Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Chavana.
Camille, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to Dallas in 2003 to pursue a degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. I started working as an assistant stylist on a variety of commercials and photoshoots. I really thought I wanted to pursue styling as a career, but became frustrated by not really being a part of the creative development of the photoshoot. That’s how I became interested in Art Direction. I needed a more creative outlet and was intrigued by the idea of brainstorming and developing concepts for advertising. After I received my Associate’s Degree in Fashion Marketing, I attended Texas A&M University-Commerce and studied Visual Communications. I fell in love with graphic design and was the happiest when designing invitations and stationery.
I have worked for companies like Sally Beauty Company and TPN. My Client list includes Thomas English Muffins, Sara Lee Breads, Tropicana, and CocoAndre Chocolatier. I decided to become a stay-at-home mom shortly after my son was born. I launched my own stationery brand once I got my bearings as a new mom while also freelancing. I loved my job at the ad agency but knew working full-time with a newborn was not how I wanted to begin my new journey through motherhood. I took a big risk leaving (I worked so hard to get there) but knew in my heart it was the best decision for my family and me. It would not have been possible without the tremendous support from my husband, Matthew.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road in the beginning. When I first moved here, I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was pursuing things that interested me but hadn’t found my true calling. But after I enrolled in design school, I never had a doubt that’s where I belonged. I am so thankful I chose that career path even though I was a bit older than most of my classmates. I kept getting hung up on my age and what other people my age had already accomplished.
Aside from a rigorous design program, I would say the most challenging parts came much later while trying to start a family and deciding whether to be a working mom. I was at a crossroads and felt forced to choose between one or the other. Deciding to become a stay-at-home mom and open my own business was the best decision I could have made. I don’t know if I would have started You&Mille otherwise.
My advice to young women starting out: Have faith in YOUR journey. I know it can be super hard with social media these days, and the inevitable comparison game, but try not to worry so much about what your peers are doing. Don’t feel rushed by other people’s timelines!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with You&Mille – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
You&Mille is a boutique stationery brand and print shop based in East Dallas. I specialize in greeting cards and graphic art prints. I also design custom wedding invitations, birthday invitations, and graduation & birth announcements. I believe everyone deserves to celebrate life’s many milestones through the use of beautiful paper.
I am most known for my whimsical bilingual greeting cards (more Spanglish really). I am very proud of how I celebrate and incorporate my Latinx culture into my designs. I love creating artwork and greeting cards with Latina women in mind. I really feel we aren’t well represented in the stationery world and I aim to change that. I have recently designed sweatshirts and t-shirts for Latina Made Not Maid. Latina Made Not Maid (LMNM) is a global non-profit organization that works towards changing Latina stereotypes. I am super passionate about designing for women-owned businesses and organizations.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I definitely feel that now, more than ever, there is really nothing stopping us. It’s been amazing to witness women changing the game when the 9-5 isn’t cutting it anymore. The coolest companies have started with women wanting to do their own thing. I’m really enjoying the women empowerment movement and the age of the mompreneur/girl boss. I feel so proud. #grlpwr
I also see big opportunities for young Latina women just starting out. You may not see many Latina Women Graphic Designers out in the real world but social media allows you to connect and see ladies just like you doing big things. It’s so inspiring! There is a big community of Latina Organizations on social media that support and uplift each other. I definitely could have benefited from that as a young woman. I feel more than ever that we have a voice and a platform to showcase our skills and to continue to uplift and inspire each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/YouandMille
- Email: youandmille@gmail.com
- Instagram: @youandmille
Image Credit:
Ilona Jade Photography
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