Financially Naked Update with Malyia McNaughton
Shannon has done over 400 shows now and many listeners frequently ask about update episodes with past guests. You want to know how they’re doing and what they’ve been up to since they last spoke, so for the month of February, Shannon’s doing just that. She’s checking in with a number of past guests and you are not going to believe what they’ve been up to and where life has taken them since their last episodes.
Joining Shannon today is Malyia, founder of Made By Malyia. When we last heard from her, it was at the beginning of the pandemic and she was managing supply chain challenges for her growing jewelry business. She has been on an unbelievable ride ever since and we’re so excited for you to hear what she’s up to now. Listen to Malyia’s first episode here, which aired in August 2020
What are we drinking?
Malyia - Tequila and Pineapple
Shannon - Titos Vodka and Soda
Podcast Notes
When Shannon was planning this month’s episodes, the ‘Where are they now?’ series, Malyia was the first person that came to mind! So much has happened since they last spoke..
That was in August 2020 when Malyia was growing the business while dealing with all of the challenges that came with Covid. They were chatting about the next steps and plans for the end of 2020 going into 2021. There were no strong leads at that time, but Malyia could feel the pivot and listened to her intuition.
In March of 2021, she was approached to be in a group of emerging designers, which allowed her to start working with diamonds. Before this program, she was working with materials that could be locally sourced here in New York, mostly demi-fine. There are a lot of barriers of entry that come with working with diamonds and this program was the perfect entry point. They also provided educational opportunities and access. It was a huge game changer.
She first applied for the program in December 2020 and the application process took some time. She was 1 of 6 people accepted into the program and through that process, The Natural Diamond Council saw her work and approached her about working on their global campaign! She went from being completely new to working with diamonds to having two huge opportunities at the same time.
These opportunities allowed her to design entire collections and have them produced at the same time, which wasn’t possible on this scale before. She was able to see the ideas really come to life and got to stretch her creative muscles with a bigger budget.
The access, opportunity and materials allowed her to fully show up and explore the work she’s wanted to do with high end materials. Everything came together.
The exposure has been one of the biggest parts Malyia is still wrapping her head around. She was able to show the entire world what she is capable of and put her name in lights. Seeing her designs on billboards in Dubai and India reminds her of how far the reach is.
In 2014, she had a job making $40,000 a year and decided to leave. She had $5,000 in the bank, a vision, and the passion to make it happen. She went from making $40k a year to receiving $40k invoices.
Shannon reflects on how Malyia used to sell her pieces at The Financial Gym holiday markets and now they’re across billboards in major cities. She saw the big picture, trusted her intuition, and worked hard to make it happen. Made by Malyia has blown up and it’s amazing to watch it happen.
Malyia talks about how working on her financial mindset really helped her begin to level up. She thought the scarcity mindset was motivating, but found it was actually holding her back. Changing her mindset allowed her to move with intention and be laser focused on the big picture.
She now serves on the Black in Jewelry Board as the Treasurer. Working on her own personal finance and her business prepared her to step into this role when she was approached.
So What’s Next?
In the past, the goal was to maintain and survive, but 2021 superseded every goal she set and she wants to stay open to all of the possibilities.
She wants Made by Malyia to be a multi-million dollar business and take her brand to the next level.
The most important goal is to create a legacy and brand that can stand the test of time.
She wants to focus on creating special custom pieces for special moments, including engagement and bridal.
Custom pieces are special because the clients get to be part of the behind the scenes process and have a story that will live on with the piece.
She wants to secure retail deals, so people can shop her work in person. There is something special about being able to hold and feel a piece that is missing when looking online. She wants to expand to include more than jewelry in the Made by Malyia brand to include Lifestyle.
It has been a ride, but this really is just the beginning for Made by Malyia.
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is to never stop believing in yourself. It may take years for your dream to be fully realized, but as long as you keep believing, there’s no way it won’t become a reality.
Random Three Questions
What is your creative process and how do you get inspired?
What is another place you’d like to travel and immerse yourself?
What is a dream partnership/collaboration for you?
Connect with Malyia
http://madebymalyia.com/
Form for Custom Requests
Instagram: @madebymalyia
If you have any topics you would like for me to cover on this podcast or you’d like to get in the financially naked hotseat, I encourage you to email me to shannon@fingyms.com or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook Group and let me know what you want to hear.
We’re in a new year and The Financial Gym has so many ways that you can work with us. If you’re looking for a career shift, we’ve started a Financial Trainer Certification program where you can have what I believe is the greatest job in the world. We have online courses for you to learn on your own. If you’re looking for financial products like a new credit card or high yield savings, we have all of our favorite resources on our BFF Approved Products page. And finally, if you want some one-on-one coaching with a compassionate and empathetic person, our financial trainers are here to help you and remember that Martinis and Your Money listeners get 15% off of one on one financial training at The Gym. We’re here to meet you wherever you are on your financial health journey and I hope we’ll see you in 2022.