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Life & Work with Tomiko Gowins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomiko Gowins.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Yard Paparazzi is about celebrating victories, milestones, and love! I am a nurse by career, so I naturally enjoy helping others. Covid-19 hit our community hard with hardships, employment loss, and loneliness that had an adverse effect on many families. I thought, what can I do to bring joy to the people who are having not-so-great days, or feeling disappointed.

Personally, my daughter graduated from college and celebrated with virtual graduation from our living room. My husband retired 30 years of military service and was not able to have a retirement ceremony. I know firsthand what disappointment looks like and the feeling of regret. Everyone likes to be honored and celebrated. I can be socially distant while bringing joy and celebration to your front yard!

We can put up a tasteful and enjoyable display for almost any occasion. We come in early mornings when no one is looking, set up the display, and wait for the text/email of thank you! We are a small company with big intentions. We are thankful for the love the community has shown us this past year.

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?
Yard Paparazzi has exceeded our expectations! Although we have had our share of bumps and bruises along the way, it was all in good favor. Our biggest challenge was getting our name out there and for the community to recognize what we do.

Bringing something different to the table. Thanks to consistent referrals and social media we are adding to our database daily. So far, we have had 100% client satisfaction and our goal is to keep it that way. I am grateful for the seasoned yard carders who have poured endless resources and information into Yard Paparazzi making it less challenging to move forward.

We are grateful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a proud nurse! Happy with my career choice! I am extremely proud of myself for following through with my desires and getting to the finish line. I remember looking into the audience at my family and to see them smiling at their mama.

We’ve always pushed them to finish what they started, and they watched their mama do it! I have compassion for the underserved community and continually excel at bridging the healthcare gap. Service is where my heart lies.

What makes you happy?
A good dose of gratitude. Being grateful and thankful for everything. Most importantly waking up another day and being given another chance to get it right. I also love a good laugh… laughing is good for the soul!

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