We recently connected with Jermaine Fields and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jermaine, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I started and launched one of my businesses at the peak of the global pandemic. It was a major risk because most businesses all over the world were closing and deciding to pause their services due to the fact of Covid-19 and the spread of it throughout the US. However, with great faith I believed that my business was meant to stand through whatever could be a circumstance; and so, I continued to build and develop. 2 years later, I am still thriving and expanding, and the Lord has been faithful to His word concerning my business and the advancement of what it will produce in the future.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a New York native, born and raised in Harlem. I graduated from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC), with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Music with a minor in English. As an entrepreneur, I launched my first business as a graphic designer and started my independent company, “DivineDesignZ Specialty”. I have successfully been in the graphic design industry since 2010; and it has been a continual learning experience for me as a designer. I launched my second business, “SweetTooth Harlem”, (a dessert company) in 2020 during the most chaotic season ever, the pandemic. Nevertheless, we celebrated 2 years of operation and business this past January 2022, and the support has been phenomenal. Cooking has always been therapeutic for me, but I would have never imagined that I would be in business doing something I love so freely. It’s been a rewarding journey every step of the way.

Both businesses, are special to me because they allow me to flow in my creative nature. Working within two completely different arenas still allow me to touch lives and connect with people everywhere and that’s the most rewarding part of it.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

For me I would say, it was honestly by word of mouth and enjoyment of the customer experience. Of course, the product(s) were well received but the references and sharing about the businesses is what truly has kept both of my companies known within the market arenas we are in.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting a business in the peak of the pandemic is definitely the greatest example of illustrated resilience. I absolutely trusted my product and ability to produce even while local businesses were closing their doors due to low engagement and customer activity. My faith and belief in God allowed me to never grow weary in my well doing. I honestly knew that what I launched was definitely from God and I was going to be a first partaker oh how He’d literally make a way out of no way at all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sweettoothharlem, @divinedesignzgraphics