Growing my business

While attending college at Mississippi State University, my husband (Stephen) and I (Deshawn) started Clairmont Designs as a way to make money and pay for student loans. At the time we were engaged, Stephen had been accepted into the Architecture Program, and I was working on a degree in Elementary Education. I was also a cheerleader at State so.... to say the least.... we had very limited time and working a part time job was impossible! We would write down ideas in our free time, and then figure out how to make them reality. I never expected it to turn into a full-time job, but I love what we do with Clairmont Designs.

Clairmont Designs has truly turned into a great learning experience and opportunity for me to continue what I love…ART. I have even learned how to use a chop saw and other power tools, which was a little scary at first!
I have recently graduated from Mississippi State in Elementary Education and Stephen is working as a Intern and has just ONE more year left in architecture!

We are truly blessed to be able to pursue Clairmont Designs and to be able to create all kinds of "artsy things" that make life just a little more exciting!

Over the past two years we have been traveling all over Mississippi and Louisiana doing arts and crafts festival whenever school allowed. While doing festivals we have had several stores asking us to do wholesale, and we have finally made the decision to start selling to stores. Hopefully you will begin to see our stuff in stores near you.

We have been truly blessed by GOD to be able to pursue Clairmont Designs, but none of it would have been possible without the help and support of our parents. We love our parents very much, and we thank them every day for what they have helped us to accomplish. One day we hope to be able to repay them for everything they have done.

Above is our story about how Clairmont Designs was started and how it is constantly growing. My husband spends most of his time tending to all of our retail customers, continuing his business education, building website traffic, and building our website. One of our biggest issues right now is finding space to work (because we work out of our home now), figuring out how to ship and how much to charge, smart growth of the business, and of course continuing training online.

Stephen &Deshawn
"Adding Color to Life One Stroke at a Time"

P.S. We love and appreciate all of our wonderful customers, and thank you for helping us keep our dream alive.
 

Advice for others

I truly enjoy learning and tending to our business. If I did not enjoy what I do I would not do it. Do your research and find something that you love to do and capitalize on that opportunity. It only takes a little hard work and dedication to pursue a business that you truly enjoy. Also is today’s economic times you have to be willing to reach out and gain more traffic online. Take advantage of social media as much as possible. Invest the time and money and learn it.