Daveia Odoi
(pronounced "Day-Vee-Yah Oh-Doy") is a digital illustrator and designer celebrated for her joyful and uplifting art style.
With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in creating captivating visuals for brands of all sizes through her award-winning studio, DNT Dynamite Design.
Her work also comes to life through The DynaSmiles® by DNT, her happy art brand offering colorful stationery, gifts, and apparel featuring her signature character illustrations designed to bring joy to everyday moments.
A New Jersey native, Daveia holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Information Technology & Informatics and Africana Studies from Rutgers University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Graphic Communications Technology Management from Kean University.
She now calls Henry County, Georgia home, where she is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Southern Breeze region.
Illustrator, Business Owner, Mother, Widow
As a child, I always loved to draw but never allowed myself to dream big enough to pursue anything related to art as a viable career path. To me, it was just a hobby. Thus my dreams never ventured too far. The conventional path—school, job, family—seemed the safe route.
Yet, after college, I landed a graphic design role at a Fortune 500 company and quickly excelled. The position helped me see the very real and achievable prospect of thriving as a creative professional.
With the gentle push from my then college sweetheart, Edmund, I went on to earn my master’s degree and founded my graphic design business which I worked on the side. In that moment, life was very good—Edmund and I married, moved into a nice neighborhood, and welcomed an adorable son.
Despite having a full plate, I began yearning for more creative freedom. Corporate life hit a ceiling, while my side hustle thrived, demanding more attention. Yet, leaving my ‘safe’ job posed a challenge. To trade a salaried position with benefits that help you care for your family for the unknown is extremely nerve racking and risky.
After much prayer and preparation, I finally took the leap in October 2015. After a decade in corporate, I left to pursue my path as a creative services provider and independent artist. The two years that followed went surprisingly well, reaching heights I never thought possible including welcoming a second baby—this time our precious little girl.
But in April 2020, tragedy struck—my husband, my best friend, and the father of our two beautiful children passed away from cancer. It was (and still is) devastating. Our worlds changed in an instant.
Now, navigating life as a widow and a single mother, my journey is still unfolding.
Through this platform, I offer a window into my experiences of cultivating a successful, creativity-driven business while grappling with personal loss. It brings me solace to think that my narrative could inspire someone else who is dealing with life’s hardships to persevere and find their path forward.