Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Dotson.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a proud Navy Veteran. During my eight amazing years in the Navy, my job title was a Quartermaster. I handled all of the navigation. I was in charge of plotting the ship’s course, following weather patterns, keeping the crew on calm seas, completing missions, and even avoiding potential threats.
I had the honor and the pleasure to visit countries I would only see on TV. In 2018, my boyfriend and I got into a motorcycle accident. He pushed me off seconds before he died on impact. After physically recovering, my mental health went downhill. Depression hit me hard. Losing him devastated me. Not knowing how to grieve properly and feeling alone… I was on an emotional roller coaster.
In 2019, I managed to get myself out of my funk and I was determined to not let my mental health destroy me. I spent countless hours in my garage refurbishing furniture because I found joy in it. Taking time to myself, traveled and found my purpose. On a girl’s trip to Seattle, we wanted/needed matching cups. Instead of buying them, I decided I would make them! LaNay Creations was born! I have always been crafty but I never thought this would be my calling.
I have always felt the need to give sentimental gifts personalized to the person. I have an endless supply of glitter, glue, and a plethora of materials everywhere! Creating these personalized items is what makes me happy! What started as a coping mechanism turned into a revitalization of my mental health and has been nothing short of amazing!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was far from a smooth ride… but a ride! One that took me from the worst time in my life to a time that I love and that I will never forget! I will undoubtedly continue to appreciate this time every step of the way! Watching my father build his own business and strive to take care of his family was the easy part.
Putting it into the works the way he did was not. Hours and hours of watching videos and teaching myself different techniques of crafting, losing money and time from all the trials and errors. My anxiety was always at an extremely high level because I continued to doubt myself… continuously.
Working full time, going to school, and trying to bring my dreams to reality was exhausting and tiring, but worth it. God has blessed me so much more than I could have ever imagined! Hard work has paid off for me and I believe that if you want something and you try your hardest and push through the mud that the success of it will bring joy, pride, and humbleness!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in bringing visions to life! Just seeing the look on my customer’s faces fills me with an immense amount of joy.
Hearing their ideas, turning them into a physical creation, and watching them be amazed. I range from customizing cups, dominoes, make-up trays, alcohol bottles, hookahs, keychains, wine glasses, gift sets, gaming controllers, and so much more!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Spending time with my family and hanging with my girls, 16 years and we haven’t skipped a beat!
My school projects were always over the top and so extra. My mom helped me with all the information while my dad helped me drill toy cars on poster boards to show how pollution affects us. I know I get my creative touch from my dad.
He is definitely a jack of all trades! My parents taught me so much, but the most important was how to think outside of the box! I am so blessed to have my supportive family!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.lanaycreations.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lanaycreationss?igshid=193a0eg7sppn8
- Facebook: LaNaycreationss
- Twitter: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LanayCreationss?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
- Youtube: https://www.tiktok.com/@lanaycreationss?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8DOQ37%2F4T16gaGUNNH5aURS0gnJzm%2B2hC4zlY7u%2BJI%2FscluReXXXmV4WJ1KyuV4vRh1Z8RPw9HkJpCFjqGgA%3D&checksum=970e375e59a55688ef9aba955901f0f9e707df374c16c11b9d0809117114187c&language=en&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAA82zZsXGqv_mkh6BrrBqfoBIa3Lzill_0j5mWBHXhpZ5CXfY0WhVw6wIu6Y5riR4u&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAA82zZsXGqv_mkh6BrrBqfoBIa3Lzill_0j5mWBHXhpZ5CXfY0WhVw6wIu6Y5riR4u&share_app_id=1233&share_author_id=6809084732513682437&share_link_id=7BC41F17-3150-44E0-BFEA-C74A289007CF&tt_from=copy&u_code=dbg7901km44125&user_id=6809084732513682437&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=copy&source=h5_m&_r=1
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Lanaycreations
