Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Durbin.
Hi Deanna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My styling journey actually began as an online shop called Elva Mae Boutique, which I launched in the fall of 2018. I had just graduated from Kennesaw State University, I was a wife and mother of two boys at the time, and I decided to take a risk and embark on an entrepreneurial path versus seeking corporate employment with my marketing degree. If I had a chance to go back and change some things, I would have waited a bit longer to launch my business. Even with a degree and having studied at the Cole College of Business, I was not prepared for the journey ahead! I invested very poorly and wasted a lot of money without having a proper strategy in place. In hindsight, I wish I would have networked more and understood the value of mentorship as much as I do now.
Despite the major mistakes, God always uses the “bad” things to work for our good. Covid actually helped increase sales in 2020, which was a surprise to me because I thought my business would not survive the shutdown. I also had my third son in February that year, following a very successful fashion and musical production I produced with the help of one of my good friends, Dyneesha Moore, whom I hired to be a choreographer and creative director. With all three shows sold out, the cast of over 60 dancers and models were elated! To this day, I reflect on what a blessing it was to have been able to premier the show before the world changed entirely in the following months of uncertainty.
It was towards the end of 2020, when people were cautiously resuming social activities with masks, that I was asked to assist with a shoot for Derek Blanks, whom I had long admired watching his elevation over the years. I was ecstatic to the point of tears! It was the biggest project I had been asked to assist with at that point. Prior to that, I had been asked to style for photoshoots beginning in 2019, including working with award-winning photographer Montoya Turner of Made You Look Photo & Film. As I made more connections with people in the entertainment industry, more opportunities were presented to me, and I took on most of them since I was still building my portfolio as a stylist. Some of those opportunities included styling a music video for musical artists LeVelle featuring Anthony Hamilton for “Fell in Love,” styling a bridal shoot for Zoo Atlanta to promote their event hall, styling for Playboy, and working with small business owners to help establish their branding identity.
Over time, I began procuring my own clients as I was building my portfolio. Being a stylist in any capacity, whether it’s wardrobe, celebrity, fashion, commercial, and otherwise is not easy! There’s so much hustle and networking involved to get your foot in the door and to stand out amongst other stylists, especially living in Atlanta where stylists are plentiful! My mentors over the years have helped ease the pain of figuring things out sometimes. The first mentor I assisted was Ryan Christopher, a renowned celebrity stylist whom I met on set with Derek Blanks. He gave me real-world experience working with different celebrities like Brandee Evans from P-Valley, Tami Roman from MTV’s Caught in the Act and Basketball Wives, Drew Sedora of Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Pooch Hall from The Game. I learned so much about pulling, set protocol and etiquette, and how to prep looks.
The second mentor I met was through a styling competition sponsored by Glamhive on TikTok, of which I won the first round. In addition to winning $1000, I also had the chance to meet with a style coach of my choice. I chose to meet Shatora Adrell, a celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles, boasting clients like Lil Rel, Dannella Lane, Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Jordyn Woods, and many other clients in Hollywood. She and I connected beyond our initial virtual meeting and stayed in touch. When I flew out to L.A. to style a shoot for Playboy in 2022, I asked if I could take her to lunch and meet in person. It was over drinks on a beautiful and sunny day in Cali that she challenged me to set up a shoot while I was out there and maximize my time. I was able to set up a shoot with one of Playboy’s photographers, Sebastian Salinas, and a popular influencer, Nadia Peri. I also asked one of my best friends, who lived in L.A. at the time, if I could style and shoot with him as well. I learned so much from Shatora as her mentee, and I will never forget that trip!
Fast-forward to 2023, my good friend Dwayne, who is a deaf model whom I met at a fashion show in Atlanta, suggested that I apply to be a featured stylist for SFS (Stylist Fashion Show) Atlanta. Upon conclusion of the show in November, the founder and producer of the show, Vinrelo, became my mentor. With over 17 years of experience as a commercial stylist, her guidance and mentorship has made such a significant impact in my business! She helped me land a project for New York Fashion Week for an urban wear brand based on Wall Street, which was the first time a brand had flown me out for my services. I even had the chance to do press for some major fashion shows during New York Fashion Week, which had always been a dream of mine since I was a girl!
Today, I can’t say I have it all figured out, almost six years into my styling journey. As I evolve due to unexpected life changes such as divorce, severe depression, and becoming a single mom, it’s odd to say that I’m still trying to establish my place in the world, as this version of myself as a woman, a mother, and a business owner. The most important takeaway I want readers to hold on to is the value of community. Be mindful of not only who you spend time with but the language being used around you. Make sure you have people who encourage you and offer constructive feedback when needed with the intention of wanting to see you grow, not to hurt you or tear you down. I know that so much of my struggle was centered around feeling extremely lonely, trying to figure out problems and situations I was not accustomed to, on top of being made to feel guilty or foolish pursuing my dream. Make sure the soil in which you plant yourself is fertile and healthy.
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?
My journey has by no means been smooth! Yes, I’ve accomplished some notable achievements over the last six years in business, but honestly, there’s been more things going wrong than right. As I mentioned before, entrepreneurship can feel very lonely, especially when your significant other or partner does not agree with it or understand the internal drive to keep going. I’ve had to forgive myself for making many mistakes throughout my career. On the other hand, those mistakes have made me sharper, more prepared, and more informed as I progress. Don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes. Without them, there will be no growth! My biggest struggle is not being the most organized person and I can’t stand administrative tasks. I long for the day I can hire a team of professionals to help keep my backhouse in order! I have to be very intentional about project management and keeping things together.
Lately, my biggest struggle has been battling with my mental health. Sometimes, I get into these very dark and sometimes suicidal spaces that’s difficult to get out of, and it seeps into how I operate my business. My depression makes me want to become reclusive and shut down entirely, but I can’t because of the pressure of having to make sure I can provide for my children. Again, this is also why I say your community is important. Being able to openly discuss my issues helps to get it out of my mind and body and instead fill myself with encouragement from others.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wardrobe stylist based in Atlanta, specializing in branding and fashion editorial. The majority of my clients are musical artists and local business owners seeking to establish their visual brand identity. I also work with a few actors as well, including my client Rod Minger who has been taking the comedic and film world by force! My aesthetic is a combination of classic and elegant styles inspired by women like Dorothy Dandridge and Marilyn Monroe, with an erotic twist. I’m most proud of the placements my clients receive and the increased value for their personal brand after I style them. It gives me such pleasure when I see my clients look in the mirror and feel amazing because they look amazing! What sets me apart from others is the experience my team provides. I’m very intentional about providing a relaxed and fun experience by working with professional creatives who are easy to work with. I believe the energy needs to be very uplifting and positive on set in order to produce the best results for my clients. I find that my calm demeanor and ability to make my clients feel like superstars for the day is why Elva Mae stands out from other stylists. Life is a journey. Let me style you through it!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are going to Philly in the summers. I moved to Atlanta from Philly when I was four, but during the summers, I would go back and visit family. The city of Philadelphia has helped shape and mold me into the woman I am today. I was given freedom to explore the city with my cousins with a renewed sense of autonomy I had not had access to living in the suburbs in Georgia. The urban city life was so exciting to me! I would credit some of my style influence to the beautiful streets of Philadelphia.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elvamae.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elvamae_/?igsh=MWVlaDFpNXV2OHJkOA%3D%3D
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-durbin-799107223/
Image Credits
Jasmine Raiford
Majikk Monet
Hymn Logic
Rod Minger
Tim McGuire
Joe Mapp
Cranium Photos
