We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deidre Evans . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deidre below.
Deidre , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Tearra Dotson was a young teen mom; the odds were stacked against her as an African American woman. Tearra didn’t let that hold her back, she continued to push to be the best version of herself for her child and to prove the world wrong.
Deidre Evans is a Caucasian woman who grew up not knowing her worth, this led to abusive relationship after abusive relationship. Having a child at a young age and being a single parent, Deidre had to learn to overcome unworthiness within herself.
The two women come from different worlds and diversity, but through prayer, Two women, Two worlds, Two visions, and ONE MISSION to empower, guide, support, teach, and love the young women in this community through programs that will change the generational curse forever.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
H.O.P.S. Heart of Charity is two women. Tearra Dotson – is a strong woman who is unapologetically herself. Beautiful, intelligent, and a motivator. Tearra always shows results.
Deidre Evans- a strong, heart for service, still growing within and loving, force to be reckoned with.
Tearra started Hops Succeed 12 years ago by wanting to be her own boss, when she started Hops Heart of Charity Deidre connected with Tearra, and things took off from there.
what sets us apart is our willingness to share ideas and what we are doing in our nonprofit with others. Also, we want our community to be 13-30 years old. 18 everyone gets cut loose and just thrown out into the world but not at Hops Heart of Charity we want to guide you through all of life’s choices and be a support system. Also, the number one thing that sets us apart is everything is free to these young women.
We have sweatshirts, journals, hats, bags, stickers, and in the future a book.
Today’s, young scholars succeed.
H.O.P.S. Heart of Charity will use the “Who are You” curriculum to guide scholars through a fun-filled program starting with a self-assessment. The assessment will guide the scholars to open discussions on self-esteem, dressing for success, S.M.A.R.T. goals, healthy boundaries regarding relationships, college prep/trade, spiritual guidance, navigating their emotions, balancing their schedule, and financial literacy.
We are proud to break the mold in diversity, mental health, young teen moms, and many other topics.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I am going to have to say through God. Our Co-Founder saw me on Linkeldn and keep passing by, saying she had enough business networks and she wanted to get involved with a non-profit. Deidre kept dismissing me like three times. Finally, she clicked the link, and that’s when she saw I was doing Hops Heart of Charity. After going to the website, she signed her daughter and herself up for our Young Women Summit in May. Then she called and asked to meet. We met and hit it off right away. Deidre jumped in to help and work to build Hops Heart of Charity with me. As time passed, we knew this friendship was so different as we put God at the center by waking up every morning at 5:30 am to be in the word; we have watched God grow within Hops and us. We are two women who were meant to connect to change the community one girl at a time.
Any advice for managing a team?
Here at Hops Heart of Charity, we have high expectations of ourselves, our board, and anyone volunteering. In a leadership, role you have to be organized, flexible, and reliable. I do feel you need to lead by example, be encouraging, be positive but real always work on yourself and continue learning. Just because you are the leader does not mean you are right, or know it all. You have to be direct with your team when giving both praise and constructive criticism.
Be a role model
Be Visible
Set the expectations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hops-td.com/h-o-p-s-heart-of-charity
- Instagram: hops.succeed
- Facebook: HOPS – Helping other people succeed
- Linkedin: H.O.P.S. Helping other people succeed/HOPS Heart of Charity
Image Credits
Mike Washington