Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja’ Richards.
Deja’, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“My dream for the world is to help care for poor people,” I stated these words at the adolescent age of 6 years old during a routine school activity. I was in Kindergarten at Emerson Elementary School, a small school located in Northwest Metro, Atlanta. This activity intended to promote creative thinking; however, for me, it was an outward expression of my purpose- being a servant leader.
Throughout my adolescent years, my support system (my mother, grandparents, extended family, and community) helped mold me into the woman I am today. The guidance, accountability, positive feedback, and prayers that I received from them showed me what a true servant leader was and how always to be authentic when operating in my purpose. Being raised around my grandparents, Frank and Flonnie Wiley, greatly impacted how I saw people and myself. As a child, I witnessed their kindness towards others, and that expression of love and compassion influenced me to emulate their behavior amongst my peers.
While pursuing my Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Minor in Biblical Studies at Point University, my gifts and purpose began to align. It became clear that my God-given abilities and my environmental influences had prepared me to serve young people, particularly youth of color. I am learning how to use my intersectionality as a tool to evoke change strategically. This revelation is what inspired me to create my LLC so that I can be a guide for youth-serving agencies as they create safe spaces for youth.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an entrepreneur is never easy; therefore, it comes with its own set of challenges. Along my journey, one problem that I have encountered is adultism. As a young entrepreneur, I have seen that when I enter specific spaces, individuals prejudge my work ethic, experience, and knowledge, based on my age alone. Every day I am learning to own the space that I take up and that my age does not define my expertise, but my lived experiences do. Having this mindset has given me a new perspective on how to combat the negative attitudes towards young adults.
Please tell us about Omni Minds.
After completing my Master of Social Work and Specialization in Community Partnership Degree from Georgia State University in the Spring of 2019, I started contracting with a local nonprofit agency in the Metro Atlanta area that serves young people. I took a leap of faith and applied for my business license in February 2020, and Omni Minds, LLC, was created. Omni Minds partners with individuals, organizations, and communities that serve young people. Our organization specializes in Community and Organizational Communication (e.g., group facilitation, social media, strategic framing, etc.), Community Assessments (e.g., assets mapping, community analysis, and power mapping), Leadership and Management, and Research and Evaluation. Omni Minds will be known for being a consultant agency that advises organizations to push youth leadership when developing programs. Omni Minds believes that young people are not the future, they are the PRESENT, and they are here to make an impact now. My business is unique because young people will learn the art of strategic storytelling and how to use their power to evoke change in their respective communities. I am proud to be in this position in life to work alongside changemakers. Young people emerged all significant social movements; therefore, it is a privilege to call myself an adult ally.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck; instead, I believe in God’s divine timing. Even in situations when I did not understand why I was going through a particular hardship, I realized that it was for a greater reward. I was being prepared for the blessings that God had ordained in my favor. In order for me to receive that, I had to have steadfast faith and trust in God.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6787073441
- Email: omnimindsllc@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Omni-Minds-100892771559040/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejarichards/
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