We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DaSai Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DaSai below.
DaSai, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
The first dollar I earned as a creative entrepreneur holds a special place in my heart. It all started with my clothing brand, “$cvm Safely.” I remember vividly when my close friend Kris became the first person to make a purchase and support my vision.
I had just released a collection of five unique T-shirt designs, and Kris, being a close friend who believed in my creative endeavor from the very beginning, decided to not just buy one, but three different designs. It was an incredibly exciting and validating moment for me because it signified that someone appreciated what I was trying to express through my work.
This initial sale wasn’t just a financial milestone; it was a confirmation that there was a genuine interest in what I was creating. Support is not only a boost for my brand but also a motivating factor that fueled my passion to continue exploring and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of having a supportive community around you, especially in the early stages of building something from the ground up.
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 back background and context?
I’m DaSai, hailing from Detroit, MI. Growing up, my passion for art, design, and fashion was always present, yet it wasn’t until my adult years that I truly embraced these interests. My journey involved breaking free from the confines of my surroundings and learning the importance of being true to myself, irrespective of external influences. The convergence of my love for music, art, and graphics has played a pivotal role in shaping the creative individual I am today.
My foray into the industry was born out of a simple desire – the need for clothes that resonated with my personality and experiences. Unable to find what I envisioned, I took matters into my own hands, creating T-shirts adorned with graphics and images inspired by everything from internet memes to snapshots of my son. As interest in my unique designs grew, I realized I had an audience eager for more, leading to the birth of “$cvm Safely.”
While “$cvm Safely” started as a clothing brand, it soon evolved into a creative umbrella known as GBA, or Gutterfly Boyz Association. Under this umbrella, I wear multiple hats – from creative directing and photography to videography and consulting. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about offering a diverse range of creative services to individuals and brands.
What sets me apart is my fearlessness. I thrive on taking risks, be it in the realm of clothing or creative direction. When you engage with me, expect more than what you bargained for. I consistently go the extra mile, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
One of my proudest achievements is my ability to sell and market products without relying on popularity or clout. Many brands find success based on the figures behind them, but for me, it’s about the genuine appreciation people have for my work. What truly fills me with pride is knowing that my son has a role model in me – someone who fearlessly pursues their passions and makes a mark based on merit
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative, for me, lies in the ability to channel my imagination into tangible expressions that resonate with others. Creating something out of nothing, whether it’s a visually striking design, a captivating photograph, or a thought-provoking piece of art, brings a profound sense of fulfillment.
The joy comes not only from the act of creation but from the connections forged through my work. Witnessing people connect with and find meaning in what I produce is incredibly gratifying. Art has the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and transcend boundaries. Knowing that something I’ve created has the potential to leave a lasting impact on someone’s thoughts or feelings is the ultimate reward.
Moreover, being an artist allows me to constantly evolve and push my own boundaries. The journey of self-discovery through creativity is an ongoing and enriching experience. It’s about embracing the freedom to express myself authentically and inspire others to do the same. The most rewarding moments come when my creativity becomes a catalyst for positive change, sparking inspiration and fostering a sense of connection within the community that engages with my work.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building My Social Media Audience:
When I began my journey into the world of social media, I realized the power it held in connecting with like-minded individuals and potential customers. Here’s a snapshot of my story:
Authenticity and Consistency:
I started by sharing content that genuinely reflected my brand and personality. Whether it was behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, personal anecdotes, or highlights from my daily life, I aimed for authenticity. Consistency in posting regularly helped keep my audience engaged.
Understanding the Audience:
Recognizing that my target audience was predominantly female and that they enjoyed showcasing their purchases, I tailored my content accordingly. I delved into understanding their preferences, interests, and the type of content that resonated with them.
Engagement and Community Building:
Rather than focusing solely on self-promotion, I actively engaged with my audience. Responding to comments, asking questions, and participating in conversations helped foster a sense of community. I also connected with other female brand owners, forming a network of support and collaboration.
Strategic Collaborations:
One turning point in expanding my reach was collaborating with influential figures in my niche. For instance, Nautica P of Bella Vamier played a pivotal role by generously showcasing my products. This collaboration not only exposed my brand to a wider audience but also added credibility.
Visual Appeal and Shareable Content:
Understanding the inclination of my audience to share their purchases, I prioritized creating visually appealing and shareable content. This included striking visuals, compelling graphics, and content that encouraged users to showcase their interactions with my brand.
Advice for Building Social Media Presence:
Define Your Brand: Clearly articulate your brand identity, values, and what sets you apart.
Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics, preferences, and habits of your target audience.
Authentic Content: Share content that reflects your brand authentically and resonates with your audience.
Consistency is Key: Regularly post content to maintain a consistent and visible presence.
Engage Actively: Respond to comments, ask questions, and actively engage with your audience.
Build a Community: Foster a sense of community among your followers and connect with other influencers or brand owners in your niche.
Strategic Collaborations: Identify opportunities for collaborations with influencers or figures in your industry.
Visual Appeal: Prioritize visually appealing and shareable content to encourage user interaction.
Use Analytics: Regularly analyze social media analytics to understand what works and refine your strategy.
Patience and Persistence: Building a social media presence takes time. Be patient, stay persistent, and adapt your strategy based on insights.
Remember, each social media journey is unique, and the key is to stay true to your brand while adapting to the evolving landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.scamsafely.com
- Instagram: @scamsafely,@scvmsafely,@gba.jpeg
- Facebook: DaSai Harris
- Twitter: @scamsafely
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@dasaiharris3416
- Other: linktr.ee/DaSaiHarris