We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Doris Butler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Doris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Starting in 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia, I created DMA Designs LLC. The name comes from combining my first initial and my son’s Michael and Andarrio. My mother, Mary Wilson, love for fruit carving started many years ago in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her expertise and crafty creations encouraged me to design and extend the business to Georgia. I started very small, creating fruit displays for my friends and family just to get a feel of their reactions. I have completed several designs for weddings, baby showers, office parties, birthdays, banquets, and other events. My theme is, ” If you can dream it, I can make it.” I hadn’t seen displays like what I am designing in Georgia. It is a passion of mine that I had to explore. I am not only the owner but the only designer. I try to make my designs personable; therefore, I enjoy the excitement of what I do when my customers are satisfied. I take pride in my designs, and I am always aiming to please with every arrangement that I create.
As a small business owner, I cater to individuals and businesses that desire my creations to enhance their special events. This business has much to learn, and I intend to grow my portfolio with more creative designs.
Doris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
DMA Designs is focused on providing fruit display services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction – we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.
Creating different designs using all types of fruit is filled with excitement. I take pride in serving my customers in what they desire to enhance the beauty of their event. My displays are the centerpiece of their chosen catering service and bring uniqueness with a delicious taste.
Most of my customers are caterers and brides—both like the displays I present to make their special day or events memorable. I am sure they can use other vendors to do this for them, but I have learned from my customers that I am unique and put a remarkable twist that isn’t expected.
I continue to learn what works and what doesn’t. I am pleased to say that I have had great reviews when creating displays that are beautiful and pleasing to the eye.
I want my clients to know that if you trust DMA Designs to create a fruit display for your event, we will listen to your needs and accomplish your desire. That;s the core of our business!
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I am the owner and operator of DMA Designs LLC. It is my passion career. I do have a full-time career as a HR Director, but creating fruit displays is something I simply enjoy. I fund my business by investing my savings and small business line of credit.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I started the business, I simply didn’t have the time to do as many displays as I was asked. It became more than I could do at first. Because it is a passion of mine, I had to make time to invest and do what I love. To create these displays, you must spend countless hours ensuring your client’s safety and that the products you purchase are needed to create a beautiful presentation. In addition, it takes hours to carve and hours to design. You have to have a strong passion and not cut corners. I have invested the time and will continue to educate myself to ensure I render quality service in all designs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dmadesignsllc
- Facebook: DMA Designs Fruit Displays