Small Business Spotlight BY DESIGN Q&A

By Design Founders Justin Ikerionwu & Muenfua A. Lewis

(Q) Describe your business in less than 50 words:

"By Design is a creative lifestyle brand that uses different mediums to showcase the power of creativity."

(Q) Where did the name of your business come from?

"By Design was birthed from a combination of many names. The name sort of stuck and we went with it. It’s means made with intention."

By Design Founders Justin Ikerionwu, Muenfua A. Lewis & Positive Director of Photography Michael Saldivar People Posse 3P Media

(Q) How did it all start?

"By Design originally was meant to be a look book. It was supposed to be this larger than life project in hopes of collaborating with local brands. It later became the brand that it is today because we wanted to share stories for and by creatives like us."

(Q) +What makes your brand/ business different than the rest?

"Our brand gives voice to the creative. In a way that’s not contrived or cliche. We move with intention. Every action has meaning."

Muenfua A. Lewis CO-Founder BYDESIGNMAG.COM & Positive People Posse 3P Media Director of Photography Michael Saldivar

(Q) What was one of your biggest challenges that you had to overcome with your business early on?

"We didn’t have a traditional background in journalism, so it was tough to get things going. We took it upon ourselves to learn the rules of the game. Despite the lack of experience, we let our unique experiences shape what we wanted By Design to be. In essence, our lack of experience in the industry benefited us."

(Q) +Greatest accomplishment thus far?

"Inspiring creative people throughout the world. By Design is a community."

(Q) +Outside of your business, what are you most passionate about?