Christine Llewellyn Ohemeng is the owner of Christine Joy Design, a surface pattern design studio in South Orange, New Jersey, that specializes in internationally inspired, boldly made home goods. Armed with the mission of infusing home interiors with playful elegance and global flair, Christine’s designs impart a contemporary, clean simplicity. They are impossible not to love.
After ten years in Brooklyn, Christine and her family moved to New Jersey to have a dedicated space for Christine’s artistic pursuits and to focus on building community around this creative, design-focused, niche industry. Sharing her love of textile printing and product design through small, hands-on group classes has been the cornerstone of her work ever since. Christine’s textile workshops focus primarily on process and experimentation versus the creation of a “perfect” final product. The end result is a day spent learning a new skill, meeting new people, and fueling one’s creativity into a unique, handmade product that can be displayed in the home for years to come.
This February we choose to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans. We are also supporting Black-Owned businesses that are uplifting the communities around them, making a change, and crafting products that help transform a house into a home. Today, we’re sharing Christine’s story, learning about her journey from finance marketing management to surface design entrepreneur, and discussing the biggest lessons she has learned since embarking on this journey. Here’s what she had to say. 
What inspired you to transition from working as a Marketing Manager in the finance industry to starting a business in surface pattern design?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in art, design, and using my hands to create. One of my first projects as a marketing manager was to lead a marketing campaign where I was required to work with a team of creatives. In work meetings, I found that I was so much more interested in the creative side of our project than I was in the project management aspect. I was fortunate to form relationships with some of the creatives with whom I worked. One graphic designer, in particular, encouraged me to take the leap into design as he recognized that I was truly passionate about it. After leaving financial services I attended Pratt Institute and obtained a Master of Industrial Design. This led me toward the path of becoming a surface pattern designer.
What or who inspired you to create Christine Joy Design?
My children inspired me to create Christine Joy Design. I had just had my second child when I officially launched my business. I knew I did not want my kids to see me in a career where I was feeling unfulfilled and unhappy. I also knew that I wanted to be my own boss and create my own hours, which would allow me the flexibility to be there for them when needed. I wanted to lead by example and pursue the thing that I am truly passionate about. Doing what makes me happy allows me to feel fulfilled, and in turn, makes me a happier and more present parent. I want them to find what it is that genuinely fulfills them, and pursue it, just as I have done. My husband also played a huge role by being my biggest supporter and encouraging me to switch to a creative career. 
You were recognized by Essence Magazine as one of “50 Black Women Founders to Watch” and have a client list that includes West Elm, Crate & Barrel, The Knot, and more. What’s your proudest accomplishment?
It’s always thrilling to see my designs out in the world. The very first time I walked into a store and saw my design was when I had art for sale at West Elm. I couldn’t contain my excitement! That feeling never gets old. 
What was the biggest challenge you faced while starting your business in Brooklyn? Did you face any additional challenges moving the business to South Orange?
The biggest challenge I faced starting my business in Brooklyn was really just managing everything. As an entrepreneur, I was “wearing all the hats” when it came to running my business, but in addition to that, I had a husband and two young kids at home. As a service pattern designer, it is really important that you get your designs out into the world which means attending a lot of trade shows. Balancing all of these responsibilities proved to be my biggest challenge.
As a surface designer, you need ample space to store finished work, various art supplies, and fabric. Leaving Brooklyn for a home in New Jersey meant that I might have space for a dedicated work area, which was a huge draw for me. While I missed Brooklyn immensely when we first made the move, my business has definitely grown as a result of having this added space. Our new home had an old carriage house in the backyard (pictured below) that my husband and I restored and turned into an art studio. This allows me the room to not only create but also to teach and bring people together, as well. So while the move away from NYC was tough, it was definitely a blessing in many ways.
How has the pandemic affected your business? Have you needed to pivot business strategies as a result?
The pandemic affected my business in a huge way. Once the pandemic began, I was home with my children who were missing other kids after weeks of social distancing. I decided to use my love of art as well as my teaching experience to launch some socially distanced kid’s art classes in my art studio. The kids absolutely loved them and I loved teaching them. I have since made teaching art to both kids and adults a large part of my business. 
Share the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting Christine Joy Design. And what, if anything, would you do differently?
Don’t be afraid to pivot and to discontinue what is not working, even if it happens to be the thing that you were known for, and that people expect from you. Similarly, do not be afraid to try new things and embrace what you love doing. Always be open to incorporating new offerings into your business model. 
We love that you host creative workshops for both youth and adults. Which workshop is your best seller?
My Shibori Indigo Dyeing workshop garners the most excitement. There’s something very special about each of the three textile design techniques that I teach (indigo dyeing, marbling, and block printing), however, there is truly something magical about dipping your bound fabric into an indigo vat and unfolding it to see a beautiful repeat pattern. That workshop consistently sells out quickly. Workshop participants are always so excited to bring home an item that they designed and made themselves.
What important tip can you share for those interested in dyeing their own fabrics at home?
Make sure to do your research on fabric pre-treatment. Certain dyeing methods require you to pre-treat your fabric for the dye to hold. Without that step, the beautifully dyed piece that you made will not last past its first wash. That is a mistake that a lot of people make and it is so unfortunate to lose your design.
Can you share one piece of advice you would tell an aspiring Black entrepreneur thinking of entering the same business/industry?
Unfortunately, there are few Black surface pattern designers in the industry. I would highly recommend that every young Black entrepreneur thinking of entering the Pattern Design industry speak to as many other designers as possible. It is very interesting to hear different people’s experiences – and there are many!
I would also suggest that an aspiring Black entrepreneur get a mentor. A good mentor is someone whom you trust who has been in the industry for some years and is willing to openly share their experiences. Sometimes simply reaching out to a surface pattern designer that you admire via social media and asking them for a bit of their time can forge a friendship or a mentor/mentee relationship. I think this is the most important step before pursuing this career. Being a creative entrepreneur is not for everyone, but it is best to go into it having done thorough research and knowing what opportunities and challenges might lie ahead.
You can learn more about Christine Joy Design and sign up for a class on her website. We encourage you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook for an inspiring dose of colorful, beautiful design and to witness firsthand the power of community.
