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At the intersection of luxury aesthetics and entrepreneurial grit stands Jaylin Bolden—a powerhouse creative who’s redefining what it means to be a young CEO. Launching her graphic design studio at just 19, Jaylin scaled her business to six figures before 25, all while curating transformative experiences like Marketing & Mimosas and empowering over 200 students through her Design Academy.

But Jaylin’s journey isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. From advocating for Black women in design to turning branding into an emotional, empowering experience, she’s proof that you can embrace softness and strategy, visuals andvalue. In this conversation, she opens up about stepping into her worth, building a brand with heart, and how trusting her creative voice led to her biggest breakthroughs.

You launched your graphic design studio at just 19 and scaled it to six figures by 25—what mindset shifts did you have to make to evolve from a young creative to a full-fledged CEO, especially as a Black woman in a competitive space?
To scale, I had to stop being afraid to charge what my work was worth. While I’m not yet at my dream price point, I raised my rates, added services that truly meet my clients’ needs, and streamlined key processes. One of the biggest shifts was bringing on an assistant to support me, it helped me operate more like a CEO and less like a one-woman show.
Marketing & Mimosas isn’t your average networking brunch—it’s a brand-building experience. How did you balance the aesthetics and strategy to ensure women left with both Instagrammable moments and actionable takeaways?
I always lead with value. The vibe and visuals are important, they help create a memorable experience. but the impact comes from the strategy. I handpick speakers and guide them with intentional, results-driven questions so every attendee walks away with real, actionable gems. It’s the balance between beautiful and beneficial.
You’ve taught over 200 students through your Design Academy. What gaps in traditional design education did you notice, and how does your curriculum specifically empower creatives—especially Black women—to monetize their skills confidently?
Traditional design programs often miss the business side of creativity. I teach my students that everyone has a unique creative voice—it’s their job to tap into it and charge accordingly. I constantly remind them: we don’t work for free. Whether it takes you 5 seconds or 50 minutes, your time holds value. You deserve to be paid for it.
You often speak about branding as emotional work. How do you help clients and students uncover their personal voice and turn that into a visual brand that feels both powerful and personal?
I focus on connection and memorability. I teach my clients how to be intentional, from the colors they choose to the message they share. For example, brand colors aren’t just aesthetic, they should tie back to color psychology and have a deeper meaning that supports their brand’s story.
With mentorship, event production, and hands-on education in your portfolio, how do you maintain authenticity and alignment in your personal brand while helping others build theirs from scratch?
I stay true to who I am. If I want to do something, I do it, I don’t put myself in a box. Being a creative means I get to lead with intention and innovation. I’ve learned that the more I trust my own voice, the more aligned my brand becomes and that gives others permission to do the same.