Meet Trailblazer Angel McMichael

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel McMichael.

Angel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started as a side-hustle. I worked out of my home office, getting engravings or screenprints done on basic pens, then reselling them in bulk. They were usually used for swag or corporate gifts. Customers started to ask if they could buy a single pen for themselves. I started made a quick website and offered single pens there. I ran a few ads in the back of gossip magazines. Then, I started designing the pens to match trends. I bought Pantone color charts and used the crystals in the basic pens, and started to mix and match. I made limited editions and collaborated with other women in the stationery and planner communities that I found on Instagram. That’s when the business took off. Almost five years later, we’re in a 3750 sq. ft. space with 12 employees.

I’m able to focus what I always wanted to do, blending entrepreneurship with providing jobs for women that don’t force them to choose between a career and family.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. But if you can’t handle an occasional pothole, you shouldn’t be driving.

Right now, we are in the process of moving production from overseas to here in Texas, but that process is not without struggles – just different ones.

I do think that you just have to keep going and expect that the journey will be difficult. Be ready to take opportunities as they present themselves, or try something new. And accept help when it is offered.

We’d love to hear more about PenGems.
I design the pen with the gem on the top! They are sparkling crystal pens that come in a rainbow of colors. I design limited editions with blended crystals and those are what we are known for. We have an amazing fanbase of collectors that just love our pens.

I’ve been able to create jobs in a small town where there aren’t a lot of options. I created a work environment that I always wanted to work in – where employees don’t have to choose between a career and a family. We have hours that allow women to work while their children are in school. We give back to women-focused charities. I love that I’m able to do that!

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I do believe women are inherently able to multi-task very well. I’ve seen it in getting this business off the ground when the first employees had to be smart on everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pengems.com
• Email: hello@pengems.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pengems
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/hellopengems
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/pengems

Image Credit:
Angel McMichael

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