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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.
SubscribeWe were lucky to catch up with Dierra Lake recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dierra, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I like to think I’m a risk taker, but honestly, I’m a calculated risk kind of girl. In the creative space though, few things seem to be calculated but more so passionate. What I have learned is that in every season of my life where I was pursuing a thing, whether it be entrepreneurship, motherhood, content creating, or even a promotion at work, I was having to embrace “daily” risks passionately. Those risks are often small but so impactful to my journey. It may be as small as me speaking up about the creative direction of a joint project, investing into weekly Instagram ads, and even introducing myself to that boutique owner in hopes that I can form a partnership. The risks are always there and filled with opportunity. The daily risks matter, even if I don’t get the result I was expecting. I really believe that the small/daily risks, when compounded, greatly impact who you are and who you’ll become.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been an apparel designer and content creator for almost a decade now, spending most of that time trying to find my voice and how I will present myself to the world. Sometimes it takes time to decide how you will present yourself to the world. I am such a multi-faceted person, but my goal in life is to focus on the things that matter to my legacy, and just thoroughly enjoy the rest. One of my main desires is to help women get more confident in how they dress. This can be seen in my content creation endeavors with other brands and in the custom tees that I make as an apparel designer at Velvet Lining Apparel. I am most proud of the impact that I have made thus far in the lives of women and those effected by my brand.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience? Being able to unapologetically tell my story, whatever that story may be. Whether it be through speaking, music, fashion, events, or even my editing style. I love the freedom that I get to be me while also making a living.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot? After graduating college, I had this bright idea that I would never work for another company again. I had told friends and family about my radical plans, I didn’t apply for any jobs, and honestly, I had nothing saved. What on earth was I thinking? I ended up running out of options when my lackadaisical plan landed me late for every bill that I had. And it was at that point that I realized I was going to have to eat the words that I spoke to every person post-graduation. All of the distaste and sureness that I spoke with when exclaiming that I would only work for myself for the rest of time. And how loved ones had pointed out some of the flaws in my plan, and I shot them down because I foolishly thought “Maybe they just don’t get it”. Needless to say, I had to get a job. Though it was the pivot that I never wanted, it was one of the best ones I ever had. It helped me to accelerate my business to where it is today.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being able to unapologetically tell my story, whatever that story may be. Whether it be through painting, music, fashion, events, or even my editing style. I love the freedom that I get to be me while also making a living.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
After graduating college, I had this bright idea that I would never work for another company again. I had told friends and family about my radical plans, I didn’t apply for any jobs, and honestly, I had nothing saved. What on earth was I thinking? I ended up running out of options when my lackadaisical plan landed me late for every bill that I had. And it was at that point that I realized I was going to have to eat the words that I spoke to every person post-graduation. All of the distaste and sureness that I spoke with when exclaiming that I would only work for myself for the rest of time. And how loved ones had pointed out some of the flaws in my plan, and I shot them down because I foolishly thought “Maybe they just don’t get it”. Needless to say, I had to get a job. Though it was the pivot that I never wanted, it was one of the best ones I ever had.
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Jamara Forbes
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