spreading” and the heart represents “kindness and gratitude.” Spreading kindness and gratitude plays an important role in my designs. It is my job to create designs that bring encouraging and positive messages. A brand that inspires kindness and gratitude is important to me. It is my mission of spreading love and warmth through every item, made especially for you.
Can you walk us through your design process, from the initial idea to the final product?
I create a design on my computer software. I then measure the size of the design that would fit on the item. I place the vinyl on a cutting board and once the cutting is finished, I weed out the design to place on the items, center it, then heat press it. This is the same with non-transfer vinyl.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I ask my customers what they would like on their items and then according to what they want, I mock up a design in my mind and create which ones looks best.
One of the main things that I would like my followers to know about my work and inspiration is that it is also faith-based. I believe that sharing my works with positive messages and bible verses is a great way to share the gospel with encouraging themes.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a young entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
There were times where I have encountered challenges by short deadlines all the while trying to balance my full time college work schedule with large orders! It gets really busy, but it can be done. These moments I overcame by praying for God’s strength, time management, maintaining a positive attitude and perseverance knowing that I can finish strong!
What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned since starting your brand?
The 3 C’s. Clarity, consistency, and constancy.
Today, I look back at my early days of my business and I am so grateful.
How do you engage with your customers and gather feedback on your products?
I engage with my costumers through one-on-one personal connection through email, online, in-person, gathering their feedback after they receive their purchase.
Are there any new products or collaborations you’re excited about for the future?
Yes! I am collaborating with an amazing award-winning author/writer. I will be illustrating the characters for her upcoming book she wrote. I was super excited when she asked me, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be her illustrator!
Can you share a memorable experience or feedback you’ve received from a customer?
Yes, I remember when I received incredible feedback on my shirts from one of my beloved customers. They loved the shirt design so much that they couldn’t thank me enough. My customers sent me photos of them wearing the shirts. It was so amazing and uplifting to see my costumers so happy and excited about their product! It makes my heart full!
What advice would you give to other teenagers who are thinking about starting their own business?
I would encourage them to start small and slowly build their way up. We all start somewhere! A great way they can market their works is through social outlets such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. That will be a great idea to attract customers! For traditional marketing, design flyers that showcase your business products and distribute them to everyone you know. You can also set up a booth at a weekend market to promote your business or create your own online store depending on what you sell.
Best wishes to all!
Thank you for your time to interview me. It has been such a pleasure and honor.
(Interview published on The Relatable Voice Magazine - September 2024.)
Teralyn Mergillano is a University college student and entrepreneur. She resides in the sunshine state of Florida. Teralyn loves God, her family, and her pets. She enjoys drawing, singing, photography, serving at church, other local communities and ministries such as Give Kids the World, JCFilms Orlando Production Club, and her home local theatre. Teralyn also loves performing in community theater and has been in a few movies with her teen brother actor Leland. She loves everything to do with the Arts. Teralyn’s love for art developed at a young age. Inspired by Disney characters, cartoons, and artists like Van Gogh, Thomas Kincaid, and Wyland. She started drawing airplanes, cartoon animals, and characters from her favorite TV shows. This is where her artistic journey began!
Teralyn later took art classes where she learned how to draw realistic grayscale objects and figures in middle school. By the time she reached high school, Teralyn was introduced to digital art. She took courses at Academy of Art University-San Francisco, along with courses in her present University. Teralyn admires different works of art and loves anything creative. She is so grateful to have art in her life and blessed with her business TeyArts.
Spreading Kindness and Gratitude .
Comments