Christine Joy
“For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about design in all of its many forms: architectural, product, interior and graphic.”
#WomenWhoBuild Meet Christine Joy Llewellyn Ohemeng,
Christine is the visionary behind Christine Joy Design, a surface pattern design studio specializing in the home goods, apparel, and consumer product markets. Recognized by Essence Magazine as one of “50 Black Women Founders to Watch”, Christine’s vision has led her to work with clients such as Crate & Barrel, West Elm, All Modern, and The Knot. When she is not designing prints, Christine is teaching and hosting creative workshops in her fully restored 19th century backyard carriage house which now serves as a light filled and airy art studio. Prior to starting her own venture, Christine worked as a marketing manager focused on point-of-sale design and innovation within a large financial services company.
ArchNative sat down with Christine, virtually of course, to discuss her journey in design, the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of having her own studio, and her advice for women entering the field.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in design?
I am the owner of Christine Joy Design, LLC which is a surface pattern design studio specializing in the home goods, apparel and consumer product markets. I graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut and later obtained my MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. After getting my MBA I worked as a marketing manager focused on point-of-sale design and innovation within a large financial services company before leaving to pursue my passion for design. In 2011, I obtained my Masters of Industrial Design from Pratt Institute and, shortly after, established Christine Joy Design.
In addition to creating surface patterns, I teach classes and workshops on various creative processes out of my art studio.
The 19th century backyard carriage house prior to its full renovation.
What made you decide to pursue design as a career path?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about design in all of its many forms: architectural, product, interior and graphic. After a few years at various corporate companies that left me feeling unfulfilled I was determined to make a living being creative. Developing beautiful surface patterns for various product markets proved to be a perfect marriage of my many design interests.
What pushed you to take the leap of faith and begin your own studio?
I took a calculated risk. I did not take the decision lightly and made sure to do a lot of research before I fully committed to pursuing design. While I was working at my financial services job I made sure to take many continuing education classes in various design fields to make sure that I really could see myself beginning a design career. I asked my professors questions, I spoke to other students in the class who were in the field, and did as much research as I possibly could. I asked people who I spoke to to be as honest with me as possible about things that I should know, or even things that they wish they had known before pursuing their path. Doing this extensive research helped me so much and gave me the confidence to know I was making an educated decision. A decision born out of my heart’s desires but driven by research and a solid understanding of what may lie ahead. I also had the full and unwavering support of my husband who has always encouraged me to do whatever it is that would make me happy.
What has been the most challenging aspect? What has been the most rewarding?
I cannot find words to describe the elation that I get to do what I do for a living. To think that I can be paid to do the things that make me most happy (drawing, painting, carving) is truly a dream come true. At the same time, it has been quite an adjustment to wear all the hats as a business owner and to give up the steady and dependable salary from my financial services job.
You have a client list that includes West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and The Gap amongst many others. How were you able to grow your client list and get your work seen and recognized?
In my line of work, attending trade shows is key! Showing my work at trade shows has been the primary way that many of the companies I’ve worked with have found me.
The 19th century backyard carriage house after its full renovation.
Can you tell us a little bit about the renovation of the Carriage House Studio and the process that went into that?
When my husband and I first saw this house after a year of unsuccessful house hunting, we were so excited about the potential of the carriage house. We knew that it was a very special feature and one that we could use for the purposes of creating a space for my art studio. We enlisted an architect and a contractor and tackled the project in 2019. There was extensive work to be done on the structure’s foundation (it is over 100 years old!) as well as things to do to make the space open and airy. We increased the amount of light coming in and also repositioned the stairs to create one continuous space. We are so happy with the way it all turned out.
What is one piece of advice you have for women entering the field?
Do your research. Make sure you talk to as many people as possible who are in this field. Make sure you are able to live on whatever income you might get in the first few years of the career transition. If you have a life partner make sure you check in with them on all that you’ve learned to make sure you’re on the same page regarding expectations as you switch careers. I cannot stress the importance of having a partner who is supportive and understanding and will cheer you on and remind you of your dreams as you adjust to your changing career path.