Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Doune Clermont, Founder and CEO of Jay Doune Designs, located in Jersey City, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a Black, Haitian, masculine presenting queer artist who brings attention to the LGBTQIA+ community by focusing my artistic talents in a way that highlights the spectrum of identity that is within my community. Being a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), I have used my artwork to bring awareness to social and mental matters that aren’t often discussed on larger platforms.
Tell us about yourself
I have always identified as an artist, especially after I noticed that this style of expression was something that I could make entirely my own. However, I didn’t become aware of my talent until 1997. I first showed interest in digital art in 2009, when I came to the realization of the evolution of art through technology. I learned the technical aspects and skills required for this art form through my academic career as a fine arts major in college.
My community motivates me! My digital art brings the community together by allowing the accessibility of art to be more widespread. My art combines the use of beautiful imagery with social and mental awareness topics. My current collection brings to light the issues of healthcare access for BIPOC individuals, which is an unfortunate common theme within the LGBTQIA+ community. Healthcare for LGBTQIA+ individuals has its limitations. There are also many issues within the black community about receiving access to healthcare and the stigmas surrounding the community in partaking in mental healthcare.
My digital art provides a unique opportunity for conversations to be had in safe spaces within their community. The creation of safe spaces for open dialect is important to the LGBTQIA+ community as it allows for authenticity, advocacy, interpersonal development, and awareness. My artwork provides a nonviolent mirror of my own battles. My art gives people a chance to have a voice and to be seen, heard, and centered.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To use my artistic abilities to design logos and contribute my skills to the creation of website designs as a way to help and promote entrepreneurial efforts for those within the black and queer community. It was a different platform that I could use to express my thoughts and provide support for my community.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Allowing myself to not take it personally if someone doesn’t appreciate or reject my artwork. And gaining more platforms and assistance to continue to showcase my artwork.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up on your dreams.
- Sleep/rest. Because I am a huge fan of ‘resting,’ I truly believe sleep is an essential function that allows your mind, body, and soul to regenerate, leaving you refreshed and energized when you start a new day. Sleep is important for every part of my brain, especially important for my imagination. I can recall most of my dreams, and those dreams assist with my art creations.
- Don’t compare yourself or your craft with others. You and your artworks are one of a kind, and don’t allow yourself to tell you anything different!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jdounedesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_doune_designs/
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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