We recently had the chance to connect with Giulliana Valle and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Giulliana , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think what’s often misunderstood about my business is that people sometimes see it as just a small craft shop — when in reality, it’s so much more than that. Every piece I make carries hours of creativity, care, and love.
Many people don’t realize that handmade work requires not only artistic skill but also investment — in both quality materials and time. Some think that yarn is inexpensive just because they’ve seen it at the Dollar Tree for a dollar or two, but professional makers know that there are many grades of yarn, from low-cost to high-quality fibers that are much more durable and beautiful.
They also don’t see the physical effort behind each piece, the hours spent mastering technique, the hand and wrist strain, the neck and shoulder pain that often come with creating for long hours. A crocheted item isn’t just a product; it’s the result of dedication, craftsmanship, and countless hours of careful work.
That’s why when someone buys from GVM Gift Shop, they’re not just getting something handmade , they’re supporting a true labor of love, made to last and created with passion and purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Giulliana but everybody knows me as Julie, the owner and creator behind GVM Gift Shop, a small business where I design and make handmade and personalized gifts. I originally started as GVM Knittings, focusing only on crochet and knitted items, but in January of this year I officially became GVM Gift Shop LLC after expanding our creations.
Now, our work goes beyond yarn! we also offer sublimation, T-shirt printing, floral arrangements, and a variety of personalized gifts.
At GVM Gift Shop, I focus on quality and detail. whether it’s a crochet piece or a printed design, I want every product to be something people can genuinely enjoy and use. My work takes time and patience, but I love seeing how something handmade and thoughtfully created can brighten someone’s day.
Right now, I’m developing new seasonal collections and exploring fresh designs to keep things creative and meaningful. For me, this business represents growth, persistence, and the satisfaction of building something from the ground up.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are definitely my parents. Both of them are professionals who built successful careers, and from a very young age they instilled in me the importance of education, discipline, and independence.
My father always told me, “You have to be a professional woman, a leader.” And my mother would say, “Study, work hard, and never depend on anyone — especially not a man. Be able to stand on your own and never let anyone make you feel less.”
I followed their advice — I went to university, earned two additional degrees, and worked in a large company where I achieved everything I set out to do. Eventually, I decided to take that experience and knowledge to build something of my own. That’s how my small business journey began, and I’m proud to keep growing and learning every day.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something that success never could — that when you hit the bottom, the only way left is up. Those hard moments made me stronger, more determined, and more resilient.
They also taught me something even more important: humility and respect. Going through difficult times helped me understand that we’re all equal — no one is above or below anyone else. I’ve learned to value every person I meet, to never underestimate anyone, and to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Those lessons have shaped not only the way I work, but also the way I live and run my business.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in God! I’ve felt His presence in my life in ways that go beyond explanation. There have been moments when things seemed impossible, and yet everything somehow worked out.
For me, faith is what keeps me grounded and gives meaning to every challenge and every success. I truly believe that God guides our steps, even when we can’t see the path ahead.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! I love what I do and genuinely enjoy presenting my products to the public. Seeing people’s reactions and sharing the story behind each creation makes every day exciting — some days I truly feel like I’m tap dancing to work!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gvmknittings.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @gvmgiftshop
- Facebook: @gvmgiftshop
Image Credits
.GVM GIFT SHOP LLC.
