Meet Josey Depew of Graceful Leo Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josey Depew.

Hi Josey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My husband and I moved to Clarksville, TN in May of 2020 due to being stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. Being a military spouse, the odds are already against you with trying to have a career, but also trying to find a job during that time, being one of the high points for COVID, was just plain awful. I would apply to so many positions and half of the time not even get a callback.

I graduated in 2018 with a degree in Graphic Technologies, which is print and design, and was getting really discouraged. Here, I had this degree that I absolutely love but wasn’t able to use. I am also one of those people that can’t just sit at home all day – I need to be doing something. So, after thinking long and hard about what I really wanted to do and what I could do, in August of 2020, I took matters into my own hands and started my business Graceful Leo Designs.

I started off offering freelance design work, such as logo design, business cards, banners, etc., while also creating earrings, keychains, and wall decor. I have always loved working with my hands and find so much joy in bringing an idea/vision to life, so it just made sense. It honestly started out as a “let’s try this and see how it goes” and has continued to grow to the point that it has turned into a full-time job. Word of mouth has been a huge part of my success! Within the little over a year that I have been in business, I have been able to purchase new equipment that has allowed me to grow even more and offer more items that I previously could not.

I have also grown as a designer – the skills I have gained through the variety of clients that I have worked with have allowed me to better myself with designing and being creative. Being able to have my own business that I can then take anywhere the Army sends us is something that I am very appreciative and thankful for. I am so incredibly grateful for the support I have been given and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, I can’t say I really have any complaints. I think the biggest struggle was just making sure I had all the correct forms submitted and filed correctly to be doing business legally. It was definitely intimidating and daunting, but I learned and found some great guidance and resources. Outside of that, being a “one-woman show” and having to do everything (the social media, finances, product photos, website building, etc), became very time-consuming.

I had to quickly find that balance to where I wasn’t working 7 days a week from sun up to sundown. I found the things that I really didn’t enjoy doing and outsourced them to other small business owners, so it’s a win-win. It can be very mentally and physically exhausting, so finding the time to just relax and unwind is so necessary – especially if your office is in your home like it is for me.

I also had to learn that it’s okay if your friends and family don’t purchase from you – your target market is much bigger than that. I still get support when they share my posts or talk to others about what I do, so I still appreciate them. I also had to learn that I can’t make everyone happy and sometimes working with someone just isn’t a good fit – and that’s okay! I am a people pleaser, so this was a hard one for me, but I slowly learned that it’s okay.

As you know, we’re big fans of Graceful Leo Designs. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
For the design side of my business, I specialize in logo design but still offer design services of all types. My logo design is what has really taken off when I started freelancing. My target market is the small business owners who understand the importance of branding but can’t afford the high price tag of design work. That’s where I come in and alleviate some of those costs. I make sure my clients are always 100% happy with their final logo and don’t leave them feeling like they are just stuck with something.

I want them to love what they get. I also provide them with all the file types to set them up for success. I love seeing my clients be successful with their businesses, and knowing I got to be a part of that journey just warms my heart. Plus, it is pretty cool when you see your work on the side of a large truck or happen to see it when walking around town.

For my handmade items, all of my earrings are named after important/influential women in my life. These names include Michelle for my mother, Shirley for my mother-in-law, June for my great-grandmother, and so many more.

When it comes to the name of my business, the idea behind my business name starts with me being a Leo – August baby! I am a strong-minded but kind-hearted individual, and typically like to be the one in charge (although I know when I need to step back and let someone else do it). I chose to include the lion as part of my logo to represent the strength side of me – both as a military spouse and as an individual, while also including the roses to show the softer, graceful, girly, and caring side of me (plus, roses are my favorite flower).

I am the kind of person who will always be there for you, am humbled by my upbringing, and appreciates every opportunity that I am given. My business name is me.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success means securing and having the career that I have always wanted and worked for while also being able to support my husband’s military career. To not have to wonder where I will work next and that what I have built with my business, I did it all by myself from the ground up.

Success is being able to make others happy, which in turn makes me happy and also acts as a career/is sustainable income. Having my business has allowed me to feel fulfilled and I constantly feel pride in the accomplishments and successes that it has brought me and continues to bring me.

Pricing:

• Logo Design – Start at $50
• Handmade Earrings – Start at $8
• Wall Decor – Prices Vary

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.gracefulleodesigns.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/gracefulleodesigns
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GracefulLeoDesigns
• Other: spouse-ly.com/store/graceful-leo-designs

Image Credits
Cassandra Marie Photography