Interview with Illustrator Daveia Odoi: “I feel unstoppable – in a good way”

APiF: Please introduce yourself & your business

Daveia Odoi: My name is Daveia Odoi and I’m the owner and illustrator for The DynaSmiles by DNT (www.thedynasmiles.com). I also offer branding services through my company DNT Dynamite Design (www.dntdynamite.com).

APiF: What is your professional background?

Daveia: I was a professional graphic designer for a fortune 500 company for 10 years where we produced merchandising displays. So if you’ve shopped in any big box retailer (Walmart, Target, Costco, etc) you’ve seen my work!

APiF: What motivated you to start your own business?

Daveia: I’ve always had a knack for creating and selling things. I’ve traded design services for payment for as long as I can remember. Still, I didn’t really understand that owning my own business could be a viable path until I was almost done with college. What made me take the next step into full time entrepreneurship was wanting my time back after spending most of my day commuting to a job that wasn’t as fulfilling as my own work.

APiF: What inspires your work / creative output?
Daveia: I’m not a bubbly person but I am very positive when it comes to dreaming big and seeing things on the brighter side which stems from being raised in a loving and God fearing Jamaican home. My parents are so very supportive of the work I do and now that I have a family of my own the support has magnified. I feel unstoppable… in a good way!

APiF: Any tips for emerging entrepreneurs out there?

Daveia: Get a STRONG handle on your marketing strategy as soon as possible. A lot of entrepreneurs under estimate how vital marketing is to maintaining their business. It’s very necessary and in part is the very reason why social media is today’s marketing sweet spot.