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

Whit, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents always to told me that I could be anything I wanted to be. My mom stressed the importance of education and independence. My dad demonstrated a strong work ethic. Together, they encouraged me to work hard and do what I love. It was the best of both worlds really.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I wrote my first book in June 2017 entitled Not By My Own. It detailed my experience of overcoming domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and depression. What made it so unique is that I told it in story format vs autobiography and it went on to win an award. Since then I started a nonprofit helping survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives post abuse and have written four additional books, including my children’s book, The Girl With The Crooked Smile. It is a prevention tool for youth teaching them self-acceptance and affirmations to build their self-esteem. Through my love of writing, I have been able to work with other entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and filmmakers to execute public relations strategies that help them secure media appearances, obtain sponsorships, and develop community partnerships.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I left my corporate job working for an insurance company on June 15, 2018 to take a chance on myself as an Author and Speaker. I had the full support of my supervisor, who had not only purchased my first book, but also wrote me a recommendation letter if or when I decided to return to the workforce. It was both scary and exciting, but I knew I had to at least try. I did not want to have to wonder what could have happened or had any regrets for allowing fear to stop me from believing in myself. Stepping out on faith allowed me to go full throttle into working for myself while being available to my family. It also helped me transition to taking on private clients and assisting them with image management, which is something I had not originally planned to do, but enjoyed.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I had been through so many difficulties between 2020-2022, that I almost began to resent the word “Resilient.” I wished to be nothing of the such! I wanted to have some sort of ease after so much turmoil. Then I had a perspective shift after losing my partner unexpectedly to gun violence and that was to live each day with great intention. No matter what life threw at me, I ended the night with gratitude for at least one thing that I could be grateful for or proud of myself for. Some days, it was as simple as showing up for myself. Other days, it was submitting a press release or pitching a client who got media placement. Either day, I thanked myself and God for not giving up when it would have been so much easier to do so.

Contact Info:

• Website: notbymyown.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/whitdevereaux
• Facebook: Facebook.com/whitdevereaux
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitdevereaux/
• Twitter: Twitter.com/Whit_Devereaux

Image Credits
Billy Montgomery Photography