We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Fowlkes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dawn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I truly believe that at heart, we’re all ‘kinfolk’, connected by our diverse backgrounds. ‘Kinfolk” can easily be defined as individuals or groups that one feels a deep connection, whether through shared experiences, cultures, or mutual support. A community. It’s amazing how much we discover we have in common once we start talking and really connecting with one another. I hope my legacy reflects that sense of connection.
I live everyday with the mantra ‘we all have the power to create the greatness we want for our lives’. I want my legacy to build a community with this understanding, and as kinfolk, to support one another and stay KINctd. (family connecting through diversity).
I want to be remembered as someone who brought people together. Someone who helped bridge gaps between different cultures and viewpoints, showing how similar we are at our core. I aim to leave a mark by encouraging others to look past our differences and see the deeper connections that bind us.
Imagine a legacy that strengthens these bonds and keeps the conversations going. I want to leave behind a community that uses dialogue not just to chat, but to build real understanding and respect. That’s what I’m working towards—a world where diversity connects us, enriching and completing our lives in so many ways.
That is true GREATNESS!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
So now that we are friends ….. Since I was young, I’ve been driven by the desire to give and connect with others. This passion led me to start my business, which aims to help small and startup businesses thrive by providing them with top-notch design services at affordable rates.
At KinFowlkes Design Solutions, we specialize in variety of branding services from creating logos to marketing materials that not only look great, but also communicate the unique values of each business we work with. What sets us apart is our commitment to treating each client like ‘kinfolk’—we’re genuinely invested in their vision and success. This approach has fostered a deep sense of trust and collaboration with our clients, allowing us to create truly personalized and impactful designs.
I’ve expanded into apparel with GR8nessforme and a personal brand, itstheGREATNESSforme, where I host a blog to share insights and inspiration. These ventures are extensions of my belief that everyone has the power to create the greatness they want for their life. Through my apparel and blog, I encourage others to express themselves and embrace their journey toward personal and professional fulfillment.
I’m most proud of how my business has evolved into a hub for creativity and empowerment. Whether it’s through design, apparel, or content, I strive to uplift and inspire everyone I work with. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that it’s a vibe over here! You’re not just buying a service or product—you’re joining a community committed to celebrating and creating greatness together. We ‘kin’ now!
I believe that by fostering genuine relationships and understanding among diverse groups, we can all achieve more together. That’s the heart of everything I do, and it’s what I hope resonates with you.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When jumping into graphic design, it started with what I had on hand—my mom’s computer with Publisher software! I used that to make my very first logos before moving on to a free trial of professional software. Once I practiced and started getting clients, I was able to fund other equipment.
As for my apparel business, it started in a similar manner. I used my new design skills to create mock-ups of t-shirt designs I couldn’t get out of my mind, put them out there, and started selling. The money from those first sales went straight into buying my first heat press, shirts, and all the bits and pieces I needed to really get going. A huge help came from my friend Shaymar, who runs The Space: Free Art for All in Greenbelt, Maryland. He showed me how to DIY screen print and even donated my first batch of supplies. This was over 5 years ago and I still have some of my very first practice shirts as a reminder.
It’s all about connections. I surrounded myself with folks who believed in what I was doing—my greatness, my vision. Their support showed up in diverse ways – purchasing apparel, donating supplies, or just helping me spread the word. And I was able to return that support by creating apparel for their business, a logo, a food truck design, etc.
By the way—the very first shirt I made had ‘Don’t Mind Me… I’m Just Creating Greatness’ on it. That slogan sums up my whole vibe and how I got started!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Ahh, I love getting questions like this. There are two things that really stand out as the most rewarding aspects of being a creative. First, it’s absolutely amazing to see a client’s reaction when they love the design. There’s nothing like hearing, ‘This is exactly what I envisioned!’ It’s like striking gold in our industry. Our main goal as creatives is to nail it for the client, to truly capture what they’re looking for, our art to be appreciated. So, when a client is overjoyed and impressed by something I’ve created, it’s the best feeling.
Secondly, there’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing your work out in the world. It might be driving past a food truck with a design I created, spotting a flyer I designed at a local restaurant, or seeing a logo I made on cupcakes at a client’s grand opening. Knowing that so many people will be able to see what GREATNESS I have created, can’t be expressed with words.
These moments are unexpected joys that remind me of the impact my work has out in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kinfowlkesdesign.com
- Instagram: @kinfowlkes_design
- Facebook: KinFowlkes Design Solutions
- Other: Instagram: @gr8nessformeapparel and @itstheGREATNESSforme
Website: www.gr8nessforme.com and www.itsthegreatnessforme.com
Image Credits
Jonathan Martin