We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Willie Mitchell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Willie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business sort of came by accident. Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to have my own art & design business and creating 3-D fashionable art was unthinkable. Until one day many years ago while I was working in my Aunt’s African boutique in Brooklyn, NY. A customer walked in and requested to see some cards. She didn’t see the exact card that she wanted. So she asked my Aunt if I could make a special card for her. I said yes and the rest is history.
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.
Art and design have always been an interest of mine. When I was a child living in South Carolina. I would always imagine myself having a successful career in the arts or fashion industries. After I graduated highschool, I quickly returned to my original home of NYC and began my journey in the arts & fashion worlds. I attended Parsons School of Design for two years and afterwards began working for various fashion houses as an illustrator and assistant designer. After years of creating designs for other designers, I decided to start my own art & design business which is named Willie Mitchell Designs. It’s an art & design business that specializes in handmade 3-D artworks, greeting cards, post cards ornaments, Painting & T-Shirts. Willie Mitchell Designs has been in business for 25 years and continues to grow successfully.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My story of resilience is dealing with the everyday challenges of running a business. Whether it’s marketing, meeting people, traveling to do exhibitions, the challenges of running an art & design business makes a person strong and resilient.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I had to unlearn is not to be so forceful because everything has it’s time and purpose. I used to be quite anxious about achieving success to where I was always felt stressed and pressured. I didn’t know how to enjoy the journey and really listen. I had to learn that even in the times of mistakes and trials there is still peace & joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.williemitchelldesigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/williemitchelldesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/williemitchellart
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/williemitchell
- Twitter: @williemitchelldesigns
- Yelp: williesworldofartsdesignscuisines