A Seat at the Table DESIGN + DESIRE
W
hen you sit face-to-face with Daryl Bell, two things immediately stand out:
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One, there’s no questioning the fact you’re in the presence of a very bright, self-aware, extremely creative, deeply determined, and quite formidable woman; and Two, Mrs. Bell seems to be still getting used to the idea that she’s being recognized more everyday in the rough-and-tumble business world for bringing these same qualities to bear as a professional in her craft. The Owner and President of Design Brilliance here in Lawrence has had her share of tough moments and doubts as she’s risen to be clearly recognized as one of the top Brand Marketing and Design companies in the Midwest. She explains, “When I first started this company six years ago,
and I had very few clients – and some days very little work and barely a work table – I’d still jump out of bed and get dressed for the day as if I had multiple clients and meetings, and conduct my day in a way that made me feel like I was already successful.” She continues, “And then, as I acquired more and more clients and began to receive recognition both in the industry and in the business world, I actually started having to deal with ‘Impostor Syndrome.’ I found myself constantly asking internally, ‘Do I really deserve this? And, in a broader, external sense as a woman in a male-dominated business environment, am I even supposed to have A Seat At The Table?’”
