We recently connected with Destiny Gant and have shared our conversation below.

Destiny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

As a brand & vision strategist, God has strategically positioned me to use my gifts and skills to help others to bring their visions to life. I believe that brands are perfect vehicles for delivering impact. Everyday people’s lives are impacted by brands, so why not create brands that will change lives for the better. In my work I support visionaries in building out the foundation of their brands and birthing their visions. My focus is building an agency that will support the brands that support and impact the community.

Beyond my own agency, I would like to change the landscape of my field. I would like to see more black-founded and run design agencies/studios/firms at the top of the design field. I have found that the field is highly disparate when it comes to opportunity and success and I hope to have a hand in changing that.

Additionally, I’m also looking to create opportunities for young people to explore career paths in design. I think design is a great career option with unlimited potential, especially for students even if they’re not interested in college. Although I’ve gone to school, taken classes, and earned the degree, I am not of the belief that you need a degree in graphic design to excel in the field. I believe it’s an accessible career path that students can learn at any age, so I want to create awareness amongst young people and reduce barriers to entry.

Beyond my agency and industry, I would like to make an impact in the community. In many cities across America many working-class families experience bleak living conditions. This is particularly true in the black community. Many family’s homes are in disrepair with crumbling foundations situated directly across from vacant lots. Many communities are not only food deserts, but also opportunity deserts. There are only low-wage jobs with little to no opportunities for advancement. There is little access to capital and support to start and run thriving businesses. There is little access to quality education and healthcare.

I’m originally from Philadelphia so I saw neighborhoods like this often, but moving to NC as an adolescent opened my eyes to the fact that these conditions were not normal. I want to create replicable models for community development in underserved communities. My ultimate goal is to position myself to dedicate my life’s work to this.

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.

I’m Destiny! I’m a vision and brand strategist and the CEO of D.O. Designs, LLC, an NC-based boutique branding agency that specializes in helping impact-driven entrepreneurs and businesses leverage the power of branding to do good in the world. We offer a full suite of branding solutions, from tools/resources for developing a brand strategy to brand design and implementation. We’re all about using design to help visionaries create impact and tell their story in a unique, compelling way.

Every day we have the opportunity to work with dynamic leaders and visionaries to not only bring their ideas to life but also, to help them build brands that will create positive impact in countless people’s lives. This ranges from victims of domestic violence to ex-convicts to underprivileged youth to the next generation of mental health professionals; I see that our work is making a difference, and it is truly an honor to do it.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I love the book “Visioneering” by Andy Stanley, it’s an incredible book about being a visionary from a Biblical perspective. It’s a great read for entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, creatives, and innovators.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Capturing my client’s vision and bringing it to life. It’s an incredible process like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. I can tell they feel seen and heard and to me that’s powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.destinyodesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyogant/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DestinyOGant
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/destiny-gant

Image Credits
Still Shots Photography | Ashleigh Crawley