Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denzel Demby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Denzel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

That’s an interesting question. First and foremost, I would have started sooner than later. As creatives and entrepreneurs, we want the right moment. We want things to fall into place perfectly without obstacles or delays. I’ve learned that no matter how long you wait, there will still be challenges and you must overcome them. Secondly, I would have a mentor who can coach and guide me through this lifestyle. Having a mentor helps you put things into perspective, it gives you the chance to ask for constructive feedback. Lastly, I would partner with peers who are in the same field as me. It’s essential to have people in your circle that share a common goal. While I can’t change the past, hopefully, this will help new influencers and entrepreneurs.

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 Denzel James Demby. I have a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and while I’m a creative entrepreneur, I’m deeply invested in my business roots.
I’m the owner and founder of discernjewelry, a jewelry brand I started in 2013. I wanted to create a jewelry line that catered to both genders. I believe that jewelry should not have limitations according to gender. My brand, discernjewelry, specializes in stainless steel, sterling silver, and high-quality beads. We are currently gearing up for our 10th anniversary this fall, and it’s going to be epic. For my brand @mr_demby, I showcase lifestyle, fashion, & photography. I love to share various looks with my peers within the fashion content industry. I find joy in seeing other style content pages on Instagram as well. I started taking my content seriously in 2018. I realized that I could make a career out of this, and I began by taking my photos and videos. as of now, I manage all of my social media platforms, and I take all of my photos. Since I’ve taken my content seriously, I’ve gotten to work with unique brands. In 2022 I worked with Psycho Bunny, Vitaly, Mejuri, and Solo New York, to name a few. I was also featured on the Vitalys website and got a chance to have an exclusive partnership where I can give my followers a discount using my code. So far this year, I landed a major sponsorship deal with Rockstar Original based in Los Angeles. I have more big collaborations and sponsorships coming in 2023, and I can’t wait to share them.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That’s an interesting question. I had to unlearn being normal. There are so many traditions in life that restrict us as individuals. I had to unlearn the idea of working a traditional job. Now there’s nothing wrong with working a 9-5, and it’s an excellent baseline for starting your business and having capital. You don’t have to stay on your 9-5 forever. While you are working, build a plan or set a goal. Give yourself a maximum of 5 years and make an escape plan. Even if you decide to stay on the job, ensure you have other side hustles to generate more passive income. It

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team can be a difficult task at times. Most days, it’s rewarding, but there are moments when you must make critical decisions that can effect the team long-term. The best way to maintain high morale is to be an empathetic leader. Listen to your team and try to understand their needs. Secondly, include your team in weekly discussions and show them their ideas are relevant to the company. Lastly, create an incluusive environment by welcoming all cultures and ethnicities. This will make your team understand where others are coming from of why they have certain beliefs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.discernjewelry.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mr_demby
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/denzeldemby
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mr_denzeldemby
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ImThaBoss21
• Other: Follow me on Tiktok @mr_demby and @discernjewelry

Image Credits
Photos by Denzel James Demby. Styled by Denzel James Demby. @mr_demby