DW Designs marks 10 years
A self-taught graphic designer working at First Baptist Concord back in 2012, Wilson realized the organization “needed a void filled in the graphic area,” he recalled, “and so I just picked it up and started teaching myself in order to become more of an asset to the media team,” with which he worked the better part of six years.
Burning both ends of the candle, Wilson continued — learning while helping them — to get wind beneath his business’s wings.
And so with one pop-up event in 2014 — and with 24 pieces of one T-shirt that simply read “Born and Raised,” which received a “huge” response on Facebook at the time — Wilson recognized God’s plans may have shifted for him, so he delved deeper into his endeavor while still working at the church.
In 2017, he was afforded the opportunity of opening his first storefront in Farragut.
“Farragut has and will always be a huge part of my story,” he said. “I love this town; I love being a part of this community.”
On getting the business idea into existence, Wilson said, like when helping his church, he was attempting to fill a need. “Like me, personally, I couldn’t find or didn’t find original gameday designs that I actually wanted to wear. Not everybody wants to wear a Power T or a standard ‘Go Vols,’ and that’s me — I didn’t want to wear that — but I was trying to find something like that, and I couldn’t find it, so I started creating it.”
DW Designs, shortly thereafter, moved in 2018 to Bearden, and Wilson began making more a name for himself, staying there about five years before, with the help of COVID-19, seeing foot traffic slow and online sales grow.
“And so I was, like, ‘what am I paying for?’”
He downsized to this new location, where he hopes it serves as a “reminder and/or kick-starter” for folks who haven’t realized yet it’s there.
“I’m still very small,” Wilson added, “even though I’ve been successful.”
Of the tougher 2024 economic predictions, he said, “This feels like I’m starting over.”
About his daughter, Belle, 13, and son, Clayton, 8, who were in attendance, “I hope they get to see how special these moments are,” Wilson said, “and remember these things for many years to come.”
For custom quotes or more information, visit thedwdesigns.com.
