Cassidy: Welcome, Darlynn! Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your business, Sewlynn Jewelry and Designs.

Darlynn: My name is Darlynn Marks. My business is Sewlynn Jewelry and Designs. I am a custom seamstress and jewelry designer who specializes in plus-size clothing and alterations.

Cassidy: It’s a pleasure to have you here, Darlynn! I absolutely love how you focus on empowering women through fashion, especially in the plus-size community. Your dedication to creating custom pieces that celebrate women is truly inspiring.

Cassidy: Please tell our readers more about your products and services.

Darlynn: I sell handmade clothing and jewelry. My designs are women-centered, African-inspired creations. I also do custom alterations and custom clothing by appointment.

Cassidy: That’s amazing! The blend of African-inspired designs with a focus on women sounds both beautiful and empowering. Your custom pieces must bring such a unique flair to your clients’ wardrobes. I can imagine how special it must feel to wear something crafted just for you.

Cassidy: Who or what inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship?

Darlynn: My mom was a business owner when I was younger, and I would help her with her accounting and customer service my freshman year of college.

Cassidy: How wonderful! Having your mother as a role model must have been so influential. It’s heartwarming to see how early experiences can shape our paths. Working alongside her must have given you invaluable insights into running a business.

Cassidy: What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur? What’s the worst part?

Darlynn: The best part about being an entrepreneur is the ability to be flexible with your time. The worst part about being an entrepreneur is the feeling that comes when you don’t make a sale.

Cassidy: Flexibility is such a gift, especially in the creative industry. Being able to set your own schedule allows you to nurture your creativity. I can relate to the challenges of slow sales periods—they can be tough on both confidence and finances. But those moments often drive us to innovate and grow.

Cassidy: List some of your greatest achievements.

Darlynn: My greatest achievement so far is a collaboration with my fashion fellowship and the Department of Education. Doctor Kim Hunter Reed is the commissioner of higher learning for the Department of Education, and the fabrication and business laboratory fellowship was contracted to complete an outfit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bayou Classic for Dr. Hunter Reed. The jacket was donated to the Capitol Park Museum and will be on display in the HBCU Day exhibition once it is completed.

Cassidy: Wow, that’s incredible! Collaborating with the Department of Education and contributing to such a significant event is a huge accomplishment. Having your work displayed in the Capitol Park Museum is a testament to your talent and hard work. Congratulations on this prestigious achievement!

Cassidy: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs struggling to balance their life and business?

Darlynn: Never pour from an empty cup. Be sure to use your planner. Rest and planning are two of the most important things in being an entrepreneur. If you’re doing everything by yourself, you need time to strategize, and you need time to rest so that you’re able to get everything you need to get done completed.

Cassidy: That’s such valuable advice. It’s so easy to overlook self-care when we’re passionate about our work. Taking the time to rest and plan not only helps us stay organized but also rejuvenates our creativity. Your point about not pouring from an empty cup really resonates with me.

Cassidy: What marketing techniques have you used to sell your services and products? Which ones have been most successful?

Darlynn: Currently, the only marketing technique I am using is advertising with Meta. It is helpful. I attempted to do advertising with Etsy, and although I use the platform to sell my items, the advertising option isn’t worth it.

Cassidy: It’s interesting how different platforms work for different businesses. Meta advertising seems to be serving you well, which is great to hear. Thank you for sharing that insight. It can be so helpful for other entrepreneurs figuring out where to focus their marketing efforts.

Cassidy: What projects are you currently working on?

Darlynn: I am currently going on vacation mode so that I can complete my next line of aprons and restock my wash day bonnets.

Cassidy: Taking time to focus on new creations is so important. Your next line of aprons sounds exciting! I know many are eagerly awaiting the restock of your wash day bonnets. Sometimes, stepping back to concentrate on product development makes all the difference.

Cassidy: Where do you see your business in three years?

Darlynn: In three years, I hope to have a new location to teach classes and, hopefully, enough sales to take my wash day bonnets on Shark Tank.

Cassidy: That’s a fantastic vision! Expanding to a new location and teaching classes will allow you to share your expertise with even more people. And aiming for Shark Tank—how exciting! I can totally see your wash day bonnets making a splash there.

Cassidy: Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Darlynn! Please share your social media and business contact information so our readers can connect with you.

Darlynn: Absolutely! You can find me at:

Website: https://www.sewlynnm.etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewwhat_lynnsews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewlynnjnd

Cassidy: I encourage everyone to check out Darlynn’s beautiful designs. Thank you again for joining us today, Darlynn.