We were lucky to catch up with Degaryia Witten recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Degaryia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
One of the most extraordinary experiences that unfolded for me was receiving an unexpected spotlight for my business in the Facebook group of one of my favorite authors, Ashley Antoinette. It was a day that will forever be etched in my memory. As I followed my usual morning routine, my Shopify app suddenly started chiming with notifications, causing me to wonder what was happening. It was around 8 or 9 am, and little did I know, something incredible was about to unfold.
With each notification, my excitement grew, and a wide smile stretched across my face, making my cheeks ache with joy. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, especially as a black woman. To have another black woman pour into me and believe in my business meant the world. The spotlight led to a flurry of orders, nearly a hundred in total, culminating in my first and, so far, only five-figure day. It was a breathtaking milestone that affirmed my passion and dedication.
However, just three days later, life took an unexpected turn. I received a devastating diagnosis of COVID-19. Shipping delays were inevitable, given the circumstances, and my own health took a sharp decline. I found myself in the emergency room, struggling to catch my breath. This was an incredibly challenging time, as I grappled with the balance between my business obligations and prioritizing my well-being.
Amidst my battle with the virus, customers continued to reach out, seeking tracking numbers and updates. I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, torn between my health and meeting their expectations. The guilt weighed heavily on me, knowing that I couldn’t fulfill orders as quickly as I desired. However, despite the setbacks, I mustered the strength to overcome those hurdles and COVID-19, eventually fulfilling every order in a safe and healthy way.
Incredibly, even after this challenging period, I witnessed the resilience of my customers and the kindness of their support. I am immensely grateful for their understanding and continued patronage. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, gratitude, and the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship.
Through the highs and lows, the exhilaration and exhaustion, my journey as a business owner continues to shape me, reinforcing my determination to overcome any obstacles that come my way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey there! I’m Degaryia Witten, an entrepreneur from Inkster, MI. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had this burning desire to carve my own path and be my own boss. My entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of 10 when I teamed up with my younger cousin to start a traveling candy company. We’d deliver tasty treats and cakes to folks in our neighborhood, spreading smiles wherever we went.
Throughout my life, I’ve taken on various leadership roles and achieved remarkable milestones. During my time at Eastern Michigan University, I proudly served as the President of The Phoenix, an incredible event planning organization. I also held the role of Director of Civil Engagement for Project Big Sister, a mentoring organization that has my heart. Along the way, I’ve been honored with accolades like Ms. EMU, the Michelle Obama Award, and the Black Women Who Lead Award. Additionally, I was fortunate to be selected as a Forbes Under 30 Scholar, a humbling experience that fueled my drive even further. Oh, and did I mention that I graduated from EMU on the dean’s list? Talk about an achievement!
But let me tell you, my true passion lies in empowering individuals and spreading awareness about the incredible power we all possess within ourselves. That’s why I created Euphoric Collections. At Euphoric Collections, we’re all about prioritizing peace and self-compassion. Through our carefully handcrafted candles, we aim to inspire moments of tranquility, encouraging people to pause, breathe, and embrace the present.
My personal journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges. I faced one of the toughest moments of my life when my mother suffered a life-threatening stroke during my graduation ceremony in December 2019. The road to her recovery was long and arduous, and it left me feeling devastated, battling with my own demons of depression and anxiety.
But from the darkness emerged a spark of hope. Candles became my solace, my sanctuary amidst the chaos. They brought light and warmth back into my life, reminding me of the power of self-love, meditation, and affirmations. That’s when the idea of Euphoric Collections was born.
Every candle we create at Euphoric Collections is a labor of love, crafted with non-toxic ingredients and infused with bold, captivating scents. Each collections has a meaning. We want our candles to transport you to a state of pure bliss, a fragrant oasis where you can find solace and embrace stillness.
My mom’s incredible fight for life ignited a fire within me to bring joy and comfort to others. Being the first person in my family to earn a college degree, I am driven to create opportunities for future generations and make my mother proud.
So, welcome to Euphoric Collections, where honesty, storytelling, and a passion for serving the peace-loving community converge. Join us on this journey as we light up lives, one candle at a time
Have you ever had to pivot?
After a period of reflection and a brief hiatus from social media, I returned with renewed energy and determination. However, what I discovered upon my return was both disheartening and challenging – someone had taken my original company name. The name that had been bestowed upon me in a vivid dream, guided by the wisdom of my ancestors.
It was a devastating blow. I had poured my heart and soul into building my brand, cultivating a strong and loyal community of customers who resonated with my vision. Yet, here I was, faced with the difficult decision of relinquishing the name that held so much personal significance.
In that moment, I had a choice to make. I could dwell on the loss, allowing it to discourage and hinder me, or I could embrace the opportunity to pivot and forge a new path forward. I chose the latter.
With unwavering determination, I embarked on a journey of reinvention. I recognized that while the name may have changed, the essence of my business, my purpose, and my commitment to serving my customers remained unchanged. I refused to let this setback define me.
Starting from scratch was no easy feat, but I embraced the challenge with resilience and an unyielding spirit. I harnessed the lessons I had learned, using them as stepping stones towards growth and innovation. I immersed myself in the creative process, exploring new avenues and refining my brand identity.
Throughout this transformative experience, I gained a deeper understanding of myself as both a person and a business owner. I discovered a well of strength within me that I never knew existed. I learned to trust my instincts and lean on the unwavering support of my loyal community.
While the road may have been rocky, I emerged stronger and more determined than ever before. I adopted a new name that resonated with my evolving vision and purpose. I rebuilt my brand, nurturing it with love, authenticity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The journey reminded me of a simple yet profound truth: If I refuse to quit, I cannot lose. This experience taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of embracing change. It reinforced my belief that setbacks are not roadblocks but rather opportunities for growth and resilience.
Today, I stand tall, proud of the business I have built and the community that supports it. While the stolen name may have been a painful chapter in my story, it propelled me towards an even brighter future. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the unwavering spirit that continues to guide me on this extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, I have been fortunate to come across various resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking. Among them, two standout resources have been instrumental in shaping my philosophy and approach to business.
Firstly, I have found tremendous inspiration and insights from “The Jasmin Star Show.” This incredible podcast has been a game-changer for small business owners like myself. With each episode, Jasmin Star dives deep into the core aspects of running a business, providing practical tips, actionable strategies, and invaluable wisdom. Her candid conversations with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs have expanded my horizons and challenged my thinking, pushing me to think creatively and strategically about my own business.
Another invaluable resource that has shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking is the “Product Boss” podcast. This podcast, hosted by Jacqueline Snyder and Minna Khounlo-Sithep, offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise specifically tailored to product-based businesses. From navigating the intricacies of product development to mastering marketing strategies and scaling a business, Jacqueline and Minna provide invaluable insights and actionable advice. The diverse range of topics covered in their podcast has empowered me to make informed decisions and approach my business with a comprehensive perspective.
Both “The Jasmin Star Show” and the “Product Boss” podcast have not only equipped me with practical tools and strategies but have also cultivated a mindset of continuous growth and learning. These resources have helped me stay abreast of industry trends, refine my management skills, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. By tapping into the wisdom and experiences shared in these podcasts, I have been able to elevate my business and forge a path toward long-term success.
In addition to these podcasts, I am an avid reader and constantly seek out books and articles that expand my knowledge and perspective. The entrepreneurial journey is a constant evolution, and I am committed to ongoing learning and personal growth. By immersing myself in valuable resources, such as these podcasts, I continue to refine my management and entrepreneurial thinking, fueling my passion and driving my business forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.euphoricco.com
- Instagram: TheEuphoricco
- Facebook: TheEuphoricco