Note: This article was updated at 11 a.m. EST on Friday, October 18 to reflect that Decor Ones LLC Founder Skylar Buchanan did not step away from her position as a Graphic Designer at Giant Food to launch her own business.
From Cathy Hughes to Ben Ali, Howard University has always been an incubator for the business leaders of tomorrow. With that said, it’s a lot more difficult than it may seem from the outside looking in.
One in five business owners see their brands and imprints fold within the first year. Making matters worse, eight in ten Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months of operation. Fortunately, Decor Ones LLC, a custom tufting and wood decor imprint owned by Howard University alumna Skylar Buchanan, is the exception to the rule.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Buchanan took a leap of faith. While maintaining her position as a Graphic Designer at Giant Food, she launched Decor Ones LLC. Years later, her business is thriving, and her custom pieces have captured the attention of everyone from Houston Texans Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs to Trinidad James.
On Sunday, October 20, Buchanan and Decor Ones LLC will be at Nationals Park for Black On The Block. Before she takes the field, she offered a bit of insight into her upbringing, business, and goals.
Ryan Shepard (Culture Editor, Def Pen): I want to talk to you about your time in Washington, D.C., and your business, Decor Ones LLC, but I’d like to start at the beginning. How did your younger years in Southern California shape you into the person you’ve become?
Skylar Buchanan (Founder, Decor Ones LLC): While growing up in Cali, I was either playing sports or doing something creative. Whether it was coloring posters for a Vacation Bible School or making event decorations with my mom. Being creative and crafty has followed me throughout my adult life. From majoring in graphic design at Howard University to now owning my own business creating décor pieces. Playing sports throughout college has taught me self-awareness and discipline. Both of these have benefitted me in my life and my business.
As someone with many friends who have attended the prestigious, iconic institution known as Howard University, I’ll say that I always hear a different answer when I ask this question. So, I’ll pose it to you. What made you want to attend Howard University, and how did your time there prepare you for life after college?
Coming from Cali, there weren’t any black colleges or universities in the state to aspire to attend. I visited Howard University and many other HBCUs during my junior year of High School on an HBCU tour and fell in love instantly. By seeing and being around people who looked like me and were achieving great things, I knew it was the place I wanted to be. Once I was accepted into Howard, I received a partial track field scholarship. Being a college athlete is like having a full-time job. So juggling school, track, and a social life, taught me about balance and time management. It later prepared me to juggle my business, full-time job, and family.
When I was preparing questions for you, I stumbled upon your LinkedIn page. I noticed that you’ve worked for several companies and organizations, including the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the Association for Financial Professionals, and Giant Food. At what point during your career as a graphic designer did you decide to venture into tufting and wood decor and launch Decor Ones LLC?
During the pandemic, I wanted to try an uncommon craft that would allow creative freedom. Although initially nervous, I knew this was a great way to expand my creativity and start a business simultaneously.
What was the most challenging part about launching Decor Ones LLC?
The most challenging part about launching Decor Ones LLC was just starting. Before fully diving into my business, I was nervous because I didn’t feel like people outside of my small circle would support me. Thankfully, I was wrong, and everything worked out in the end.
On your website, you wrote that the most fulfilling part of running Decor Ones LLC is “hearing customers express their love and appreciation.” What is one compliment or piece of feedback that you have received about your work that made you feel fulfilled?
Honestly, having my first viral video in 2023 made me feel the most fulfilled in my career as an entrepreneur. Right before my video took off, I felt really discouraged, undervalued, and unseen. I kept thinking, “What is the point of creating work that no one appreciates?” Right when I wanted to give up, everything changed! That moment sparked a pivotal turning point in my career.
Decor Ones LLC participated in Black On The Block when it stopped in Washington, D.C., in 2022. While you were running your booth, Houston Texans Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs stopped by and showed love. What was that experience like?
Having Stefon Diggs stop by my booth and purchase two rugs was definitely unexpected. Based on what I’ve seen on social media, most celebrities receive products for free from artists in hopes of getting some type of exposure. While I totally understand the thought process, it meant a lot to have Stefon Diggs willingly walk into my booth, say he liked my work, and purchase two rugs.
As someone who has attended previous Black On The Block events, why do you feel it is essential for Black entrepreneurs to have platforms like this to promote their work and connect with the community?
It’s important to have platforms that promote black entrepreneurs because, in many cases, black artists aren’t highlighted in specific spaces, especially when our art is not within a popular “niche.” Platforms like these are essential because they allow Black businesses to get the exposure and recognition they deserve.
I wanted to end on this note: Black On The Block is led by Char and Lanie Edwards, two women who attended universities in Washington, D.C. Char is a Howard University graduate, as you are. This year, Howard will be hosting its 100th homecoming celebration. What is your favorite homecoming moment as a student or alumna?
My fondest memory is my first homecoming in 2012. One of the biggest highlights was that Drake performed at Yardfest. Besides the performance, it felt like I was at a huge family reunion surrounded by love. Although it rained the entire day, it was my first homecoming experience, and even better, it was at THE HBCU. Those are moments and feelings I will never forget.
Black On The Block is set to take place on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit https://www.blackxtheblock.com/.
