Meet Korynn Wakefield | Small Business Owner, Developer, Designer

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

Hi Korynn, why did you pursue a creative career?
I am a natural artist who refused to believe it for almost 18 years of my life! I was brought up so technical and the technical stuff always made sense to me. I was always the girl with the plan. 2+2 always equaled 4. And I liked to leave no room for question nor error. But when I got out on my own and got to experience things I had never thought to experience before, it really opened my eyes, my heart, my mind to a world where I truly belonged. Where it was okay to leave open ends and okay to not always have a plan. Entering this new world, I felt balance. It’s unusual to find people who are both technical and extremely creative. But it works out in an amazing fashion for me! I’ve never felt more complete. So, from there, I chose a career that let my creativity work with my technicality every day. Dabbling in running the business and creative direction has just made it all come full circle.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There are so many creatives, but not a lot of demand for creatives in the job market. I had a hard goal of getting my degree and an even harder goal to work in a field where my degree would be utilized. I was fortunate enough to establish a career in my field, apparel and textiles, but it was really hard, being a creative, and trying to get used to working a full time job where not much changed and there was little concern for the designers creative direction. I learned as much as I could about the field, picked up skills needed for business, networked with small business owners, and launched my brand the next year. My small business has scratched that itch of creativity for me. It has allowed me to speak my mind in ways I could never imagine, and touch people I don’t even know exist! It even allows me to connect better with coworkers I never had much in common with. Juggling a small creative business while working full time hasn’t been a walk in the park, and it’s still a work in progress. I have a lot to learn! And I’m still working to create my own version of a work/life balance. But I am thoroughly enjoying what I do and where I’m going and that is the key to it all. The fire that keeps me going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my beautiful city of Atlanta and I love to explore and find new gems as much as I can! First and foremost, this time of year, the Botanical Gardens is at its peak. It’s absolutely breathtaking. I like to consider myself a foodie, and Atlanta has plenty of good eats, especially good black owned eats! First hit up Mr. Everything and explore Atlanta’s rich black history. Then hit Centennial Park and see if you can manage to get through the Aquarium, Coca-Cola Factory, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights in one day! The next day, head to Ponce City Market, try EVERYTHING (especially the Frose) and walk off all the food and treats on the Beltline. The next day, get pizza at Fellini’s then hit Little 5 for some inspiration and good thrift shopping at Rags. On a Thursday, hit MET Atlanta to network with a plethora of Atlanta creatives! The best days are the simple days spent relaxing at Piedmont Park, people watching, snacking, and drinking with friends. Get good home style cooking at Mary Mac’s and top it off Sunday Morning with brunch at BQE!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the village of AMAZING BLACK women that raised me! My entire life, I’ve been blessed to be around an incredibly strong group of women that create and run their own narrative, that always prosper in the face of adversity and who, most importantly, encourage you to do the same. It’s all love where I come from. And pure inspiration around every corner. It’s amazing and I love you guys!

Website: buynooriginals.com

Instagram: @no.originalslc

Facebook: No Originals, Limited Co.