Today we’d like to introduce you to Desirae’ Benton.
Hi Desirae’, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a creative since I was a kid. I would do DIY projects creating crafts, and customizing my clothes. I’ve always loved graphics and digital art. I am an actress and I dance as well, so I guess you can say performing arts was just in me. I started doing crafts for myself and friends. One day I started having ideas of what I wanted for my children’s party so I asked my aunt, to make these party favors for me. I was so in love with each detail how much it made the party POP! I didn’t have anyone to make favors for me years down the line so I decided to try myself. I watched a few videos, created a template for myself and the first party favor I made was so BOMB! It came to me so easy. I was hit by an 18 wheeler October 2024. I’d been off work on leave for sometime. On my journey to recovery. I started doing custom party favors and decorations for my friend’s events and they convinced me to start my business. My hobby has turned into a small business that I plan to keep growing to become a BIG BUSINESS very soon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not! I am a single mother of 2 and I am still trying to recover from my accident lol. I can laugh at my pain now but trying to start a business while having a concussion was very challenging on top of being a mom. The most challenging part for me was finding a solid printer, and pricing; knowing what to charge my customers, so I make a profit, but also being scared to over price in fear of no one booking me. I no longer walk in fear. If someone wants to book you and support your business, they will pay your price. It’s that simple!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a party entertainment service. I create custom party favors; any event, theme and design! I can customize anything to make your event unforgettable. I have soft play bounce houses (wet or dry), balloons, invites,, banners & more! What makes datgrl_creations so unique?! All of my work is a one of a kind. All designs are created and assembled by hand. I also wanted to give “one stop shop” vibes so I feel like my business has everything you need to make your event one you’ll never forget. You won’t have to hire multiple people to get the job done I have what you need all in one place! Plus custom designs always give any event that extra POP!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Attending dance 411 studios in Atlanta on Moreland Ave is one of my favorite childhood memories. It’s not just one memory there are several. This place taught me to follow my dreams, perfect my craft, and introduced me to a world, where I was able to network and meet creatives like me. A place where I felt free to be authentically me, coming from abuse it was an escape for me. I was embraced for my art and not put down. I remember being so excited togo to classes every week. I even stepped out of my comfort zone to take a few advanced hip hop class with the pros lol. I enjoy hip hop but jazz and majorette dancing will always have my heart!
Pricing:
- My pricing varies because my price is custom to each client, based on their needs and their vision. Each customer has different ideas of how they want to celebrate.
- My bounce house is $300 for 3 hours and an additional $75 for each additional hour.
- I do a a jot form coming soon with all my pricing and a form for my clients to put all their information and details for their event.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datgrl_creations?igsh=NWdzNmVwM3JoOG4z
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifewitrae3?si=EBqQATs8hZuBJy2A
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_desiraeb?_t=ZT-8vE6IXiXhYk&_r=1
Image Credits
I just want to shout out and say a special thank you to Bria and Melissa for capturing some of these photos of my work when I could not! Thank you so much. All other designs and mock ups were done by me!
