We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Owen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
To be honest I did not start out to create a business. It all started very accidentally and led to my enjoyment of creating resin pieces. After a very short time I realized I had to do something with all my creations, they were taking over my home. I then started to sell them at local stores and then small events.

There was no grand plan and certainly no business plan. The whole thing development as a reaction to things that were selling or happening. It was not until well into year two that I had to take a step back and formalize a real plan.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To be honest my art is not my actual career. I have a day job as the Chief Operating Officer for a financial firm. That alone is a full-time commitment so finding the time, focus, energy and excitement to do my craft can sometimes be challenging. I spend way more on my craft than I sometimes make, but it fuels my passion and outlet for creativity, so it is all worth it for me in the end.

My day job simulates my rational numbers side and Designs By J fulfills my spirit.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be honest I am a complete homebody, but Irving has such a broad variety of offerings just outside my door. Always something to do at the Toyota Music Factory and a tour of all the restaurants on Water Street would be a must. Even just taking the pups for a walk on one of the many trails or around the lake in Las Colinas. It does not take a big production to keep me happy and entertained.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My late father, Jerry Owen was my greatest champion. He lived 10 hours away and never actually saw a single piece of my art in person. I started working with it in April 2022 and he was unfortunately killed in November 2022 before he got to come to Dallas to see a show or my studio.

However, he called me every day to “check in” and see if anything sold at a store. He kept very close track of how much I was making and selling and continuously encouraging me at every step. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone who just blindly believes in your greatness without even laying eyes on what you are creating. That is a true mentor and champion. I believe without that foundation in the first year of my business I would not have had the strength and self-discipline to keep going.

I miss that support immensely but carry his faith in my abilities close to my heart every minute.

Website: www.designsbyj76.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbyj76

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbyj76

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.