Celebrating 16 Years of DDP

It’s Design de Plume’s 16th anniversary! Jenn and Meggan reflected on this milestone – here’s what they had to share:

Jenn: Our team has an innate ability to ask, “Why is it done like this?” and push back against system standards in design and communication in a constructive way. We’re always evaluating how we integrate Western design frameworks with Indigenous understanding and ways of doing and there have been some moments when it feels like the solutions are really groundbreaking.

Meggan: When we started Design de Plume, we didn’t have much—no network, no mentors, and no clients. We launched during a recession, which forced us to be scrappy and resourceful. At our core, we’ve always been builders. What’s guided us through the years is a deep commitment to embracing who we are as people. By staying true to our values, we’ve found changemakers and collaborators who share our vision of a more inclusive and equitable future. Our journey has been defined by lifting others up, creating meaningful relationships, and building a community that believes in better.

Jenn: Hone in on the things that get you out of bed in the morning and keep you up at night – those things drive your work. Sometimes, asking yourself, “Why doesn’t everyone think like this?” unlocks your superpower as an entrepreneur. It’s a balance of challenging the status quo and understanding which tools you can leverage in your own way.

Meggan: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be everything to everyone. In fact, trying to do that only waters down what makes you unique. Know your strengths. Embrace them fully. When you do, and when you connect with a community that aligns with your values, you’ll find yourself contributing to something so much greater than just your own work. That’s where the real magic happens.

Jenn: We’ve picked up some great cross-industry learnings on our travels that we have integrated into our work and passed on to clients. We’re also always learning over the course of our design work and applying this new knowledge to future projects. Many of our clients and partners are looking at the global landscape and it’s exciting to see people come together to share information, understanding, and hype each other up!

Meggan: Honestly, I wake up every day energized by our purpose and the possibilities ahead. We’re in such an exciting chapter—we have so many ideas for new products and services that will help our clients in deeper, more impactful ways. It’s all about continuing to innovate on what inclusive and accessible design and marketing can look like. I feel incredibly proud and grateful to be on this journey with my Co-CEO and our team, leading the charge to make real change in our industry.

Jenn: Happy birthday to our amazing team, partners and clients who have supported this journey for the last 16 years.

Meggan: I just feel so grateful—for our incredible clients, for the opportunities we’ve had, and especially for our team. Some of our staff have been with us for nearly a decade, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow both professionally and personally over time. DDP has gone through so many iterations, but the heart of it has always stayed the same. Seeing the people around us evolve and thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Thank you, miigwetch and here’s to the next 16 years!