We had the good fortune of connecting with Marilyn Pham Tasdighi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marilyn, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is so important especially when running your own business. It’s all a grind & it’s so true when they say “you quit your 9-5 to work 24/7.” Honestly, at first I had no balance and that caused me to burn out really easily. When I initially launched my business, Gemini Fusion, it was all a grind for me in addition to my full time corporate job. I had my mind set on making my listings/jackets top sellers on Etsy so my business consumed me. I wouldn’t allow myself to take nights off (that’s when I make my jackets) & wanted to get ahead of my queue. I ended up feeling super burnt out so now I make sure I allow myself to take breaks at night to spend time to RELAX. I’ll work harder one night so that I could have peace of mind knowing that I deserve that break the next night. Still not truly balanced but it’s a work in progress.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I launched Gemini Fusion in the thick of the pandemic in June 2020. We sell an assortment of personalized bridal denim jackets fit for any and all wedding events. It all started out as a simple personalized denim jacket for myself & an idea to make a couple extra hundred dollars a month to help pay some bills. I listed my jacket on Etsy even after seeing a ton of other listings of the exact same style.

What sets us apart from others is our ever-growing assortment of styles we offer! We think outside of the box and have non-traditional styles that come to market first. I grew my business to where it is today by constantly learning. I love listening to podcasts, watching youtube videos, enrolling in courses and keeping an eye on trends in the wedding world. I do not have a business background but with resources at our fingertips today, why not take full advantage of it!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband definitely deserves a shoutout for being the man behind the scenes that helps me keep Gemini Fusion afloat. Gemini Fusion grew really quickly & so did my belly (I worked up until I was 39 weeks pregnant). There were days and nights when I wouldn’t be able to do the tasks I used to like carry my bins of orders to the post office, bend over to pick up supplies, process orders, and the list goes on. He stepped up to the plate without me even asking. He quickly learned my system- helped me print orders, cut & weed vinyl, restock my shelves, & ship out orders on time. Support-wise, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. He’s my hype man that gets me so motivated to take Gemini Fusion above and beyond what I ever imagined it to be.

Website: www.geminifusion.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemini.fusion/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geminifusionshop/

Other: www.geminifusion.etsy.com

Image Credits
Tati Eusebio Katie Griff Kinsey Nichole Hayley Rose Jamie Y

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.