We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Don Carol. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Don below.

Alright, Don thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path was when I was in Vincenza, Italy as a child. I recall my mother drawing these elaborate designs, cutting out templates, sewing, and creating garments. I was fascinated by the fact that someone can create based off of thought. She never took art lessons, but was able to draw realistic scenes and detailed portraits of people who did not exist. That’s how I learned how to draw my siblings and I have different artistic talents. My sister is more of an abstract painter, my brother is a cartoonist, and I am a charcoal, realistic artist. From there, I began sketching designs inspired by what I saw in Italy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At the end of 2022 I began to dive into astrology. From there, it influenced me to follow my passion as I learned more about myself being a creative designer. What I have created is a self actualization fashion brand through the lens of astrology. Currently we have a line of T-Shirts with various designs and messages. What sets me apart from others is my ultimate goal through the brand. Every design I create is meant to educate the public. I am most proud of the ability to bring thoughts into reality, using my imagination to create whatever I want and as of lately, it has been more clear direction I need to go.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, things that people in society can do to support creatives are to continue local designers in the local area. I see a lot of major labels stealing ideas from up and coming artists as they have access to quicker turn arounds and better manufacturing at the moment. But the support of the people can build the brand quicker through likes, shares, subscriptions. It doesn’t take much.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is thinking that I needed a lot of money to start a brand. I used to have a sports apparel brand that I started with my siblings back in 2012 and that set the foundation to the business side of the industry for me. It fell through because we wasted a lot of money. But if we would have educated ourselves first, we would have saved thousands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fifthhouse.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jxyhtx
• Twitter: https://x.com/fifthhousebydc?s=11
• Other: Twitter: @fifthhousebydc