Meet La’ Vonnie Gilyard of 210 Black Rose

Today we’d like to introduce you to La’ Vonnie Gilyard.  

Hi La’ Vonnie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a little girl growing up in South Carolina, I dreamed about how I wanted to help the less fortunate. After years of seeking mental health help in multiple states, I moved to North Carolina with the support of a friend for a better chance at getting help for my mental illnesses. In 2020 I began to think about how to tell my story without the shame and how my story could possibly help others. In 2021 I set in motion the creation of 210 Black Rose. May of 2022, which is National Mental Health Awareness Month, I introduced 210 Black Rose to the world. The meaning behind 210 Black Rose is 210 was my childhood home address, where my mental health was greatly influenced inside and outside of my home; Black Roses are often associated with death. However, black roses represent rebirth and power. With the two together, it empowers you to take control of self-awareness, healing, and love. I did not picture this being the way I gave back or helped my community, but as of today, I can not picture a better way to start. 

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?
I am beyond thankful for all I have accomplished within a year. However, it has not always been smooth. Living with invisible disabilities can look different daily, which in itself can bring challenges such as lack of motivation, self-doubt, or indecisiveness. The hardest part at times is continuing to do what you set out to achieve without losing focus, finding the balance of learning the business while running it, what my target customers may or may not like, also teaching myself to speak up and not allow other to trauma dump while speaking about mental health awareness, and when to take a break. 

We’ve been impressed with 210 Black Rose, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
210 Black Rose is a mental health awareness apparel brand launched in May of 2022. 210 Black Rose goal is to break the stigma and start the conversation about mental health in a positive and uplifting manner through eye-catching t-shirts, hats, and more. Through fashion, many conversations and relationships have been built; I want to provide this same opportunity for a community that I have been a part of since childhood. We often feel invisible, not heard, or misunderstood, and I want to bring change to this. What sets me apart from others is I live what I speak. I know how it feels to want to be your true self out loud without judgment, but you have this stigma the world has put on you. So, I am doing this for those in my community who still haven’t found their voices and for those who are living their truth out loud. 210 Black Rose has a website where you can support and purchase our t-shirts and other apparel (https://210blackrose.bigcartel.com). If you’re local in Wilmington, I am often located every Saturday from 10 am-2 pm at Frankie’s Outdoor Market. I also use my social media platform (@210blackrose_) to share information on local resources or tips that could assist with mental health services, events, or self-care. I am most proud of the feedback, returning customers, and thanks that I get from my community saying how much speaking about mental health is needed, and I am doing a great thing. I want all to know 210 Black Rose is not just for those living with an invisible disability but our allies as well. Mental illness does not discriminate, and we need your support. 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I would like to take this opportunity to first thank my partner Keli G for always supporting me, my mother Bonnie r.i.p. for planting the seed of knowledge to take care of my mental health. Second, Cierra Washington of Northside Food Cooperative for providing me the space to promote and share my business with our community, Erin & Jerry Jones, as well as VoyageRaleigh for the platform to share my story! In conclusion, I would like to thank the readers. I hope my story can inspire someone to tell their story, start their journey of healing, or provide you a positive outlook on something you may be experiencing at the moment. Knowledge of self comes from pain, be the change you want to see, take care of your mental, and remember you matter. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://210blackrose.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/210blackrose_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/210BLACKROSE
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/210BLACKROSE?t=DFNDt04CJqogojM6aTTHgA&s=03