Every year in May, we celebrate Design de Plume’s anniversary with a lot of pride mixed with a little bit of shock. When we launched this business after college in the middle of the 2009 recession, the path ahead wasn’t always clear, and maybe that was a good thing; had we known what we were getting into, we might not have kept going!
But we’re so glad we persevered. What a joy it is to be celebrating our 17th anniversary with our team. Jenn and Meggan reflected on the past 17 years. Read more below.
What makes our Co-CEO format work so well:
Jenn: Meggan is amazing at taking a big idea and figuring out how we can make it a reality. I love discussing an idea with her, exploring the opportunities and risks, and finding a way forward. Our workflow is such a winning combo and it keeps me grounded in the best way!
Meggan: We have clearly-defined roles, but we consult together constantly and lean on each other’s strengths when needed. Jenn has an incredible ability to think quickly, take big risks, and still remain deeply methodical. Those skill sets don’t come naturally to me, so I feel incredibly fortunate to have someone in business that brings those pieces to the table.
We’re equally invested in the success of the company, our team, and our clients, and that gives us speed and agility. Ultimately, we thrive because we view each other as equal contributors. I genuinely can’t imagine building this business with anyone else.
Our “pinch me” moments:
Jenn: The DDP team winning a DNA Paris Design Award was a pivotal moment for me. I could see just how design was evolving on a fundamental level, not just here at home, but all around the world. Voices that were previously excluded are now finding seats at the table because of amazing advocacy work and dedication to intentional change.
Meggan: A U.S.-based client found us after searching “Indigenous graphic design” on Google, and we happened to be the right fit for each other. (The power of SEO!) It felt like this incredible combination of opportunity, timing, and luck all coming together. Connecting with an organization in another country felt surreal at the time. That project ended up being incredibly successful, and we still work with that client today.
Dream future collaboration:
Jenn: I would love to do more work for the Olympic Games, especially as they return to Turtle Island in 2028. I am excited to see how Indigenous design can be represented inclusively on the world stage.
Meggan: I want to extend our inclusion work to the world of video and tabletop games. I love to unwind by playing Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, or building Lego — and I’d love the opportunity to help make those spaces more accessible for everyone. I also think my five-year-old daughter would think that was very cool, which is a bonus as a parent. I want her to see the work I do reflected in spaces of play and imagination.
Thank you, miigwetch to our partners and clients who have supported this journey! We’re building something truly incredible together.
