Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Dae'Nayshah Hargrove

Elementary Education '26

Founder, DesignedbyDae

Creativity, Craft, and Confidence

For Dae’Nayshah Hargrove, creativity has always been more than a hobby—it’s a way of connecting with people, expressing identity, and building community. As an Elementary Education major at Rowan University, she is preparing for a future in the classroom. Yet outside of her coursework, she has built something equally impactful: Designedbydae, a handmade jewelry and custom design business that showcases her artistic talent and entrepreneurial drive.

What began as a personal outlet has grown into a thriving small business that blends artistry with meaning. Every piece she makes—whether it’s hand-crafted jewelry, custom tumblers, or personalized gifts—carries a sense of individuality and cultural pride. “The joy of creating something meaningful with my hands and seeing others light up when they connect with my work—that’s what drives me,” she explains.

Inspiring Through Entrepreneurship

Dae’Nayshah never set out to become a business owner; she simply followed her passion. That journey has become a powerful example for peers and young people who see her work. Through Designedbydae, she shares more than products—she shares lessons in creativity, courage, and community impact.

Her business has become a teaching tool in itself. “By running my small business, I'm teaching real-world skills like entrepreneurship, design, and communication,” she says. These are the very skills she plans to bring into her future classroom—proof that educators can also be innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs.

Her approach reflects the heart of the Discoveries in Education campaign: the idea that educators—and future educators—help move the profession forward not only through teaching, but through imagination, passion, and side ventures that model lifelong learning.

Celebrating Culture and Self-Expression

One of the most meaningful aspects of Dae’Nayshah’s work is the way she incorporates culture and individuality into her designs. She sees jewelry as a form of storytelling—an opportunity to help customers express who they are. “Every piece reminds me that creativity has the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together,” she says.

Her customers feel that energy. Many come not just for the products, but for the personal connection and the authenticity behind the brand.

Impact on Community

Through her work, Dae’Nayshah has reached people across the Rowan community and beyond. Customers appreciate the craftsmanship and personal meaning behind each item. Young makers and aspiring entrepreneurs find inspiration in her willingness to take risks and turn a passion into a growing business.

She hopes her journey shows that creativity is not optional—it’s essential. Whether in a classroom, a family, a neighborhood, or a marketplace, creativity fosters confidence and community. “I want others to value their own creativity,” she says. And by living that message, she is already doing just that.