Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnella Washington.
Hi Donnella, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I never thought I would be here. It just happened. My Mom passed away in 2013 and that really broke me. I was just here going through the motions every day. To the world, I seemed ok happy and moving on with my life. But, for me I was just broken. Just existing while the world was passing me by. In 2021 I made a memorial Christmas tree in memory of my mom. I handmade custom picture ornaments with different pictures of her. I never thought posting this on social media would have blown up the way it did. Everybody wanted a memorial ornament of their loved ones. So, in November 2021, I started making ornaments. My husband bought me a Cricut machine and accessories for Christmas 2021. I made my first shirt and another and another. Once again social media blew me up with orders. Never thinking this could actually be a successful business. January 23, 2022, only a month shy of making my first shirt I opened Jackie’s Legacy. Jackie’s Legacy was named in my mom’s Jackie Singletary memory. I now had something to keep me busy. This business has really brought me back to myself. The best part of it all is the higher I grow in my business the more people I reach through Jackie’s Legacy. Jackie’s Legacy will continue through 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?
I have faced many obstacles and challenges, but I remain focused. This road hasn’t been easy but with God on my side, I continue to keep pressing forward. Having my mom’s name on this business makes me want to keep going. Some challenges I face is time management with learning new things and fitting in training classes. Everything continues to fall into place perfectly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a custom t-shirt and graphic designer. I specialize in vinyl and sublimation graphic designs. My business has grown from just t-shirts to just about anything you can think of. I customize tumblers and mugs, stone plaques, graduation stoles, jerseys, socks and so much more. I always add a different creative vibe to my items that sets me apart from the rest. This business has become my passion and I love what I do. My business is only eight months old and has grown so much in this short amount of time. Sometimes I can’t even believe it myself. I’m self-taught and learned from lots of trial and error. I can say that it was easy getting here because I love it. I spend hours just researching new things I can create, new equipment I can invest in or just simply making something new from scratch just to see the beautiful outcome. Some lesson I learned on the way is just to never give up. Keep trying. The road may get rocky along the way but as long as God is on your side, he’ll hold your hand the whole way through. I want the world to know Nothing Is Too Hard for God. I was at the verge of giving up but look at me now. Jackie’s Legacy is being shipped to many states around the world. This is only the beginning.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I’m big on quality and good customer service. I take pride in that. That’s the most important part to keep your loyal customers coming back. Most importantly, I love what I do. It’s my passion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: jackies_legacy22_nikki
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083220706649
- Youtube: jackieslegacy
Image Credits
Raven Smith-CAPTURED IMAGES BY RAVEN P SMITH, LLC
