Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Ramsey.
Hi Gina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fulfilling bucket lists and accomplishing dreams has always been a passion of mine. We live one life, and it is important to ensure we have no regrets when our time on this planet comes to an end. Living life to the fullest is a motto I embrace fully.
My husband Paul had been in the drywall industry for 34 years. It is strenuous work, and he indicated he felt he needed a shift in career given some recent health issues. I asked him “What do you envision your dream career to be?” He stated, “I would want to become a certified Cerakote applicator and open my own business.”
As an avid sportsman, Paul had previously dabbled in Cerakote application about eleven years ago on hunting rifles for himself and his friends, Not only was he impressed by the protection this durable thin ceramic coating provided against rust and wear and tear, but he also enjoyed tapping into his artistic talents, creating unique patterns and designs on these items.
I decided to help him accomplish his dream. I signed us up for business classes, through the Small Business Development Center to learn the proper steps in starting a business and to determine if there was a market in the Twin Ports area for Cerakote services. We found there was, given Twin Ports is a hub for sporting and recreation including hunting, cycling, and golfing, and the closest certified Cerakote applicators were approximately 2.5 hours from this area.
Paul and I attended Cerakote applicator training in San Antonio, Texas. In November 2021, we opened Superior Ceramic Coatings. Since we have been welcomed with open arms by our community, and have recently moved our location to a larger workspace at 1621-B Broadway, Superior, WI to allow more space for the increase in projects we are receiving.
But why just settle on helping my husband accomplish his dream?
In November 2021, the same month we opened Superior Ceramic Coatings, I had a friend inform me about National Novel Writing Month aka- NaNoWriMo. She knew I aspired to become a published author and encouraged me to begin “writing that book.” I figured I was not getting any younger and thought “Isn’t it time I begin working on a dream of my own?”
Twenty+ years ago, I typed my story title ideas, printed them, and wrote the title of my book “Burnt Gloveboxes: Embracing Life When It Goes Up In Flames” on a manilla folder. I tucked the printed pages inside and brought this folder everywhere I went, in the event other story ideas came up, and in hopes that one day I would finally write my book.
I signed up for NaNoWriMo and put my fingers on the keyboard. After finishing the first draft of my humor book in Spring 2022, Debby Kevin, Chief Inspiration Officer at Highlander Press agreed to take a peek at my work, and on April 29, 2022, I signed my publishing contract. I couldn’t believe it! I was well on my way to sharing my message of the importance of “finding the funny in life’s mishaps” with the world and starting a second business as an Authorprenuer. In addition, through this journey, I found my true passion and purpose. I was placed on this planet to bring joy and encouragement to others, whether it be through telling my humorous stories of battling a flock of rogue turkeys or sharing my entrepreneurial experiences and expertise with other aspiring authors.
My debut book “Burnt Gloveboxes: Embracing Life When It Goes Up In Flames” was published on May 9, 2023, and my second book will be released in Spring 2024. In addition, Burnt Gloveboxes will also expand into an anthology similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul. However, instead of inspirational stories, this series will consist of Murphy’s Law stories of mishaps and conundrums submitted by others who can find the funny in these situations.
The greatest rewards of becoming an author have been meeting so many wonderful people at book signing events, becoming connected and involved with the writer’s community, and knowing my written words are bringing joy to our world.
Who would have thought that both Paul and I would be reaching for and accomplishing our dreams at the same point in time? November 2021 has changed our lives forever.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The life of an entrepreneur is not for the weak. It requires late nights, long hours, tenacity, dedication, and grit.
The ongoing tasks required to run and operate two successful businesses merge with life’s regular responsibilities, such as paying bills, maintaining a household, and caring for family members an aging parent and an adult son with disabilities. In addition, throw in the time required to fix the dryer or that water heater that recently went out, etc. Oh and don’t forget to maintain self-care such as ensuring you attend your annual doctor, vision, and dental appointments.
This has required a great deal of organization, maintaining a never-ending list of to-do’s, and flexibility in schedule. There have been many times we have had to forgo fun events to ensure deadlines are met for customers’ projects at the Cerakote shop and book edits are to the publisher on time.
In addition to starting up and running two businesses, I have continued to work full-time as a medical social worker to ensure our basic needs and household bills are satisfied, and we maintain health insurance. It takes time to build to a point in which a business is profitable. In our case, we are doing this with two businesses.
The juggling of many hats has been the biggest challenge. We have been fortunate as we encourage and help each other out during times of extreme exhaustion. We have a common goal of helping each other to achieve the greatest success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In our Cerakote business, we have over 200 colors to choose from. We prep each project by the process of degreasing and sandblasting. Then we apply the coating with a small spray gun. Many projects are cured in an oven. However, the high-temperature coating used on auto and motorcycle engines and exhaust parts is air-cured for five days.
Though we can apply the coating in a single color, we take pride in creating specialized patterns and designs such as camo, distressed, American Flag, and even specialized cow designs. Experiencing a customer’s face light up when seeing the finished project is so gratifying. Providing great customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction is what sets Superior Ceramic Coatings apart from others, We can apply the coating to a variety of substrates including metal, plastics, and polymers, and have coated items such as firearms, golf clubs, vehicle exhausts, coffee presses, stove top burner plates, and even a light saber for a dedicated Star Wars fan.
As an author-prenuer, I am a humor writer who enjoys finding the funny in life’s mishaps. I enjoy helping others to be able to do the same. Several readers have purchased my book for friends or family members struggling with an illness and have told me how wonderful it was to see them smile while reading my stories. I am most proud that my book does not include unneeded foul language. I have had parents tell me they read my stories to their kids at bedtime. My book is helping people to connect, and that brings me so much joy.
In addition, I continue to promote the importance of fulfilling dreams by helping other humor writers connect with resources so they can successfully publish their books.
What’s next?
We are excited to be in our new workspace at Superior Ceramic Coatings. This has allowed us to take on a higher volume of workload. In addition, we plan to add powder coating to our service line.
At the same time, I am working on the second Burnt Gloveboxes book which is scheduled to publish in Spring 2024, and working with Highlander Press on launching the anthology. I am also working on additional books and writing project ideas. My goal is to expand into inspirational speaking at conferences and wellness retreats, specifically on topics such as the importance of laughter for health and well-being, finding the funny in life’s mishaps, and how to successfully reach for and accomplish your bucket list items.
My ultimate goal is to eventually retire from social work and dedicate all of my time to my Authorprenuer brand and Superior Ceramic Coatings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.superiorceramiccoatings.com and https://www.ginaramseyauthor.com
- Instagram: @superiorceramic @ginaramsey429
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/superiorceramiccoatings/ and https://m.facebook.com/ginaramsey429/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-ramsey-a83b87181
- Twitter: @ginaramseyauthor
- Youtube: @superiorceramiccoatings8880
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/superior-ceramic-coatings-superior
Image Credits
JoAnn Jardine, Superior Effect Marketing, Highlander Press, and Pat Creedon
