What happens when a self-taught college creative turns late-night Canva sessions into a six-figure business? You get Jaylin Bolden—a visionary brand strategist who’s redefining the power of design for women entrepreneurs. Starting in her dorm room with zero formal training, Jaylin turned her “side hustle” into a full-blown creative empire before she could even walk the graduation stage. With a signature mix of heart, hustle, and high-end visuals, she’s not just building brands—she’s building belief systems for Black women who dare to dream in color.
FEMI: You started designing in your college dorm with self-taught skills—what was that first moment you realized your “hustle” had evolved into a full-blown creative empire?
Jaylin: I began designing in my college dorm room back in 2017, completely self-taught. I started to realize this hustle could turn into something bigger when I began consistently booking clients while still in school. The demand was growing rapidly, the income was increasing, and I was building strong, long-term relationships. The pivotal moment for me was when the IRS reached out regarding taxes. It caught me off guard because at the time, I still viewed this as a side hustle. I hadn’t realized how serious it had become. That moment made me realize I was running a full business, and it was time to start thinking like a CEO.
FEMI: You often say branding is emotional work, not just visuals. How do you help women tap into their true voice through design—and what role does vulnerability play in that process?
Jaylin: I always say branding comes first, marketing comes second and I lead with that at every speaking engagement. Branding is about how you make people feel. I help women tap into their true voice by encouraging them to make intentional design choices rooted in emotion. For example, when selecting brand colors, I always ask them to choose shades that have meaning. Colors that represent their story, values, or journey, not just what looks cute or trendy. Vulnerability plays a huge role in this process. When clients open up about their “why,” we’re able to create a brand that feels real, resonates deeply, and stands out authentically.
FEMI: The Design Academy isn’t just about graphics—it’s about building confidence, clarity, and cash flow. What’s the biggest mindset shift your students experience from Day 1 to graduation?
Jaylin: The biggest mindset shift my design academy students experience is understanding the power of consistency. From day one, I emphasize that mastering one program, over and over again, is what builds speed, creativity, and confidence. My design skills are sharp today because I’ve consistently used the same software for years. Watching students go from a blank canvas to creating something they’re proud of is powerful, but the true transformation comes when they realize that discipline and repetition are what turn creativity into a business. That’s when they start believing they can actually build a profitable design brand.
FEMI: Marketing & Mimosas is part masterclass, part Instagram dream. What’s the secret sauce that keeps women flying in and walking away with real results—not just cute pictures?
Jaylin: The secret sauce is the branding, plain and simple. Marketing & Mimosas is branded from start to finish, both online and in person. When women see that level of intentionality and consistency, they’re inspired to apply that same standard to their own brands. It’s not just about pretty visuals; it’s about the full experience. From the energy in the room to the quality of the content, the food, the connections, and the unforgettable moments, we’re creating something women have been craving as CEOs. They leave with real strategy, real support, and a renewed sense of confidence.
FEMI: You’re intentional about empowering Black women in industries that often overlook them. What does true representation look like to you, and how are you actively building space for it?
Jaylin: True representation means seeing Black women at every level, leading, creating, teaching, and thriving. It is not about placing us in the room for optics but making sure we have a voice, a platform, and ownership. I am committed to creating spaces where Black women feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Through my Design Academy, events like Marketing and Mimosas, and my own brand journey, I make it a priority to uplift women who look like me and remind them that their creativity is powerful, their stories matter, and their presence is needed in every room they walk into.
FEMI: You built a six-figure brand by 25—what personal principles or daily rituals keep you grounded and growing in the midst of building something so big?
Jaylin: Three things keep me grounded and growing: creativity, innovation, and faith. Creativity fuels everything I do…it allows me to approach each project with fresh eyes and bring unique visions to life. Innovation keeps me evolving. I am always looking for new ways to push my brand and my clients forward. But faith is the foundation. It gives me the confidence to take risks, trust the process, and stay aligned with my purpose, even when things feel uncertain. Staying rooted in these values helps me lead with intention and continue building something bigger than myself.
Whether she’s mentoring students through her Design Academy, hosting viral workshops like Marketing & Mimosas, or helping CEOs turn stories into strategy, Jaylin Bolden is a living reminder that purpose and profit can coexist. Her commitment to representation, consistency, and creative freedom is reshaping the branding industry from the inside out. And if her journey is any proof, the next generation of women entrepreneurs won’t just enter the room—they’ll own the building.
Images Courtesy of Jaylin Bolden.
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