Meet Destiny Darcel | Digital Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Destiny Darcel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destiny, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Can we normalize entrepreneurship falling in our laps? That’s how it happened for me. It wasn’t anything that I planned to do. During quarantine I began illustrating and posting on my finsta (which is now my business page lol). I really believe that timing has a huge part in many success stories as it does with mine. We were all at home, we were all bored, and I was creating unique content that had no overhead costs, just anything I could dream up and draw on an iPad. However, there was a point in me blowing up where I had to decide to be intentional and disciplined to really make this work. Those were the hardest parts of really starting my own business. I can’t express how much harder it is to work for yourself than it is for someone else.

My thought process turned into, how can I meet every deadline and expectation that I have set for clients. And that’s where waking up earlier and working longer came in to play.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The purpose of my art is simply for Black women to see and feel seen. My art embodies what makes us happy, what makes us smile, and what makes us laugh. There’s so much focus on Black women constantly having to persevere, overcome, and dim their lights for the comfort of others. And quite frankly, I’m over it!! What about what makes us happy and feel good you know?

I’m very proud of myself that I have been consistent and disciplined in this art journey. Discipline isn’t something that is always in you. I am a prime example of that. Sometimes discipline is a learned behavior. It was certainly not easy, but it’s the little things that really keep you going. Specifically, the amazing community I’ve built.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question!
– For culinary experiences we have to make reservations at Gunshow, Poor Calvins or Eight Sushi.
– For a grown and sexy vibe we definitely have to hit Tessarae rooftop bar or Rose and Crown
– For a club vibe I love love love Fin and Feather on Edgewood, Boogaloo, and Rose Bar (even though they don’t have a food menu which is typically a requirement for me lol)
– For shopping we have to hit Ponce City Market and Avalon
– For fun activities I love the roof top carnival vibe Ponce has going on, Puttshack at the Interlock, and LOA also at the interlock
– Finally for a really swanky classy dinner I am a huge fan of Marcel’s

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
MY MOM of course!!! She has truly been my rock through this all. From packaging my orders to setting her own expectations of me herself, I truly couldn’t have done this without her. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to push forward without her.

Website: https://www.destinydarcel.com

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Linkedin: Destiny Darcel

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Image Credits
Destiny Darcel