Local Business Spotlight - De La Foye Design
Meet Denise Foy, Creative Director & Founder of de la foye Design Studio. They are a Chicago-based design agency working with small businesses all over the world to enhance their web presence, brand identity, and marketing engagement. Learn how the idea for her business started in Bali, which local Roscoe Village business she spent her early days growing her business and how you can join her wine social club on Facebook!
Give us a small backstory of how your business started.
My business started from an experience I had in Bali, actually. My brothers’ friend, Aaron, had a restaurant in a little hidden gem of a resort in Seminyak. It was across the street from a rice paddy and not the easiest place to find. When my brother, Ron, suggested I go visit him, I couldn’t find his information online anywhere. Once Ron gave me his address, I took a cab to get there. There are two things Aaron said to me that I never forgot. The first is, “Denise, I’m a chef. I don’t know anything about this technology stuff.” And, “I honestly don’t know how much longer I can sustain myself.” My last week there, I built his website, took photos of his food, set him up on 10 different online platforms and within 3 months, he was the #1 restaurant in his area. Several years later, I was at a crossroads in my life and I thought to myself, “If I can help other small businesses in the way in which I was able to help Aaron, I’d be so incredibly honored.” And so de la foye design studio was born!
What are some of your favorite moments of running your business?
The best part about my business is watching these small businesses grow as a result of our work. We’ve seen, on average, a 25% growth in a few months time. That makes me so excited and thrilled and is what keeps me getting up in the morning.
What is one thing that many people may not know about you or your business?
Something that people may not know is that I started my business at the local speakeasy in Roscoe Village, Birch Road Cellars. I needed a place to go away from home and all of the pending chores. Somewhere I could focus. Birch Road gave me that respite and I’m forever grateful to them.
Do you have any hobbies that you do outside of running your business?
I love to play tennis! I’ve been playing since I was a little girl. There’s something about being on the court and focusing on that little ball and determining strategy against the other player. It brings me so much joy and peace.
What are some businesses you love in Lakeview or Roscoe Village?
Gosh, there are so many! I started a wine social club on Facebook called Roscoe Village Wine Lovers Club and we’re in the midst of planning lots of activities for this season, including going to some of our favorite wine hot spots like Lush, Le Sud, and Volo. For Christmas, I asked for a membership to the Music Box Theatre and I’m so grateful for that membership on the daily. I love that they’re able to show films in their original formats! And that I can stream movies on the projector at my studio. My dog gets groomed at DSPA Pet Services. They always take such good care of him and make him look so handsome. We’re so lucky to have so many amazing businesses throughout our communities.
What are the best ways people can support your business right now?
Aside from hiring or referring us for graphic design and web design projects, we’d be so honored to have more followers on our social media. Our handle is @delafoyedesign on both Facebook and Instagram.