Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Deschênes, Co-Founder of Design de Plume Inc., located in Sudbury, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Design de Plume is an inclusive design circle. We're a women-led, Indigenously-owned design team that creates inclusive and accessible designs for social good; founded in 2009 by three women - Meggan Van Harten, Jennifer Taback and I. Our studio is in Sudbury, Ontario (N'swakamok), and we have clients across Canada and the United States. Our clients include non-profits, cultural institutions, advocacy organizations, and public institutions. We offer services that include branding, layout design, and web design; however, we are most known for being visual storytellers and providing designs that are user-focused first.

Tell us about yourself

I started right out of college with two other women, set on starting a business in graphic design. With no entrepreneurial experience, it was a challenge; however, we were determined, smart, and passionate. It translated into our design work, which continued to build a positive reputation. Currently, with a team of 15 and a client roster I could only have dreamt of when we first started, I could not be prouder of what DDP has become. I'm motivated each day to come to work, knowing that the designs we create are unique, culturally relevant, inclusive, and accessible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to support 15 jobs with competitive salaries, benefits, and RRSP contributions. We also offer perks like bonuses, flextime, and remote work. It feels wonderful to be able to create and maintain jobs, especially through the pandemic. I'm also really proud of the award-winning design work we create. Some of our branding work was awarded and recognized internationally. Just recently, a video animation we created about ecology and sustainability won an award and was toured across Canada in a travelling show. We design exceptional work, and I am so proud of our growing team.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As business owners, we wear many hats and have many roles, but we simply can't do it all. Trusting team members to get things done and letting go of that control yourself is difficult, yet it will result in greater success. It's something I am noticing more and more. Passing along that torch and knowing that your business will continue to succeed while you take time off requires trust, but it's imperative if you don't want to burn out and also have a healthy balanced work/home life.

I recently had two kids back to back during the pandemic, and my youngest just turned 7 months. I may not be an entrepreneur who is running at full capacity at this very moment, but my business partners and team members are here to support me through my journey as a business owner and as a new mother.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't be afraid to start a business at a young age! You have way fewer responsibilities and bills as a young person and can use this time to grow your business without the fear of not being able to support a family or a mortgage. I probably wouldn't have endured the first few years if I had started my business later in life.
  2. Apply for all the funding, grants, and free coaching you can find. Look into your local chamber of commerce, regional business programs, government funding, etc. These will really help you get started, and they may even promote you through their connections and networks.
  3. Look for a mentor. A mentor can help you at different stages in your entrepreneurship journey. They can provide guidance, connections, and valuable advice. After 13 years in business, my business partners and I still meet with mentors who continue to help us reach our business goals. Surrounding yourself with a network of like-minded ambitions and determined people can be infectious in the best way possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://deplume.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesigndePlume/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design_de_plume/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/designdeplume
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-deschenes-rgd/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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