Meet Demarcus Williams | Owner, FRESHDESIGNZ, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Demarcus Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Demarcus, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I graduated college in 2003, the economy was experiencing the effects of a recession that took place in the early 2000s, which made finding a job difficult. After applying for several jobs and attending interviews with no success, I decided to create my own job starting my business, FRESHDESIGNZ, LLC. The business name was inspired by my childhood nickname, “Fresh” and I had came up with the business name while developing my senior portfolio website during my senior year of college. Over the course of that summer and fall of 2003, I formed an LLC, got a tax ID number, a business bank account, PO Box, and equipment and did all of my freelance graphic design work out of my living room while working full time at a print shop and part-time at a jewelry store in the mall.

What should our readers know about your business?
I launched FRESHDESIGNZ, LLC in 2003, driven by both necessity and a desire to help my clients realize their dreams. Still, over the years, it has grown into something much more of a vehicle for helping organizations and individuals tell their stories with clarity, impact, and vision. What sets me apart is that I don’t just design logos, campaigns, or digital experiences; I build brands that bring life to their missions. Whether it’s an HBCU strengthening its voice, a nonprofit inspiring its community, or a business looking to stand out, my work is rooted in strategy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of how design can drive transformation.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way. My journey with Saint Augustine’s University, NCICU, and even my service at Greater Emmanuel Temple of Grace are all anchored by one common thread: using creativity and communication to open doors for others. At SAU, I support a university that seeks to preserve its accreditation; at NCICU, I showcase the collective power of private colleges across our state; and at church, I’ve served as a statewide youth leader with the NC State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW) and received a national award from the International Pentecostal Young People’s Union (IPYPU), and built community outreach initiatives that have touched hundreds of families locally. In the community I recently graduated from Leadership North Carolina, I’ve served on city and state boards and commissions along with serving as member of my alma mater, NC State University’s alumni association board of directors. Those experiences continually pour back into FRESHDESIGNZ, sharpening my perspective as both a business owner and a servant leader.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. Building a business while balancing nonprofit leadership, university marketing, and communications has required resilience, faith, and relentless creativity. There were times when resources were scarce, clients were hesitant, or the odds were against me due to a struggling economy. Still, I’ve learned that challenges are often the best teachers. They push you to innovate, to lean on your network, and to keep sight of your “why.”

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I must pair vision with consistency. Design without purpose fades quickly, but when you align creativity with strategy, you can build something that lasts.

At the end of the day, I want the world to know that my brand, whether through FRESHDESIGNZ or my leadership in higher education and ministry, is about valuing your vision. My story is proof that with faith, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others, you can create impact that far outlives a single campaign, project, or role.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Durham and Raleigh for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of both cities—the culture, the food, and the community energy that makes this part of North Carolina special.

We’d kick things off with a stop at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles in Durham—because no trip here is complete without it. From there, we’d take a stroll through the American Tobacco Campus to enjoy the mix of history and modern energy, and then spend some quiet reflection time at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, one of the most beautiful places in the Triangle. Sports are a must, so we’d catch a Durham Bulls game and, if timing lines up, a Carolina Hurricanes game at the Lenovo Center.

In Raleigh, I’d introduce them to NC State football or basketball, which holds a special place for me as an alum. We’d also check out a rotation of art exhibits and new local restaurants—because there’s always something fresh happening on the food and arts scene.

For summer visits, I’d plan around some of our signature festivals: the African American Cultural Festival, Bimbe, Black August in the Park, and the ever-popular food truck rodeos. Evenings would be reserved for live entertainment—whether it’s a concert at DPAC in Durham or an outdoor show at Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh.

What makes this area so special is that there’s always a balance—you can enjoy the richness of culture and history during the day, and end the night with great food, sports, or live music. A week here is never long enough, but it’s always unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dr. Nashett Chaunte Garrett

Website: https://freshdesignz.net

Instagram: https://instagram.com/demarcus.williams2

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valueyourvision

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemarcusWill2

Facebook: https://facebook.com/DemarcusWill2

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@demarcuswilliams8487

Image Credits
Personal photo courtesy of Mecca Clarke Photography: https://www.meccaclarkephoto.com/