We were lucky to catch up with D Young recently and have shared our conversation below.

D, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Fortunately, my first clients were actually my closest network of friends. Not only was I able to make my first few sales, but I was able to get real feedback from my initial targeted demographic. Having a group of people who were not afraid to give me real feedback helped me better my product and my brand. It also helped me realize what changes I needed to make to make the SELCT BY D customer happy.

The feedback I received from my initial customers, mixed with my inner circle of friends and colleagues, allowed me to see the pros and opportunities for SELECT BY D. I was able to communicate with my customers on a personal level to better ensure my products not only fulfilled a want but also a need.

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

BY D LLC is a lifestyle health and beauty brand by De’Shele Young. The brand focuses on enriching individuals through personal care. BY D LLC is also the parent company of ‘SELECT BY D” – a holistic product line of body oils, soaps, scrubs and aromatherapy teas for both women and men.

After years of personal research for beauty products I identified with, I ventured out to develop a holistic body care brand that paid attention to repairing and rejuvenating all types of skin, inside and out. The project, which I affectionately named ‘SELECT BY D,’ was the first step to attaining a long term goal of opening a Rejuvenation Day Spa within impoverished communities like the South Bronx. The center’s purpose is to enhance the standards of beauty and health care within urban communities by focusing on products that align with the demographics of the community.

The ‘SELECT BY D’ goal is to enhance the standards of beauty and health care within impoverished communities. As a native New Yorker and a product of The South Bronx, my community lacks beauty brands that are inclusive and accessibility to better alternatives. Prior to the establishment of ‘SELECT BY D,’ I witnessed mentees, who I mentored, lacked the same engagement from beauty brands I lacked while growing up. Vital information detailing different skin tones, beauty tips and personal care were not shared properly. With that in mind, ‘SELECT BY D’ engages those seeking more information and provides them with products and resources that can help them achieve their understanding of ‘The New You.’ Beauty is a lifelong journey and through ‘SELECT BY D’ I hope to help others from impoverished communities like the South Bronx start their journey with the proper tools they needs to achieve their beauty goals.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I have seen growth building clientele through word of mouth. Having an inner circle that is willing to support by purchasing my products and also informing others of the brand. I have also seen great feedback and repeat clientele by doing Vendors shows. I have also seen growth by partnering with colleagues who own rental properties and provide their guests with my products. As the brand starts to focus on social media, the goal is to reach a wilder network of clientele to introduce SELECT BY D to.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

All of SELECT BY D products are manufactured in house. I have invested a lot of time into studying and researching the best options for the brand to achieve its goals of making the best products possible. There has been a lot of trial and error by trying to perfect the brand and it’s products. I developed by brand during the pandemic, utilizing my time by developing systems and processes that would help my product last and enrich over time. While sourcing more quality ingredients from around the world and continuing my research on beauty standards and health products, SELECT BY D is slated to be a brand which not only enhances ones health but also teach its consumers about how to preserve their beauty.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SELECTBYD.com
• Instagram: @selectbyd
• Facebook: @selectbyd

Image Credits
Personal photograph: Mike Law