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

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Actually my thought process was a survival prayer request. I had just located to Dallas, TX from Louisiana, not too long after Hurricane Katrina, but not due to Katrina. The economy was rough and I talked to God, and asked him to bless me with a gift that could allow me to sustain the life I live and be a blessing to others. It seems as if he blessed me over night because the next day, I connected with Rickey Smiley after creating a graphic. We connected and the rest is history. Not too long after I started my company, I lost both parents. I was devestated and fell into deep depression. I used all that energy and poured it into my graphics. I made a vow and I told myself that I always want to do my best and give my best to others with the gift he has blessed me with. My mom always told me my gift would make room for me and I must say, it has taken me to some amazing places in these 15yrs, and met some pretty amazing people along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My passion is graphic design and I do it for the love of the design, the colors, and being able to bring a client’s vision to existence. I strive to produce quality work at all times and get to know my clients as well. Their energy allows me to create the perfect design for them. I pray before I get started and I give my best every time my hands hit the keyboard. Hard work and dedication have allowed me to cross paths with many greats in the industry, both locally and with entertainment professionals. You have to earn your place in a male-dominated industry. But I was focused when I started and declared back in 2006 that I would be among some of the best to do it, and I believe that I have earned the right to say that. I like my work to speak for me, that is why I take the time to listen to my clients and learn their needs. I put them first and their ideas and I don’t make any changes or requests without their consent. I like for them to be apart of the process and not just the beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely have to go to the Legacy Plano shop area, they have amazing restaurants there and lots of shopping. The Addison area is nice as well for metaphysical shops, restaurants, and nice clubs. And for the artsy side, we would definitely have to hit the Deep Ellum, there is beautiful artwork and muralists too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out is dedicated to my Aunt, Roena Wilford-my mother’s only sister. My Aunt is an amazing person and is a staple in her community back in Baton Rouge. She still teaches Sunday School and also still assist with Girl Scouts, not to mention she is an activist. She retired from being a professor at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La due to medical issues. Since then, she uses a lot of her time being of service to others, her church and her community. She is always fighting for the elderly, education and equality. She doesn’t get half of the credit she deserves for her amazing works, so this is for you Auntie. You are Everything Black Girl Magic is and I love you.

Website: www.jecustomdesigns.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jedesignsgraphx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedesignsgraphx/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jedesignsgraphx

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jedesignsgraphx

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJz80vg_uewoAM5RIFYv4w

Image Credits
Photos of Ashton Sander provided by JKAsh Mgmt, all other photos obtained via Google. No rights claimed.

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