Damaris Colon is the founder of London Rock, LLC. The brand London Rock was birthed in 2013 and is named after her first two children, London James & Rocklyn Starr. Over the years the brand has evolved from a children’s clothing boutique to what we see today; a creative studio rooted in the marriage between creativity, art, and design because ‘F’ titles and imposter syndrome. Today she offers hand-painted Streetwear, handbags, and housewares. Their children’s lifestyle arm offers coloring books featuring London & Rocklyn’s artwork, as well as their characters manufactured into plushies, Jibbitz, stickers, and more.
Stephanie Dawkins (SD): Tell us what London Rock does.
Damaris Colon (DC): We just do creative things. This past year I’ve moved away from giving myself and what I do a title because it brings a limiting mindset. It puts you in a box and if you step outside of that box can you still give yourself that title? So I say we do creative things and however those things manifest in the physical world is how they manifest.
(SD): Why did you decide to become a business owner?
(DC): It’s all I know and all I’ve grown up seeing. My family is well known locally for their businesses and their talents. My father, George “G” Moore, is the owner of The G Spot Tattoos in Newport. He’s been in business for almost 20 years. So I’ve always had a front seat to entrepreneurship since Grade school.
(SD): What do you think sets you apart from others in your industry?
(DC): These days all I do is hand-paint merchandise lol. Today that is what sets me apart from other Streetwear brands.
(SD): What inspires you?
(DC): Oh my kids for sure. I mean that’s why the business is named after them.
(SD): Describe some of the products and services you offer.
(DC): We have hand-painted Streetwear, handbags, and houseware items. We also have coloring books, plushies, Jibbitz, blankets, and whatever you can think of.
(SD): What’s your favorite part about doing business in Delaware?
(DC): I love and appreciate the fact that no matter how I pivot my business my hometown will always support me.
(SD): Who are the people you want to help?
(DC): I want everybody Black to win really badly.
(SD): Why do you think your business will succeed?
(DC): Our business will succeed because I work daily to speak positivity over the work of my hands and my creativity and I let God do the rest.
(SD): What keeps you motivated to keep following your dreams?
(DC): Generational wealth!
(SD): Do you believe there is a certain age when you should start your business?
(DC): Absolutely not. Because even though I started young, London Rock wasn’t my first business. You have to try and fail however many times it takes until you get it right.
(SD): What impact is your business making on the community?
(DC): We have started hosting community events for elementary-aged kids called, Cocoa & Coloring. At these events, we color pages in our coloring book, sip hot cocoa (or chocolate milk), and have thought-provoking discussions.
(SD): Who is your ideal customer?
(DC): People looking for items to support with a story behind them. When I wear our Streetwear line and people stop me to ask questions they get the whole story and that’s something people can really get behind.
(SD): Do you believe entrepreneurship is for everyone?
(DC): Not at all. Everyone has their place. I will say… as a Pieces, I’m noticing that a lot of DE creatives are Pisces 😎.
(SD): As it relates to black business, what does Delaware need more of?
(DC): We need more of our white allies to support our black businesses. I think as a collective group of Black Business owners in DE it’s like “We got us.” But we need more than us.
(SD): Is there anything we should be looking forward to coming from you or that you want our readers to know?
(DC): I’m just getting started with our Streetwear and Handbags. I have some things lined up that will allow me to connect with printers, suppliers, and manufacturers that will streamline our processes and ultimately give our customers more competitive prices.
(SD): How can people follow and support London Rock, LLC
(DC): They can visit my website: www.London-rock.com and follow on social media at @londonrockart & @londonrockmom