Derilyn is a brand identity and communications designer. She has experience working in the corporate, education, and non-profit arena. As the Designer, Creative Director, and Principal of Story & Flourish, a brand identity + design studio specializing in the intersection of culture, impact, and purpose, Derilyn connects stories and images to help create positive change.

EDUCATION

M.F.A. in Visual Communication Design,
School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design,
Miami Ad School at Portfolio Center

B.A. in English Arts,
Hampton University

Member of AIGA

My Story

Why Story & Flourish was founded

I've been a designer for nearly 20 years, and in that time, I've discovered the type of design work that I like best — creating experiences and working with people who want to fill a void in their communities. With that in mind, and after years of life experiences and listening to that inner voice, I'm following what feels right. It happens to also be in the footsteps of my family legacy — small business ownership.

Although most of my life has been lived in Evanston, IL and other cities around the country, I grew up in Chattanooga, TN. My parents owned a book and gift shop filled with books, art, greeting cards, custom framing, and various gift items. What made my parent’s bookstore so special was the community it served.

“The Bookstore,” as it was often called, was where one would find not only books, but art and jewelry by independent Black artists and Greek paraphernalia. It provided custom framing of artwork that hung in the offices of Black physicians, ministers, teachers, and art collectors. There were children's books about African American achievement (my parents always pointed to these books when I was bored) and Black greeting cards that stereotyped our experiences, but were the only ones available to our community at the time.

The Bookstore was not only serving people that looked like us, but it provided a type of nourishment to a community that was not being thoughtfully and fully served. It was a nurturing experience, a place that drew conversations about art, culture, and politics and created familial connections among visitors and neighbors; a place where Maya Angelou privately met with local friends for an evening chat when in town. It was a community that spoke volumes, just by walking in. The Bookstore was a place to discover a book, a card, an art piece, or a gift that would bridge those heartfelt feelings that could be shared with loved ones, and sometimes it was just an opportunity for someone to talk to my parents about their burdens. 

"The Bookstore" was a needed place—a symbol of sanctuary; a place that boldly voiced to the people who walked in, "I see you.” It was a place to nourish the soul to carry on until the next visit. 

So now, I bring those memories and my experiences, to the work that I create. Memories of creating a community of people who want to share their stories to those that need it and to those who support their journeys to visibility. Whether you are a leader in a non-profit organization who supports the arts, a creator of opportunities for equitable resource access, or a solopreneur working to make your way in your niche, I hope you are inspired to work with me. I hope that you will share your story to help us all flourish.