TorioGal Handlettering - Nina Torio
- kaylastanley9
- Jun 23, 2019
- 4 min read
"A boss babe is not only motivated to put her dreams to work, but also finds a way to share her success with others". I am inspired by Nina's talent, for sure, but mostly by her heart for God and people. You can tell that she puts love into everything she does. I became full of emotion through reading her responses because she truly captured what Femme Friday is all about. This is a community and sisterhood of girls who want to see each other succeed. If that is something you're looking for, welcome home.
What inspired you to create your own brand?
A few summers ago, I was scrolling through my Instagram and stumbled on a friend’s post. It was a post sharing about an art account where she would be selling canvases to make some money for college. Entering into my first year of college, I saw this as something I could do, but somehow always doubted that I could. Growing up, I was always told that I had beautiful handwriting, and was sometimes questioned whether what I’ve written was typed on a computer, which was always a really funny question to me. Thanks to my friend, that summer, my love for hand-lettering began. So, shout out to Isabelle Aki for sharing your art with the world! Because of you, I was able to discover one of my greatest passions!
After being prompted and encouraged many times to start selling my signs on Instagram by my mom, I finally had the courage to start TorioGal Hand Lettering. As a Business Marketing major at Chaminade University, I saw this as my own avenue to pursue my love for creating and entrepreneurship. It was a small start that helped me to continue dreaming and seeking vision for my ultimate small business goal to open my own coffee shop.
Where do you wish to see your brand in the future?
In the future, my only hope for TorioGal Hand Lettering is to continue finding spaces in homes, dorms, and weddings, bringing light and joy wherever they may be. I’d love to continue to find ways to expand my business by offering different services and creating more products, selling them at craft fairs or other events in my community.
What message are you trying to put out into the world with what you create?
I have always been someone who loves community and creating things for others. With TorioGal Hand Lettering, I want people to see my business as an encouragement to use all the gifts and talents that God has blessed them with to their fullest potential. Each sign that leaves my home is “Written With Love” and given with a business card that has one of my favorite scriptures, Colossians 3:17, “‘And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.’” Not only is the content and design of what I create important, but also “why” I do it.
What advice do you have for girls who are starting out?
My advice for girls just starting out is to spend time cultivating “vision” for whatever it is you want to do or create. Don’t be afraid to dream big. My mom has always told me that there are two types of dreams: our dreams and “God-sized” dreams. Every since she told me that, I’ve allowed myself to fully dream about my biggest goals and aspirations. You might not know or have everything you need at the moment to make it happen, so be kind to yourself and remember that great things take time and practice, something that I have to remind myself all the time. Be bold with your dreams! God placed them in your heart for a reason!
What is your definition of a “boss babe”?
A “boss babe” to me is a gal who has a servant’s heart, is bold with her dreams, and is always willing to learn. These days, it’s so easy to get lost in striving for “more.” The world tells us that we have to always be in a “hustle” to get things done in order to finally feel success. However, the boss babe I have pictured in my mind is not only motivated to put her dreams to work, but also finds a way to share her success with others. The difference between a “boss babe” of this world and a “boss babe” with this priority in mind is her heart - a heart of gold.
Why is it important for girls to find their own voice and share it with the world?
It’s important for girls to find their own voice and share it with the world because there isn’t any other voice like their own. Each one of us are fearfully and wonderfully made to do great things, valuable feats. You don’t have to have an extraordinary amount of followers to feel important. If your voice and what you share with the world helps you connect with that one person that needed to read that blog post you finally took the time to write, hear that podcast you recorded with your best friend, or see that encouraging quote you designed, created, and posted on Instagram, then it's worth it. When you have the courage to do something, you have the ability to inspire another gal to do the same.
Do you have anything else you’d like to say?
I just wanted to say thank you so much to Kayla for allowing me to share my heart and my small business on her blog. I’m so honored to be a part of this community of incredible “boss babes” that have stepped into their calling and have made an impact in other’s lives in the process!
With Love, Nina ♡
