We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zyon DeVaughn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zyon , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

One of the best ways I’ve been able to show appreciation isn’t through a single moment, but through how I view and treat my customers as a whole. At The 99, they’ve truly become family.

Many of them return event after event, and that consistency means everything to me. It’s more than attendance, it’s belief. They invite others, they speak life into what we’re building, and they show up in a way that lets me know this vision matters beyond just me.

I’ve had countless people come up to me or message me simply to say thank you for stepping out on faith and creating a space where they feel safe, seen, and connected. In those moments, I’m reminded that my obedience was necessary and impactful.

Because of that, I’m very intentional about listening to them. After each event, I actively seek out feedback and take it seriously, implementing it into the next experience. I believe my business is only as good as the people who invest in it, so honoring their voices is one of the clearest ways I can show my appreciation.

So while I aim to serve them with excellence every time, the truth is they’ve shown me just as much appreciation as I’ve shown them. They’ve affirmed that I took the right step, and I don’t take that lightly.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Zyon DeVaughn aka Zyon Dee, and I’m the founder of The 99: a community-driven experience created for “the one”. The person who may love God but doesn’t always feel like they fit into traditional spaces.

I got into this simply through obedience. I saw a gap; people, especially young adults, who desired connection, fun, and community but didn’t always feel seen or comfortable in typical church environments. At the same time, I knew the world was offering spaces that didn’t align with their values. So The 99 was born as a response to that tension, a space where faith, culture, and community can exist in the same room.

What we provide is more than just events. Yes, on the surface, it may look like a “Christian nightclub” or a social experience, but at its core, The 99 is about creating intentional environments where people can build real relationships and encounter God in a way that feels authentic and accessible. Whether it’s through themed events, music, or shared experiences, our goal is always the same: to make sure ‘the one’ gets seen.

The problem we solve is that feeling of being caught in between, wanting to grow spiritually but also wanting to enjoy life, connect with others, and exist in culture without feeling like you have to compromise who you are. We create a space where people don’t have to choose between faith and fun; they can have both.

What sets The 99 apart is the heart behind it. This isn’t just an event series; it’s a reflection of me. I’m very real, very unfiltered, and I believe you can walk with God and still have personality, joy, and community. That authenticity carries into everything we do. Our attendees feel it, which is why so many come back and even bring others with them.

What I’m most proud of is the community that’s been built. People don’t just attend, They connect. They stay. They grow. I’ve had so many people thank me for stepping out on faith and creating something they didn’t even realize they needed. Moments like that remind me that this was never just about me, it was about obedience and impact.

More than anything, I want people to know that The 99 is a space where they belong. A space where they can come as they are, feel seen, build community, and still experience God in a real way.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I love this question because it’s a process I am very passionate about. Building my audience on social media has really been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and learning what resonates with people in real time.

When I first started promoting The 99, I didn’t have a huge following or a perfect strategy. What I did have was clarity on the vision and the willingness to show up anyway. I leaned heavily into creating content that felt real, not overly polished, but reflective of the experience we were trying to build. Whether it was promo videos, behind-the-scenes moments, or simply speaking directly to the audience, I focused on making people feel something.

A big part of our growth came from community. I didn’t just post and disappear; I engaged, responded, reposted attendees, and made people feel like they were part of something. When people feel seen, they share. And that’s really how The 99 started to spread. Through word of mouth, tagging friends, and people bringing others with them.

I also paid attention to what worked. Certain posts would perform better, certain messaging would connect more, and I used that feedback to adjust. I’m always studying the audience, what they respond to, what excites them, and what makes them feel included.

For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my biggest advice would be:

Be consistent, even when it feels like no one is watching. The growth comes from showing up before the results.
Be authentic. People can tell when something is forced. What makes you different is your biggest strength.
Build community, not just content. Talk to your audience, not at them.
Pay attention to what works and don’t be afraid to pivot.

Most importantly, don’t wait until everything is perfect to start. If I had done that, The 99 wouldn’t exist. Start where you are, stay consistent, and let your growth happen naturally.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale has honestly been one of the most challenging parts of my journey. It didn’t come naturally at first. I had to learn that leading people requires more than vision; it requires patience, communication, and a willingness to grow.

In the beginning, I was still figuring out my leadership style, and my team played a huge role in that. Through their feedback, especially constructive feedback, I’ve learned so much about myself. There were moments where I had to reflect, adjust, and become more intentional in how I lead, communicate, and support them. That growth is still ongoing.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. So I make it a priority to create space for open communication, where my team can be honest and feel safe sharing their thoughts. I don’t just want people working for the vision; I want them to feel like they’re a part of building it. Because they are.

I also believe in leading with transparency and appreciation. A simple “thank you,” acknowledging effort, and keeping everyone aligned on the bigger purpose goes a long way in maintaining morale.

My advice to other leaders would be: Be open to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. It will grow you.
Don’t try to have all the answers; grow alongside your team.
Create a culture where people feel valued, not just utilized.

At the end of the day, my team hasn’t just helped build The 99; they’ve helped shape me into a better leader. And that’s something I’m truly grateful for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://The99nc.com
• Instagram: @The99.nc