____Gila was established... well, there is no specific date, really. I ordered a button machine in September 2004 because I really wanted to make buttons. However, a problem arose (as it does in any good story). I had no way to pay for it. So.. I asked for a loan from my parents. They lent me the money (after I gave them a detailed business plan) and I had my machine. I started with a different name, "Worn". At first, I had planned to sell clothing. But I, in a moment of divine realization, suddenly realized that if I didn't really know how to sew anything worth selling (let alone wearing), I probably should come up with a different name. So I made a name, Gila, modeled after my own name, Ali G. (I know, like the comedian)
____Gila debuted in November 2004. In the beginning, I made a little binder with six designs in it, to show to my classmates and hope that they would consider ordering. I took entirely custom orders. Then, lo and behold, someone ordered one. and then they ordered more. The idea of Gila was catching on. Buttons for you! And at an affordable price too. The only buttons I knew about were at Hot Topic, and they were limited, silly, and expensive. I'm not saying that Gila's buttons are all works of art. But the idea is there that buttons don't have to be about popular movies or musicians with eyebrow piercings. They can be about you. And they can be about me. There is no limit. And oh right, they should be affordable too. And with that in mind, I then made a bigger catalog, with two pages of designs. I did work for a band, and also worked some Girl Scout events. Gila was growing. I was excited. After a while, I made a webpage, and then developed jewelry and belts to sell in my catalog. Now that school is out, I can further establish my business and continue growing like Gila should.
____Nowadays, Gila is developing products and ideas for you. Gila believes, in addition to other things, that DIY is something everyone can do. Hence, the DIY monthly installment. Each month Gila will highlight a DIY project that is easy for anyone to do and adjust to their needs. Gila is also developing silkscreened tote bags featuring original artwork and photography. When the weather gets colder, Gila will also have some winter gear to keep you warm. But we will always stay true to our roots, offering buttons year round with funky, original designs you can find nowhere else.

All the same, as time goes on Gila will continue to grow and serve you.

Thank you everyone who has supported Gila from the beginning. It would be nowhere without you.

Thanks for reading the whole thing. :-)

Ali G. of Gila: Buttons for You