We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Deidra and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Deidra, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A Day in the Life of Dr. Deidra Willis — The Bougie Farmer
Each morning begins with quiet devotion and reflection. Before the calls, clients, and chickens, I take time to center myself—thanking God for guidance, clarity, and the strength to carry out the vision He’s placed in me.
After retiring from a rewarding career in education, I found myself back in service to my community in a new way—as a school bus driver and recruiter, stepping up during a time of high need. It’s humbling and fulfilling to continue serving students and families, just from a different seat.
Once the routes are complete, I head to The Bougie Farm, my passion project and growing legacy. Mornings on the farm mean feeding the chickens and goats, checking the land, and mapping out progress toward my six-month expansion goal—the Agribusiness Innovation Lab and Event Center. This project combines my love for agriculture, education, and community, creating a space for youth programs, agribusiness training, and family events.
Midday often shifts to business development consulting, helping my clients launch, structure, and grow their ventures. From grant writing to strategy sessions, I pour the same purpose into helping others build sustainable businesses that uplift their communities.
In the afternoon, I carve out time to advance my 2026 campaign for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries—crafting messages, meeting with supporters, and aligning the mission of “innovation through agriculture” across the state.
Then it’s on to one of my favorite parts of the day—picking up my GlamPrincess from after-school, catching up on her day, and sharing laughs that remind me why I do all of this: legacy and love.
Evenings are about reflection and preparation—reviewing my schedule for the next day, sending a few last emails, then winding down the night with gratitude, peace, and maybe a little farm-fresh tea.
Every day looks different, but each one is driven by faith, service, family, and the ongoing vision to grow something greater—one seed, one student, and one dream at a time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Dr. Deidra Willis — “The Bougie Farmer”
I’m Dr. Deidra Willis, affectionately known as “The Bougie Farmer.” After more than two decades in education, I retired from the classroom to plant new seeds—literally and figuratively. My journey has evolved from teaching students in schools to cultivating communities through agriculture, innovation, and education.
Through my brand, The Bougie Farmer, I’m building a bridge between the classroom and the farm, introducing young people and families to agribusiness, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. What makes it unique is the blend of modern innovation and southern heritage—we’re combining smart farming, robotics, and STEM education with traditional farming practices and community engagement.
Right now, I’m working on the expansion of The Bougie Farm into an Agribusiness Innovation Lab and Event Center—a six-month development project that will serve as a hub for hands-on agricultural learning, youth programs, workshops, and even small business incubation. It’s a space where students can meet scientists, touch the soil, and see that agriculture is more than farming—it’s technology, health, culture, and legacy.
Beyond the farm, I’m also a business development consultant, helping other entrepreneurs build and fund their visions, and I’m running for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries (2026) to bring fresh, forward-thinking leadership to the state’s agricultural future.
Every part of my story ties back to legacy—my parents believed in hard work and education, and now I’m passing that down to my daughters and granddaughters, my “GlamPrincesses.” The Bougie Farm isn’t just a business; it’s a movement of empowerment, innovation, and faith—showing that you can be “bougie” and down-to-earth at the same time.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
What Relationship Most Shaped How I See Myself
Without question, the women who shaped me most are my mother, my grandmother, and my Auntie. Each of them embodied strength, grace, and resilience in her own unique way.
My mother taught me the power of faith, education, and perseverance—she believed in structure and purpose, and she instilled in me the drive to achieve my goals no matter the obstacles. My grandmother was the heart of our family—wise, nurturing, and deeply spiritual. She showed me that humility and kindness are true forms of strength. And my Auntie added the spark—bold, stylish, and unapologetic, she reminded me that it’s okay to stand out, to lead, and to live life on your own terms.
Together, they formed the foundation of who I am today: a woman of faith, family, and fierce determination—carrying forward their legacy through everything I do.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The Defining Wounds of My Life — and How I Healed
The deepest wound of my life came when I lost the anchors of my world—my mother, grandmother, auntie, and father—all within six months of each other. Each had been a pillar of strength in my life, and when they were gone, I truly felt I could not make it without them.
One night, in the middle of my grief, I had a life-altering experience. I was awakened by what sounded like claws coming up my stairs, and I couldn’t move. It felt like what people describe as “a witch riding your back”—complete paralysis. In the corner of my bedroom, I suddenly saw the loved ones I had lost. They told me they were with me always, that I had to be there for my girls, and that God had given me Purpose. Then they turned to the beast I’d heard coming and shouted, “Be Gone!” The door slammed shut, and I could move again.
Shaken but awake, I went to Facebook for comfort and found my sister in faith, Apostle Sylvia Moore, online at that very moment. She told me she had been waiting on me—and she spoke a word from God over my life: I was a Pioneer, a Prophetic Pioneer. She reminded me to open those notebooks where I had written down my dreams and start the work God had called me to do.
That moment transformed my grief into purpose. It was the turning point where I stopped seeing myself as a victim of loss and began seeing myself as a vessel for legacy, leadership, and healing—for my daughters, my granddaughters, and for the communities I serve.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A Belief I’m Committed To — No Matter How Long It Takes
I am deeply committed to building The Bougie Farm Agribusiness Innovation Lab—a space that blends agriculture, technology, and education to empower farmers and future generations. One of the most exciting pieces of this vision is BougieBot, an agricultural robot I’m developing to assist with farm management, soil and animal health monitoring, and data collection.
This project represents more than innovation—it’s about legacy. I want to create something that not only helps small and minority farmers become more sustainable and profitable but also leaves behind a trust fund and generational foundation for my daughters, granddaughters, and the communities that come after us.
No matter how long it takes, I’m committed to seeing this vision come to life—because the seeds I’m planting today are meant to feed, educate, and inspire generations tomorrow.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I Feel Most at Peace
I feel most at peace when I look around and see my family, the farmers, and the communities I’m helping—and I know that I’m walking in the purpose God gave me. There’s a sacred calm that comes from serving others, especially when I can feel that my work is truly helping God’s people—empowering them to grow, to believe, and to build better lives.
Whether I’m on the farm, mentoring a new entrepreneur, or teaching the next generation about agriculture, I feel the presence of peace that only comes from obedience to His calling. Watching my daughters and granddaughters thrive, and knowing I’m leaving them land, legacy, and faith, reminds me that I am exactly where God wants me to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.djw-enterprise.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14MQNmW3Upf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
@kenyah
@dapperwoodson
