5th Jun 2024
Meet The Member – Cheryl Devlin – Ariozo Designs & Deaf Awareness Hub For Business Owners
Name, business name – Cheryl Devlin – Ariozo Designs & Deaf Awareness Hub For Business Owners
Tell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
I have been a graphic designer for 16 years. Ariozo Designs was previously called Minimum One, the business I created when I was 18 years old. I was studying graphic design in college at that time, and being deaf, I found it difficult to get a job while I was in college. So, instead, I decided to start a business on the side. It was really successful, and I was nominated for an award as a young entrepreneur. When I graduated, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in graphic design, so I passed the business over to members of my family.
After having children, I decided to become self-employed and resumed my work as a graphic designer. However, I faced many barriers and struggles again, so I decided to change that. That’s when I created the Deaf Awareness Hub for Business Owners to help them be inclusive and accessible for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Around the same time, I was asked if I wanted the business I had started when I was 18 back, as my family members were retiring. I did. I missed it so much and decided to rebrand it as Ariozo Designs, incorporating both my graphic design and garment printing business.
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
Just to be myself and follow my passion
What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it? Imposter Syndrome – the most popular challenge we all go through. I decided just to be myself, show my passion and why I do my businesses.
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
To have a system, and be consistent with my services and sales. Clear messaging of what you do is important.
What are the big business goals for the next year?
To keep sharing my deaf awareness business, as deaf and hard-of-hearing people face barriers and struggles daily, which is very challenging. With my experience and positive mindset, I want to remind people about deaf awareness. I aim to continue sharing this message and become a public speaker so that my message can reach people globally.
How can the GGC Business membership help?
Training, connecting with others and feeling the positivity
What’s the dream?
To be able to have inclusive future for young deaf children (including my son) and not have barriers or struggles I had
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business?
I will achieve great things through small steps.
Shout out to another local business you admire?
There are so many of you and instead of choosing I want to say to everyone you are doing amazing, keep following your dreams!
Three fun facts about you!
1. I am profoundly deaf
2. I love music
3. I love doing adventure activities like bike trails, going on the zip wire etc.
