Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantelle Jacobs-Freeman.
Chantelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
What started as a simple request for a wreath – at the behest of my mother – I, as with every other assignment or challenge in life, rose to the occasion and produced a work of art. That one wreath set off a sequence of events which motivated me to hone my skills in the art of custom wreath-making. From that one fateful assignment, Dapper Door Décor has diversified across several styles and materials – from deco mesh, to burlap (natural and colored), Madras (the official cultural fabric of the USVI), African Kente cloth, Christmas bulbs, and most recently, customized wooden wreath signs. I have been in business for almost four years and recently launched my website on May 9th, my 41st birthday.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There were many challenges along this journey. The biggest difficulty has been imposter syndrome. I question myself and my accomplishments a whole lot. I don’t have any degrees and I don’t have a fancy job that pays me lots of money, and for a while, I recognized those as the only accomplishments that mattered. Financial burdens was another setback. I am a sole proprietor, and like I stated, I don’t have a fancy job to help fund my business. It’s really just sheer determination and will that keeps me going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work full-time as a Leasing Specialist with Continental Realty Corporation. I lease apartment homes in the Catonsville, Maryland area, which is located in Baltimore County. This is ONE of my full-time jobs… LOL! I am also a full-time mom, wife and business owner. I am the mom of three young adults ages 22, 20 and soon-to-be 18 – my youngest and only girl will be graduating from High School in June 2022. I have been dating my wife and love of my life since January 2014 and we got married November 2019. Dapper Door Decor is my baby! Unexpectedly birthed in December 2018, I have slowly seen and understood what it means to feel an uncontrollable fire for something so so so important to you. I am proud of a lot of things in my life, but my resilience makes me proudest. I have survived heartbreak, domestic violence, job loss, bad credit, near homelessness and literally watched and lived through a Category 5 hurricane in my car, with my three children. I never give up! EVER!
What’s next?
Business-wise: Dapper Door Decor and my current 9-5 will hopefully be my stepping stone into Real Estate and Interior Design. I am extremely passionate about wanting to eventually own a design firm or at least be able to create a portfolio for individuals to contract me to design areas of their home.
Personally: My wife and I are currently saving to purchase our first home and possibly a multi-family property as well. And, TRAVEL – I want to travel all over this world!
Contact Info:
- Email: dapperdoordecor18@gmail.com
- Website: www.dapperdoordecor.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dapper.door.decor
- Facebook: facebook.com/dapper.door.decor2018
