Life & Work with Danielle Jablonowski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Jablonowski. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Danilly Designs started just around the time that the Covid-19 pandemic hit us. At that time, I was working full-time as a supply chain buyer. Out of necessity, I started making masks for my friends and family; word of mouth hit, and soon mask-making consumed a large percentage of my time. As my demand for masks grew, my creativity with mask-making evolved and I was creating personalized masks with the help of my Cricut! In addition to sewing masks, I would also spend my time creating signs and porch leaners for my home with fun sayings. People began to notice all of the different items I was making and would inquire about replicating or creating a personalized signs and asking what I would charge. One sign lead to another sign, which lead to an increase in sign-making! In the Fall of 2020, I took a chance and had a booth at a local holiday craft fair, and to my surprise, I sold out of nearly everything I had made. Many people inquired if I had a shop or website where they could purchase additional items and my business took off! Soon after, a friend suggested that try selling my items at Plum Picks Vintage in Berea, to which, I did. As a vendor at the store, I tried my hand at teaching some DIY classes, where clients could create a personalized item such as a porch leaner or door hanger and it proved to be a success. A few months went by and the owner of Plum Picks Vintage mentioned that her lease was coming to an end and asked if I would be interested in expanding my business and moving into a larger space. In July of 2021, I expanded Danilly Designs to 402 W. Bagley Road in Berea, Ohio. Danilly Designs specializes in handmade wooden signs, porch leaners, home goods, and décor. Additionally, we help to get other local makers noticed by featuring their brand and items in our store. I am passionate about helping others to succeed. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would have to say that one of the obstacles/challenges would be to ensuring that I am always creating items that are relevant and an interest to my clientele. I always try to ensure that I have a variety of different items available; sometimes I create an item that I think people will love and it is a bust, but on the other hand, there are some things that I don’t think will be a hit and end up flying off the shelves! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Danilly Designs specializes in handmade wooden signs, porch leaners, home goods, and décor. Additionally, I offer a number of classes throughout month, such as Custom Door Hangers, Porch Planter Boxes, and Blanket Ladder’s just to name a few. Can’t wait to see you there! 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
In my business, I feel that there are a number of qualities that help you to grow and expand, not only personally, but also professionally as a small business owner. You have to be dedicated to your craft, keeping an open mind, be a risk-taker of sorts. You also have to be a people person, and both a teacher and a student; be willing to get to know other small business owners and help promote them as well! But most importantly, be true to yourself and love what you do! 

Contact Info:

• Email: danillydesigns@yahoo.com
• Website: http://www.plumpicksdanilly.com
• Instagram: danilly_designs_plum_picks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumpicksdanilly/

Image Credits
Amy Eldridge Photography