Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lakeshia Pearsall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Lakeshia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our mission is to empower businesses by creating visually captivating graphic designs that drive brand success and inspire meaningful customer connections.

I remember just starting out as a new business owner, and having no idea how to brand my company. I didn’t know which fonts to use, or what colors would look best, or what my logo should look like. I just knew I had a love for design, and I wanted to share it with other people who needed design services. I think a lot of business owners are like this, just starting with a passion but not necessarily sure how that should look. Then they expend so much energy trying to figure out how to make their business look good, that they lose momentum with promoting and spreading the word about the actual product or service that they are selling. This is why we do what we do. Our mission helps us to make it easier for business owners to focus on their business, while we focus on what is important for their vision.

My company was built to support the business owner who is still on the grind to get their company to the next level. We’re here for the entrepreneur who is still working full-time and running their own business full-time as well, the person who is working at the kitchen table because they don’t have an office building yet, or pretty much any person who wears all the hats in their business. We want to make it easier for business owners to do what they love, without having to compromise the aesthetics. We develop graphic designs for flyers, business cards, uniforms, t-shirts, car magnets-whatever a business owner needs to make them look and feel like the boss they are!

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

My name is Lakeshia Pearsall, and I am the CEO and co-founder of Jay Mack Designs, a dynamic graphic design agency that is focused on supercharging brands. My path into graphic design was born out of a passion for visual storytelling and a desire to make a meaningful impact through design. As a black woman entrepreneur, I recognized the lack of representation and authentic voices in the graphic design industry, which inspired me to create a platform that celebrates diversity, cultural richness, and innovation. This inspiration drove me to establish an agency that would not only create stunning visuals but also stand as a testament to our rich and diverse experiences.

We provide a variety of graphic design services that are tailored for business owners, brands, and organizations. We specialize in creating logos, designing business cards and flyers, as well as apparel design and branding. These services all go toward helping business owners generate a cohesive look and feel for their company while maintaining the desired vibe for their company. Our services allow the business owner to focus on doing what they love.

I am so excited about the transformative journey Jay Mack Designs has undertaken – evolving from a small apartment-based t-shirt printing company into a thriving graphic design agency that stands as a symbol of authenticity, creative empowerment, and community support. I am proud of the impact we’ve made through our designs and the sense of community we’ve nurtured. We have created branding tools (logos, business cards, apparel, etc.) for trucking agencies, daycares, cosmetologists, clinics, churches, and real estate agencies-just to name a few. Each design project is handled with care. We work with our clients from the beginning all the way through the design project. To be honest, that is the fun part. Learning what the client loves and then designing a visual concept that embodies their brand or idea is what we do best. To see your designs included in a brand’s portfolio is an amazing feeling, and that is the basis for our legacy.

The ability to celebrate and amplify diverse voices and stories is at the core of our brand. I take immense care in crafting designs that not only capture attention but also resonate deeply with the individuals and brands they represent. The recognition that our work has the power to motivate entrepreneurs, and help them shine in their industries is what drives us to work so hard for our clients. I think that this is what sets us apart from other graphic design companies.

Jay Mack Designs is a space where creative minds can unite, share their narratives, and collaborate on projects that truly matter to them. In essence, it’s not just a design agency; it’s a movement that aims to redefine the design landscape, inspire change, and foster connections that support the community at the same time.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives struggle to understand that the creative process is a real journey. Well, it’s a wild ride, sometimes, and it’s often a bit of a mystery for those on the outside looking in.

The creative process isn’t like following a recipe. I complete parts of a project in layers, and those layers are tailored for each client. I grind through moments of inspiration, a lot of the time not stopping until a portion of the task is completed. Then I complete the next part of the project and continue in this back-and-forth pattern until I get the client’s vision just right. I don’t just fly through the design process. I want to make sure that I touch on all the intricate details and nuances of a brand so that I can make the final presentation absolute FIRE for my client. It’s a beautiful mess, really.

Now, what many people might not get is just how emotionally invested both myself and my partner are in our work. It’s not just about pretty pictures or catchy videos; it’s an extension of our hearts and souls. We work closely with our clients and we take on the mental aspect of the design project-which is the part that non-creatives don’t have to worry about. The logo or flyer we create is like our personal fingerprint in the creative world. Sometimes it dances to a different beat, and that’s okay. It’s what sets our work apart and makes it authentically ours.

Now, here’s the thing – creatives are our own toughest critics. My partner and I both have to check ourselves sometimes because we strive for perfection amidst all this creative chaos because there’s beauty in what we do. We communicate through our work. We tell stories, and convey emotions, and sometimes, we speak in a language only our art can understand.

I just gave yall the blueprint, lol! It is a creative journey, a whirlwind of emotions, vibes, continuous learning, and self-expression. It’s not always easy, but it’s a ride worth taking for those willing to dive into the creative rabbit hole.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a profound mission that drives every stroke of my design and every project I undertake. My goal is to use creativity as a force for positive change and empowerment. It’s not just about crafting visually stunning pieces; it’s about making a meaningful impact, both within my community and beyond.

One fundamental aspect of this mission is supporting and giving back to the community. As a black woman-owned agency, I’m deeply committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and talents. I actively seek collaborations with entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds, providing them with a platform to showcase their stories and visions through design. By doing this, we create a ripple effect of empowerment and representation, fostering a more inclusive creative landscape.

Moreover, I believe in building a legacy of service that extends far beyond my own creative journey. I want my children, and future generations, to inherit a legacy rooted in the values of empathy, diversity, and community engagement. Through my work and the example I set, I aim to inspire them to carry the torch of service forward, using their own talents to make the world a better place.

In essence, my creative journey is guided by a mission to create a positive impact, empower voices that may have been marginalized, and lay the foundation for a legacy of service. It’s about using design as a vehicle for change and ensuring that the creative flame burns brightly in the hearts of those who follow in my footsteps.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaymackdesigns.com
• Instagram: @jaymackdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaymackdesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jaymackdesigns

Image Credits
Douglas Pearsall, Jr. Eyeni Visions