Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Delvo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken started with a decision I didn’t even fully talk through at home first.
At the time, I had a stable job, a family to help support, and the “safe” path in front of me. But I kept feeling this pull to build something of my own. I had been doing graphic design and photography, and I could see the potential, but the only way it would work is if I truly committed to it.
So one day I did something that scared me. I went and put in my two weeks’ notice. I hadn’t even told my husband yet.
And then I took it a step further.
I rented a studio space downtown. Not tucked away somewhere safe and quiet, but right out in the open where people could see it. That meant I now had to help pay our household bills and also pay rent for my business. It was a lot of pressure, and honestly, it was terrifying.
But once I made the jump, I went all in.
I invested in equipment I believed would help my business grow. I bought a drone so I could offer aerial photography. I invested in video equipment so I could expand my services. And most importantly, I put myself out there. I network constantly because relationships are how I build my business. If I see something that needs to get done, I just step in and do it.
What I’ve learned is that the longer you sit and think about everything that could go wrong, the scarier the idea becomes. Eventually, fear talks you out of doing the thing entirely.
Sometimes the only way forward is to jump.
Taking that risk forced me to bet on myself. It pushed me to grow faster, work harder, and build connections in my community. Looking back, it was one of the most uncomfortable decisions I’ve made, but it was also one of the most important.
Sometimes the scary thing is exactly the thing you’re supposed to do.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Jessica Delvo, and I’m the owner of The Creative Dove Photography + Graphic Design, based in downtown Williston, North Dakota. At the heart of what I do is storytelling—helping people, businesses, and organizations visually communicate who they are and what they stand for.
I’ve been drawn to art and design for as long as I can remember. I started working as a graphic artist right out of high school and spent years designing for large companies, festivals, and organizations. Over time, that creative foundation grew into something bigger as I began combining design with photography and marketing. Photography became a natural extension of my work because visuals have the power to tell a story faster than words ever can.
When I started The Creative Dove, my goal wasn’t just to create beautiful images or designs—it was to help people build their brands and share their stories in meaningful ways. Today my work spans graphic design, branding, photography, marketing, and visual storytelling. I design logos, websites, and marketing materials for businesses, and I also photograph families, seniors, professionals, and events. Many of my clients come to me because they need help pulling everything together—branding, visuals, and messaging that actually represents who they are.
What sets my work apart is that I truly care about the people behind the project. I don’t see clients as transactions; I see them as partners in building something meaningful. Whether I’m designing a brand, photographing a family, or helping a small business grow its visibility, I take the time to understand what matters most to them. I want the end result to feel authentic and personal.
A big part of my work is also rooted in community. I’m deeply involved in supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and creative initiatives. I believe creativity has the power to bring people together and strengthen communities. In addition to my business, I serve as the President of Harmonic Creative World, a nonprofit focused on providing music and arts opportunities for youth in our area. Helping create those opportunities for the next generation is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that connects creativity with purpose. Through my work, I’ve been able to support small businesses, celebrate families, promote community events, and help people share their stories in ways that feel real and meaningful.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that I believe creativity should be approachable, collaborative, and impactful. Whether someone is launching a new business, rebranding an existing one, or simply wanting to capture a meaningful moment in their life, my goal is to help bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic and lasting.
At the end of the day, I love helping people create something they’re proud of.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that you need everything perfectly figured out before you take action.
Early on, I think a lot of us are taught to play it safe—have a perfect plan, know every step, and avoid mistakes. But entrepreneurship and creativity don’t really work that way. If you wait until everything feels comfortable or guaranteed, you often never start.
When I launched my business, rented my studio downtown, and started investing in equipment like drones and video gear, I didn’t have every detail mapped out. It was scary because I had a family, bills, and real responsibilities. But I realized that growth doesn’t happen in the comfortable, predictable moments—it happens when you’re willing to take a leap and figure things out along the way.
So I had to unlearn the idea that fear means “stop.” Sometimes fear just means you’re stepping into something bigger.
Now my mindset is different. If I see an opportunity or something that needs to be built, I don’t overthink it for months. I move forward, learn as I go, and trust that I’ll figure out the details along the way.
That shift—from waiting for certainty to trusting the process—has made all the difference in my business and my life.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think a big part of building my reputation in the community has come down to simply showing up and genuinely caring about the people and businesses around me.
Networking has played a huge role. I attend local networking events and business gatherings regularly because relationships are everything in a smaller market like ours. When people meet you face-to-face and see your work ethic, it builds trust in a way that online marketing alone never could.
Another big piece is something surprisingly simple—actually answering the phone. I try to be available, responsive, and easy to work with. If someone calls, emails, or messages me, they know they’ll hear back from me. In today’s world, that level of responsiveness stands out more than people realize.
I’ve also learned not to be afraid to talk about my work and be proud of it. As creatives and entrepreneurs, we sometimes hesitate to “brag” about ourselves, but if you don’t show people what you do, they’ll never know how you can help them. I make it a point to share my work, highlight projects I’m proud of, and celebrate the businesses and people I collaborate with.
Another thing that has helped build my reputation is taking the time to educate other businesses. Marketing, branding, AI tools, and promotion are constantly evolving, and many small business owners feel overwhelmed by it all. I enjoy sharing what I know—whether that’s helping someone understand how to better market their business, explaining new tools like AI, or simply giving advice on how they can show up more effectively online.
Not every conversation turns into a client right away, and that’s okay. Sometimes it just means I become a trusted resource. Down the road, when they need help with photography, branding, or marketing, they know who to call.
Volunteering and being involved in the community has also been incredibly important. I care deeply about the success of our local businesses and organizations, so I step in where I can—whether that’s helping with events, supporting nonprofits, or lending my skills to projects that benefit the community.
At the end of the day, reputation is built through consistency. Showing up, sharing knowledge, doing good work, and genuinely supporting the people around you creates trust—and over time, that trust turns into lasting relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecreativedove.com
- Instagram: thecreativedovephotodesign
- Facebook: thecreativedove
Image Credits
Krystle R Photography for headshot