Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Delilah Lewis, CEO of Dee Djoire, located in Southaven, MS, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate a multi-level brand consulting business that provides skillful solutions for brands and companies of every level. I work with self-starters and multi-faceted establishments to help start new or revamp their already established presence. Specializing in analytics, social presence, content creation, consulting, and artistry.
Tell us about yourself
I started with humble beginnings, working for my family-owned computer repair business in the late 1990s. Technology was a strong point for me, but I have always been drawn to the arts and humanitarianism. So in 2011, I quit my office manager position at a prestigious restaurant & lounge and started Dee Djoire. Initially, it was trial and error. I didn't have a business plan, starting capital, or VCs (which most entrepreneurs face.) I drew upon my experiences working with my family as well as many other companies growing up. I realized that no matter what part-time job I acquired, I was always promoted quickly. This gave me the courage to build something of my own.
What motivates me each day to never give up is my passion for succeeding, as well as teaching other entrepreneurs like myself how they can be successful in their own respective industries.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner would probably be being able to work with some of the most prestigious companies around the world. I have consulted and partnered with all different types of brands, from small-town brick and mortars to Fortune 50 companies.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is maintaining an optimistic perspective on success. It is important to celebrate your achievements on every level - big and small. There is no timeline to success, and unforeseen occurrences may often delay that success. (A great example would be the COVID 19 pandemic that required many entrepreneurs to halt/delay everyday operations due to worldwide lockdowns.)
Entrepreneurship is not for an individual who is looking for instant gratification. It takes dedication, perseverance, and belief in your ability to contribute something great to the world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Consistency is key: I find that it is vital to maintain a level of consistency from one client to the next. No matter what type of service or product you are providing. This also will generate positive results and a higher probability of a return consumer or referral client.
- Continue Learning: There is no elevation for a brand or company that plateaus. Always continue to build on the knowledge you acquire so that you can apply it to your deliverables. This keeps you innovative and also ahead of competitive markets, and on the lookout for new trends.
- Remaining Patient: Sometimes, a business or brand idea may take days, months, and even years to gain traction. Staying focused on your smaller goals will lead to you accomplishing your larger goals inevitably.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would just like to say to anyone who is reading this interview that there is not one way to climb the ladder to success. Many had come before you and failed. Many had come before you and succeeded. The difference between these two types of people is their belief in what they could achieve. Success is what you make it. So make it worth your while.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://deedjoire.us/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/madannadivine/
https://www.instagram.com/deedjoire/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/madannadivine
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delilahlewis/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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