Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to DeAsia DeRamus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, DeAsia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
According to the Census Bureau, Cleveland was listed as the second poorest city in the United States, with over 5,000 adults working full-time but still struggling to support themselves and their families. Additionally, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio reports that depression seems to occur more frequently among Ohioans with lower educational levels and lower annual household incomes, leading to a 22% increase in depression statistics.
In response to this challenge, residents like myself are working to introduce multiple resources to people in the community to help them grow and improve their lives, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
One example is “Ghetto Therapy,” started by Walter Pattons in 2018. Recognizing that underserved areas of Cleveland lacked access to therapy, he brought licensed therapists to group sessions, allowing residents to have a voice and develop coping mechanisms. Hundreds of residents were introduced to ways to express and strengthen their mental health.
Another initiative is D. Marie’s BUStique, which serves the community by selling new clothing and collecting and donating resources such as gently used clothing, food, hygiene products, toys, and books to local shelters and families in need. Through events and larger-scale giveaways, D. Marie’s BUStique provides essential items and raises awareness about these issues.
Additionally, D. Marie’s BUStique offers a child mentoring program called “Fashion & Fundraising.” This program emphasizes the importance of humanity by teaching children how to give back to their community, develop marketing skills, and build confidence through fashion. Involving children in the planning and organizing of fundraisers helps them understand the value of teamwork and community. Also, the fashion component of the program allows children to express their individuality, creativity, and build self-confidence. We also offer life skills introductions, such as budgeting, the importance of self-care, and hygiene, to provide children with a more comprehensive education that may not be covered in traditional school settings.
We believe that by bringing resources to communities that may not be aware of them, we can make a positive impact on the lives of many individuals and families.
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?
Growing up in East Cleveland, Ohio, one of America’s poorest cities, I learned early on the value of sharing and community support, guided by the wisdom of my grandmother who believed in the virtue of giving over receiving. This foundational belief not only shaped my character but also propelled me into a life dedicated to serving others. My journey from a child in a modest household to an influential community leader and entrepreneur illustrates the impact one individual can have on their community through compassion, innovation, and hard work.
As a preschool teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, I quickly recognized the urgency to support the less fortunate. My innovative “Car Wash for Food… Drive” fundraiser was a success, raising almost $2000 in just four hours, which helped feed 300 people. I gathered a team of volunteers and did as much research and promotion as possible to make this event a success. Each participant had the choice between making at least at $10 donation or simply bringing a bag of groceries in order to receive a full car wash. With the monetary donations, I made several grocery store trips to purchase healthier food options to give to the Men’s Lutheran Shelter and also the Norma Herr Women’s Shelter of Cleveland. This initiative marked the beginning of my journey in community service and demonstrated how the potential of well-planned charitable events to make a difference.
The success of this event not only showed my commitment to community service but also earned me a position as a school age mentor, further expanding my influence and allowing me to instill the values of giving and community support in young minds. In the program, students learned marketing strategies, professionalism, how to secure a donation, what to do with donations, and how to budget for materials we needed to give back. My first mentorship program was most critical to my growth because It showed me how much you can learn from the youth. During this time, I was taught a lot of patience and learned many new skills that I shared with my mentees. Our relationships grew as they began to see that what we were doing for the community built trust and humanity. My mentees raised donations for Christmas toy drives, clothing drives, and also for groceries to help make hot meals catered by BITE Creole Kitchen and given to nearby shelters. Together, we have had over 30 fundraisers including car washes, lemonade stands, & bake sales and raised over $5000 since 2020.
Growing up, fashion has always been a love of mine. It provided an outlet for me to express my creativity and individuality, and I often received positive feedback from others about my looks. This inspired me to start my own boutique, and I also found a way to incorporate fashion into my mentorship program, “Fashion & Fundraising.” Through this program, I connect with my students on a more personal level. They are always interested in how I style my outfits, and I enjoy sharing different fashion concepts with them. Fashion has helped me build my confidence and stand out, and I hope to inspire my students to do the same. In “Fashion & Fundraising,” we learn various self-care techniques, affirmations, and how to look good on a budget. We also cover marketing skills, fundraising techniques, and how to utilize donations effectively.
My blend of passion for fashion and community service culminated in the creation of D. Marie’s BUStique, a soon-to-be mobile boutique (hence the name “BUS”tique) that not only offers stylish women’s clothing but also supports the community by collecting gently used clothing to donate to nearby shelters and less fortunate families. We attend many different pop up events, school functions, and even host our own giveaways to spread awareness and kindness throughput our community. At each event, we give away clothing and shoes to at least 50 people. We have even branched off to do hygiene and toy drives around the holidays. Through my boutique and various charitable initiatives, I am bridging the gap between those in need and those looking to help, demonstrating that fashion and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Firstly, building strong relationships within the community is crucial. This means actively engaging with local shelters, families, and organizations that D. Marie’s BUStique aims to support. Hosting community events, workshops, and small gatherings can significantly boost visibility and foster a sense of trust and mutual support. These events can also serve as fundraisers, providing an opportunity to educate the public about my mission and the importance of their contributions. In addition, creating a volunteer program can help spread the word about your business while directly contributing to its mission.
Another way I grow clientele is by creating strategic partnerships to expand my reach and impact. Collaborating with local businesses, schools, and other organizations can offer mutual benefits. For example, finding local businesses to donate a portion of their sales to my fundraisers or partnering with them to see if they have materials to donate for fundraisers, or schools might organize clothing drives that I can collect or give clothing to. These partnerships not only help in gathering more donations but also in spreading awareness about my cause to different parts of the community.
Lastly, a strong online presence is needed in today’s digital age. Developing a user-friendly website that clearly
communicates my mission, upcoming events, and stories of the people you’ve helped can inspire more people to get involved. Social media platforms are powerful tools for storytelling and engagement, allowing my business to reach a wider audience, share success stories, and post regular updates about my fundraising efforts and the difference D. Marie’s BUStique is making. Engaging content, such as videos, blogs, and live streams of my events, has greatly enhanced my online visibility and attract more supporters and donors.
Any advice for managing a team?
First, I often share stories of how the contributions from D. Marie’s BUStique have made a difference in people’s lives. I constantly organize volunteer opportunities for my team to participate in the charity work directly. Some examples include visiting shelters and completing activities with them, helping organize and distribute clothing/food/hygiene products to the community, and participating in my youth mentorship program. This firsthand experience with the impact of their work significantly boosts morale, making the daily tasks more meaningful.
Second, D. Marie’s BUStique creates an environment full of appreciation and recognition. Celebrating both individual achievements and team milestones can create a positive work environment. Recognize not just sales or work performance, but also the effort and passion my team members put into supporting the D. Marie’s BUStique’s mission. Simple gestures like thank-you notes, public recognition, incentives, and team celebrations go a long way in making my volunteers and employees feel valued.
Lastly, encouraging open communication and feedback. Create a supportive atmosphere where my team feels comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback. I hold several check – ins monthly and give team members and volunteers surveys to fix areas of improvement. This can lead to innovative ways to improve the business and further the cause. Moreover, involving them in decision-making processes can empower your team, making them feel like an integral part of both the business and its philanthropic mission. At D. Marie’s BUStique, we work together as a family to ensure compassion & community is also demonstrated in any project that we are completing. A team that communicates well and feels heard is more likely to stay motivated and committed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: DMaries.Bustique
Image Credits
Darcia Boyd