Most college grads don’t find their first employment position from Craigslist; and most don’t build one small contract into a multi-faceted entrepreneurial venture. Allyson DuPont, 32, of Cranston, RI, did just that. A recent graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in web design and a passion for the arts, she landed what she thought would be quick freelance work which then flourished into a workshop and her own home-based business.
The scope of her work includes website designs, logos, and print pieces, and she also creates hand-made paper goods and products, ranging from brochures to planners, cards, invitations, notebooks, and calendars.
She turned her garage into a graphic design and paperie studio, with financial assistance from the State Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and RI Office of Rehabilitative Services (ORS). Having impressed her first client with ease and with what she notes as “little time left before I had to start paying student loans,” she decided to take what money she had and invest in her own business.
Her own estimate of approximately $12,000.00 allowed her to buy software, binding and cutting machines, and to renovate her workspace. While some of this money was granted to her through state resources and funding and staff support from the RI Developmental Disabilities Council, she raised most of the funds herself.
Without question, that first client, a Fifth Avenue scarf maker and fashion guru, provided an important lift at the outset. From that point on, her education, talent, skill and support from RIDDC, have helped convert her passion to a viable business.
Allyson has worked with a consistent base of clients including the RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC), RI Cross Disability Coalition, and RI Statewide Independent Living Council. She also worked on a number of projects in partnership with Women and Infants Hospital and the RI Parent Information Network, and consulted with the RI Office of the Secretary of State prior to the 2016 election to ensure the accessibility of Rhode Island’s new voter information and registration portal.
Allyson acknowledges that this is the fastest growing aspect of her business and has earned a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award for the last two years. Allyson’s handmade invitations and signage have been featured in multiple issues of RI Monthly Engaged and she also contributes to their Tips & Trends section as an expert on stationery and invitations.
Between the two aspects of her design business, Allyson says she works at a very minimum 30 hours a week, but more often than not well over 40 hours. Currently, she juggles more than 15 clients; many are one-time contracts for small businesses.
When asked how well her business is doing, she responds, “I’m not rolling in money, but I’m seeing some real business growth, and that’s what I want to see.” Clearly, her entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well.
Allyson offers a context for her calling. “I come from a family of makers – from fine arts, sewing, and crafting to cooking, carpentry, and gardening. We like to work with our hands.” She adds, “I combine my love of paper and career in graphic design to bring fresh images to life!”
Born with a neuromuscular disease termed Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Allyson uses a wheelchair to get around. She also uses her knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in her work and applies the “Person First” philosophy and universal design to her work in a progressive way.
“I want to make every website easily usable for every person, regardless of ability,” she offers as an example. “This is a principle usually applied to architecture or print media, but according to her isn’t applied where it should be: the internet.”
Allyson describes her life as one typical of a business owner. In addition, she serves as a speaker for the RI Cross Disability Coalition, and spends time with friends and family. All are important to her.
On a personal note, she acknowledges that she is also trying to add to her sixty pair and growing shoe collection: “I’ve got a pair in almost every color imaginable!
A sole proprietor over her business since 2009, Allyson comments that she and her business are just at the beginning of an exciting pathway to a successful career, personal independence and gainful self-employment.
“Allyson is involved with the RI Developmental Disabilities Council’s (RIDDC) collaborative project ”Self-Employment—the Spirit of Individual Enterprise” with the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) funded by the Governor’s Workforce Board’s “Real Pathways RI” Project to assist people to obtain necessary skills to be successful business owners and part of RI’s diversified workforce. For more information contact RIDDC at 401-737-1238.”
Website: http://www.allysondupont.com/