Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Williams.
Hi Deja, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Before becoming a CEO, I had a very strong interest in modeling for various social media brands. My following at the time didn’t really match the requirements a lot of businesses had so as far as competitions were concerned, I never got selected. Little did they know I would start my own business. I started my business to expand my hobby and it has become so much more to me than when I first started. I’ve fallen in love with the fashion world and love the title CEO. I launched my first boutique in 2020 after my senior year was taken away from me, I had a lot of time on my hands, so I said why not. It was that year I took that leap of faith, and I haven’t turned back. Since then, I have launched my second business, DE’JERI this year 2022. I’ve taken what I learned on my first go-round and applied it to my new fashion line. It’s the new and improved version of my first business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, absolutely not. Being an entrepreneur is not easy at all but it’s definitely worth it. When I started my first business, I was in the middle of my senior year, schools had closed down, and my job cut everyone’s hours due to the pandemic, so I had a lot of time on my hands to focus on my business. My business took off right away and did really well for a good amount of time until I became inconsistent. As 2021 approached I was then a full-time student at Georgia State University, a manager at a little Caesars franchise and a part-time associate at amazon on the weekends. I was juggling a lot at that time and became overwhelmed and very inconsistent with my business, which affected my sales. My customers had the option of pick up, delivery, and shipping. The popular option was delivery. Most people wanted their outfits and accessories dropped off the same day so that they could wear them that day/night. The demand for delivery went up and my transportation became an issue. I’ve also had challenges with finding good quality vendors. Most entrepreneurs see you as competition when you join the game so they’re very hesitant with sharing their resources. Although it hasn’t been perfect or smooth, I wouldn’t change anything in my journey. I’ve learned so much over time and as stated before my new fashion line, DE’JERI, is the new and improved version of my first business. Everything is a learning experience and the lessons you learn along the way are necessary to your story. You can either let the challenges make you quit or you can take what you learned from them and keep striving. Keep striving is the best decision I’ve ever made.
As you know, we’re big fans of DE’JERI. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DE’JERI is about to take over the fashion world. My focus is to be the opposite of the culture and bring back respect and integrity amongst the millennials. I’m different from my competitors because I actually want to cater to the younger generation, not just take their money. I want to change how the world looks at my generation but more specifically how the young women are viewed in today’s world. I want to be a good example for them, showing them that it’s okay to step outside that box society has put us in. Our bodies are beautiful but it’s okay and very important to have more to show for and offer than just a pretty face! I am a millennial myself, so I have firsthand primary knowledge of what is actually going on in this new world and how badly it is affecting us. I am going to make a statement with my fashion line showing the world we are so much more than just our body and appearances. I want to change lives, shake the culture and break curses. I’m going to knock the world off its feet through DE’JERI.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
When I first launched my fashion line this year, I wanted to stand out, so I decided to have a fashion show for my grand opening. I am currently preparing and planning my second one for the end of this year, December 15th. I’m bringing fashion week to Atlanta; this will be a show you don’t want to miss. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite with more detailed information about my event, see you there. (You can Google Eventbrite and search DE’JERI in the search bar or click the link provided.)
Pricing:
- $5 early bird tickets
- $10 general admissions
- $20 late/same day admission
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dejeri.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejerioffical/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=deja+je%27rrie
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dejeri-second-annual-fashion-show-tickets-450864155827?utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing
Image Credits
– Bonner – James – Myra
