Illustrations, Hand Lettering & Stories

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Keila Gaballo, Founder of Mahealani and Back, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I have a for-profit business (Mahealani and Back) in which I use my illustrations and hand lettering to create art that educates and advocates for embodied social justice issues. I have a co-created picture book that will be self-published with Anne Ruggirello available soon entitled "Middle-Moon Night" that we're really excited about. Mahealani and Back donates 20% of the proceeds to the non-profit we founded called Back To You, which has a similar and related mission of addressing developmental and generational trauma by making social and emotional tools and services more accessible through storytelling and community care. The customers/target audience for both Mahealani and Back and Back To You are children, youth, and their support systems (including but not limited to parents, teachers, health care practitioners, and coaches).

Tell us about yourself

I am a queer, disabled, indigenous (Shimanchu/Ainu) mama of one with another on the way. Mahealani and Back had its beginnings during my pregnancy with my first bebe back in 2016... a time when there was plenty of shocking stuff happening in the news. I felt compelled to use my art as a way to combat some of the terrible things that felt so overwhelming in the world. I wanted to make art that uplifted the community but also educated and spread awareness on important issues in a way that allows people to be heard, seen, and at least a little better understood. My business has grown and shifted to do so many things over the years, and I think I've found my sweet spot in turning my attention to writing and illustrating books and using those stories as foundations for creating tools and workshops to reach more people. At the moment, I still only have my foot in illustration but I'm excited to dive into my own writing in 2023. Books have always had a special place in my heart, and I find so much value in centering storytelling (in all its forms) for community and individual growth and healing. I know that there is a huge need for more diverse stories and perspectives to be shared, and I want to start bringing them into the publishing industry.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think one of the biggest moments within the past year has been getting selected by the Japanese American National Museum as one of their 30 Under 30 Changemakers. It was such an honor and privilege to receive this award because it gave me some validation that I'm on the path that I've always known I wanted to be on--one that allows me to really make a difference in people's lives and bring some positive change to the world around me. This recognition is something that still helps me today to feel more confident in the choices I make in my personal and professional life as I grow and step into my mission and vision.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things (but also one of the most rewarding things), for me, that comes with being a business owner is the way it is so intertwined with my personal growth and healing. So much of my work is centered around mental health and trauma healing, so as I get farther along in my own healing journey, the more tools I'm able to share through my art and stories. It's hard because, as many of you may know, healing is not linear. There are days when the imposter syndrome gets the best of me and I have doubts that I'm even capable of doing this work because of how much I still have to learn and heal within myself. However, the breakthroughs make it so worth it, especially when I'm at a vendor market in person and get feedback from my customers in real-time that my work really resonates with them and is so helpful for their personal and even professional lives.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Trust your intuition, and let your passions guide you. Pay attention to your emotions, you have them for a reason. They're often leading you to the work that needs to be done and only you are able to do in your own special way.
Connect with your community--not just your customers, but other entrepreneurs with a similar mission and vision to yours. I feel like there is too much secrecy and fear of people "stealing ideas" or "getting ahead"--this is rooted in a scarcity mindset, that we have to "beat our competition." If we all just worked together, we'd be able to help each other grow and reach so many more people who could really benefit from the unique services we each have to offer.
Take time to invest in your own personal growth and healing. We all have that mean inner critic--some have a louder and meaner one than others. I feel like it's common to compartmentalize and separate our personal growth from our business growth, but I really believe that the more you nurture your own development, the more confident and secure you'll be in your abilities to lead your own business to success (whatever that looks like for you!)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mahealaniandback.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MahealaniAndBack/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahealani.and.back/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mahealani_back
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keila-gaballo-549033126/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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