While some may have seen a stint of unemployment as a reason to give up hope Dana Bly found grace in uncertainty. Inspired by the dynamic styles of the natural hair movement and the vibrant moments that occur in everyday life she used her illustration skills to start a small business. Pardon My Fro speaks to women of all backgrounds infusing spice and personality into seemingly dull household items like coffee mugs and shower curtains. We spoke with her about inspiration, the need for professionalism in small businesses, and balancing being an artist and businesswoman.
Learn more about Dana and Pardon My Fro below.
Name: Dana Bly
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Personal Style in three words: Vintage, Eclectic, and Colorful
Favorite Designer(s): I’m not really a label girl.
Must Have Accessories: Bangles, Earrings, and a Clutch or Messenger Bag
When did you first start showing artistic talent?
It started when I was ten. I was always drawing and making little patterns. I was always doing something creative in school and after school.
Was that talent nurtured during your education?
Yes. I had an elementary school art teacher that was awesome! She always told me I was an artist and encouraged me to keep up with drawing as long as I could.
What made you start Pardon My Fro?
It was actually really by accident. I was working as a graphic designer for two retail stores here in Charlotte and they actually filed bankruptcy. I was looking for other jobs and no one was hiring me. I was going on all these interviews and nothing. Since I was always doing some type of design work on the side I just started a business. I told my husband “this is what I want to do”. My daughter was eight at the time she helped me with the name.
Is it difficult to balance being an artist and a businesswoman?
Yes, because I always want to do art I don’t ever want to do business. I don’t like the business part but it’s a necessity. I just want to do art all day long and not worry about accounting, taxes, and e-mails. It is hard balancing but I’m getting pretty good at it.
You make such uplifting art what inspires you?
Everyday life. Whatever catches my eye, whatever is around. I get inspiration from colors and patterns I’ve always loved patterns.
What is your greatest professional asset?
My customer service. As a small business you still have to conduct yourself in a professional manner. A customer could have a grievance and come off really defensive. You can’t take that personal. I’ve been told a couple of times that the customer service is great, that people appreciate how fast you get an email from me, things like that.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Designing and brainstorming.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Trying to get the projects done on deadline. I have no time management skills whatsoever.
What’s been the greatest moment in your career so far?
Thinking back on when I was struggling in 2010, I’m honored to be able to work on the projects that I’ve been able to work on. Getting the Essence project was validation that I’m where I’m supposed to be. I was proud to get it.
What’s been the biggest setback or obstacle on your career path?
I started thinking “Oh I’m just going to design and sell it”. But there’s a lot you have to do in order for that to be successful I didn’t think about so many other things on the back end that you have to focus on. So you spend so much more time trying to catch up and focusing on something you should’ve done ten months ago. I’m learning how to balance everything so that I don’t have those setbacks in the future.
What three pieces of advice would you give to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs?
1) Be yourself. Do what you want to do and don’t do it because you see someone else doing it.
2) Don’t give up. When you get that local project and it doesn’t go your way the first thing that you’re going to want to do is close shop. Trust me whatever you’re searching for it’s going to come. Don’t give up.
3) Don’t be envious of other people in your industry. Don’t think you’re not going to get where they are. Don’t do that to yourself. They may have a lot more experience that you. You just need to stay on your task and on your level and you will get to where you need to be.
What can we expect next from the Pardon My Fro brand?
I’m really trying to take it to the next level. For 2016 I want to get out more. I want to get face to face. I want to do more shows, I love vending. I like doing intimate settings. You’re going to see a lot more Pardon My Fro in a city near you. There will be a lot more products coming out for next year. I want to do custom comforters. There’s a lot more work to do but I’m happy to be on this journey.
What’s in your handbag right now?
Probably a thousand and one receipts, double mint gum, Palmer’s cocoa butter lip balm, and bracelets I take off during the day when I’m doing stuff outside.
What to get your hands on Dana’s designs?
Check out her work at this year’s #ShopLoveBrownSugar!
-Keyaira N. Boone
Have you purchased your ticket to Shop LoveBrownSugar? Grab it below!