We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Clarity Willoughby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Clarity, appreciate you joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

Yes, I think most people who carry multiple layers of identity and responsibility have felt misunderstood at some point — and I’m no exception.

One moment that stands out was during my time at McDaniel College when I helped bring Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to campus. I was the first member there — a solo — and while I was proud of that, not everyone understood what it meant to build something from the ground up. It wasn’t just about joining a sorority; it was about creating space, representation, and sisterhood for future Black women leaders on a predominantly white campus. It took resilience, relationship-building, and vision — even when others couldn’t yet see the bigger picture.

Similarly, my mental health journey has often gone unseen or been misread. After losing my mom, I went through some of the darkest moments of my life — navigating depression, PTSD, and anxiety with psychotic features. Because I kept showing up, working, and creating, people assumed I was okay. But healing isn’t always visible. I had to learn to advocate for myself, seek out therapy, and build support systems even when it was hard. That experience reshaped how I show up for myself — and for others.

Professionally, in leasing and design, I’ve sometimes been viewed as “just another salesperson” or “just creative,” when in reality I bring strategy, empathy, and a strong sense of brand identity to every space I enter. Whether I’m designing visuals for my business, Devoured Treatz, or walking a client through their new home, I lead with purpose and care.

What I’ve learned from all of this is that being misunderstood isn’t a dead end — it’s an invitation to clarify your vision, to keep going, and to trust that the people who are meant to connect with your work will. You don’t have to prove yourself to everyone — just stay grounded in your why.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sure! My name is Clarity Willoughby — I’m a multi-passionate creative, anime lover, entrepreneur, leasing professional, and community builder with a deep love for storytelling, sisterhood, and building experiences that bring people together.

I graduated from McDaniel College in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Marketing Concentration) and a minor in Psychology. My academic background plays a huge role in how I approach my brand and work — from understanding consumer behavior to designing visuals and experiences that connect emotionally with people.

I’m the co-founder of Devoured Treatz, a Black-owned, family-run dessert business I started with my best friend of 10+ years and business partner, Lloyd. He’s the baking genius, flavor visionary, and heart of the kitchen — and I bring the brand to life through visual design, marketing, and creative strategy. What started as something small has become a meaningful part of our lives, and it’s because Lloyd has constantly pushed us to treat DT not just as a side hustle, but as a consistent, growing business rooted in our talents, passions, and love for community.

We offer custom treats for events like birthdays, weddings, and baby showers; corporate dessert boxes for client or employee appreciation; and our signature Business Dessert Drops — monthly deliveries to local workplaces with no delivery fee. Every treat is made with intention and joy, and our content reflects that — from campaigns like Black History is Sweet History to our behind-the-scenes TikTok series, where we blend humor, hustle, and a whole lot of sugar.

But DT is just one part of my creative journey. I’ve always been a maker. In the past, I’ve created custom apparel, websites, graphics, business cards/marketing materials, keepsakes, and other items for people, events and businesses. Creativity is how I connect, celebrate, and build meaning into everything I do.

In college, I poured that same energy into leadership. I was the Founding President of McDaniel’s Culinary Club, Founding President of the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and President of the Black Student Union — all while helping build the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as the first member on campus. I hosted events, led initiatives, mentored future members, and helped lay the groundwork for what would become an official chapter. I’m proud of the role I played, but even more proud of the incredible women and people who came after me and gave their heart and soul to grow it into what it is today:
Kayla Forsythe
Shanai Jones
Sarita Moore
Danielle Whittington
Teja Squire
Kassidy Steele
De’Aisha Davis
Arielle Harris
Taylor Mack
Kanyon Matthews
Ra’Nya Taylor
Wainie Youn (First advisor)
Joanna Mack (Chartering & Second advisor)
And all of my Sorors in the Alpha Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter who have loved on and supported us since 2021!!

The sisterhood and legacy wouldn’t be the same without every single one of them!💛💙

I’m an also a CNA/GNA, Certified Bartender, and Canva Graphic Designer.

More recently, I just started a NEW career in Property Management and am now a Leasing Agent! I got my start in leasing through the MMHALTA program — a workforce initiative that trains and certifies professionals for careers in property management and leasing. It gave me hands-on skills, industry knowledge, and the opportunity to grow within the multi-family housing field.

I bring warmth, trust, and a strong sense of brand identity into every client interaction — whether I’m giving a tour, creating marketing content, or helping someone feel confident about their next chapter.

I also created a campaign Willoughby’s Wonderland to give back to families in need during the holidays. I have helped over 3 families and a total of 5+ adults and 6+ kids. It wasn’t just me though. I heavily relied on donations from friends, family, and my overall community to fulfil the wishlists I was give by the families. With their help, every person I have donated to for the holidays got EVERY GIFT on their wishlist both big and small. From tablets to bikes, the community I have truly amazes me everyday and I am so thankful for it. Check us out on Instagram: @Willoughbys.Wonderland

On a personal note, one of the most life-changing moments of my journey came on the morning of my 23rd birthday, when I found out I had been adopted. While it came as a surprise, it transformed my understanding of love, identity, and family in the most beautiful way. It reminded me that family isn’t just about blood — it’s about choice, care, and the people who show up for you. That realization shaped how I show up for others and how I build community through everything I do.

What sets me apart is that I lead with intention, creativity, and care in every space I enter. Whether I’m designing a brand, baking up a marketing campaign, or guiding someone into their new home, I want them to feel something — joy, belonging, inspiration.

What I’m most proud of is the legacy I’m building: through my business, my sorority, my leadership, and my story. And for anyone getting to know me or Devoured Treatz for the first time — just know that everything we create is rooted in love, community, and flavor that speaks for itself.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to be strong, composed, and “100% on” all the time — especially as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces. I thought if I let people see me crack, I’d be seen as unstable, weak, or unfit to lead. So, I buried everything. I led organizations, started a business, mentored others — all while silently carrying grief, trauma, and exhaustion I didn’t know how to name out loud.

But the truth is, I was breaking. After losing my mother, I fell into one of the darkest places of my life — and it got to the point where I just feel like I couldn’t go on… I had multiple episodes of suicidal ideation and even made attempts on ending my life.

There was a moment I’ll never forget: I was driving alone, overwhelmed and numb after a therapy appointment with a McDaniel counselor. It was helpful at discovering my true feelings and understanding myself, my situation in life, processing grief, etc. but I was so overwhelmed with it all. I decided to drive to clear my head. So I set out to drive to PA for as long as I could drive. I didn’t stop and then… something happened.

I no longer wanted to be here anymore. Subconsciously, I began speeding up pretty fast and my car began drifting… driving towards the edge of a bridge. I saw myself slamming my car into the wall, falling over and drowning in the water. I wanted to end it all. No more thoughts. No more pain…

Luckily, I was on the phone with my best friend, Lloyd. He noticed that I went silent for a bit too long. He didn’t know what was going on, or that I was driving to PA… it was a “normal” phone call. My silence made him ask “Are you okay?”. And in that moment — as small as it may sound — something in me cracked open. I realized I didn’t want to die. I just didn’t want to keep living in the capacity that I had been living in for so long. I wanted out of the hole I had buried myself in.

That moment became a turning point. I checked myself into a mental health facility, voluntarily. My female bestfriend Victoria had to help me coordinate with my professors too because it was finals week when I did that. It was the first time I stopped putting on a “performance” for others and started “choosing” myself, my health, and my life.

I had to unlearn the idea that “survival” was strength. Real strength was telling the truth, asking for help, and believing that I was still worthy even in my most broken state. I didn’t have to suffer alone. I remember thinking about what would happen if I had actually went through with committing suicide. I know id be leaving so much pain to those I love. I had friends and family who would miss me if I killed myself. So many questions ran through my head… What would they think? Would they think it’s their fault? Would they hate me for it? Would this be where my mother’s legacy ended? My legacy? I had to ask myself “who am I living for?” And “why?”. “What can I do to make sure I never feel like this again?”…

And then… I got up. With the help of my support system, McDaniel, family, and friends.

I’m so proud I made the decision to LIVE and to redefine what life looks like for me and those around me. I’m so proud of myself for that. For not giving up on me. I mean, just look at how much I accomplished after that.

I became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., which eventually led to our official charter (The Uniquely Divine Undeniably PHIne Upsilon Phi chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Chartered on April 6, 2025).

I also created a business with my Bestfriend Lloyd! It’s been a lot of ups and downs with that but seeing the fruit of our labor has been amazingly rewarding.

I mean shoot, I have impacted so many people… inspired others even!

I volunteer at animal shelters now, I foster dogs and teach them skills so that they can find their forever homes. I even finally found a job I love getting up for every day.

I am so damn proud of myself and proud of the community that still shows up for me today!

Whether I’m building my brand or showing up for others, I lead with that truth. My story reminds me — and everyone else — that healing is possible. And that being even partially whole is more important than being perfect.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes — there are definitely resources I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey and I’ll share some of them with you here!

For one, I wish I had known about mental health resources specifically designed for Black women and creatives. Navigating grief, depression, and burnout while trying to be “on” creatively is incredibly isolating. I didn’t know therapy could be accessible or culturally affirming — or that there were people who could hold space for both my mental health and my identity. Now, I recommend resources like:
• 🖤 Therapy for Black Girls (directory + podcast)
• 🧠 Open Path Collective (low-cost therapy nationwide)
• 📚 The Nap Ministry (reminding Black folks that rest is revolutionary)
• 🧩 Sista Afya (Chicago-based but offers virtual mental wellness support)

From a creative/business side, I wish I had known earlier about free or low-cost tools to help build and scale a brand, especially when you’re self-funded and wearing every hat. Some of my favorite tools and platforms now are:
• 🎨 Canva Pro (for accessible design and branding)
• 💻 Notion (for content calendars, planning, and mental organization)
• 💰 IFundWomen and Hello Alice (grant opportunities + small biz funding)
• 🤝 SCORE Mentorship (free business coaching from retired professionals)
• 📈 The Cube Coworks (right here in Maryland — Black woman-owned and great for local entrepreneurs needing workspace or community)
• 📇 HiHello (for creating professional, interactive digital business cards that showcase all your work in one place — perfect when you do a little bit of everything)

But beyond tools, the biggest thing I wish I had earlier was confidence + community. For a long time I felt like I had to do everything alone — like I had to prove myself first before being seen or supported. Now I know that connection is part of the process. Having people who understand the ups, downs, and creative blocks is just as important as the product itself.

If you’re just getting started, don’t wait to feel “ready” — just start. Use what’s around you. Find your people. And know that there’s space for your vision, even if no one else has done it your way yet

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Claritywill
• Instagram: Qveen_Cay
• Linkedin: Clarity Willoughby
• Twitter: ClairNOTbear
• Other: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/Claritywill My PERSONAL Brands below Instagrams: @LeaseWithClarity @Willoughbys.Wonderland @Qveen_Cay TikTok: ClairXjewel My BUSINESS: Business Instagram: DevouredTreatz Business TikTok: DevouredTreatz