We recently connected with Delora Green and have shared our conversation below.
Delora , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
“Sometimes our darkest moments become the catalyst for our brightest future. When I found myself in rehab for alcohol addiction, I never could have imagined that it would lead me to my true passion. Through the struggles and challenges, I discovered a love for upcycling old clothing into unique and beautiful designs.
What started as a therapeutic outlet soon became a hit among my peers in the facility, and before I knew it, I was creating custom outfits for everyone. When it was suggested that I turn my talent into a business, I was hesitant at first, but something inside me knew it was the right path.
I launched my designs on social media and the response was overwhelming. People were drawn to my work and I even sold a few designs on the very first day. What excites me the most is that I am offering fashion based on my own unique talents and skills. I am proof that no matter how challenging our circumstances may seem, we can always find our way to success and fulfillment.”
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?
Hello there, I’m Delora Green – the unstoppable wonder woman! Besides being a devoted wife and mother of four amazing kids, I also have an unwavering passion for dancing in the mirror lip synching Beyoncé songs lol . I believe that following the status quo is overrated, and I’d rather blaze my own trail and dance to my own beat. My love for fashion was ignited by the stylish women in my family, and as I grew up, I discovered my own unique sense of style and even started designing my own clothes.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
From a humble corner in my mother’s basement, armed with just $50 and a trusty mini glue gun, I fearlessly launched my brand. Against all odds, I’ve continued to fund my business purely out of pocket for 6 long years, without relying on any grants, loans or external aid. Despite the challenges, I feel immensely blessed to have never had to close shop, and am incredibly grateful for the chance to chase my dreams. There is nothing more inspiring than realizing that you have the power to make your dreams come true!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Losing my mother was like losing a piece of my soul. She was my source of inspiration, my biggest supporter, and my muse. But when she passed away in 2019, I felt like I had lost my drive for my business. Despite pouring everything I had into my craft, the intense grief took a toll on me. Even on my worst days, I refused to give up. I knew I had to keep going to keep my business afloat. Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I was in a terrible car accident that left me with a torn disc and blurry vision.
Yet, despite all the setbacks, I refused to let my dream die. I pushed through every obstacle and every day, even though I was in immense pain. And then, in the midst of a global pandemic, something incredible happened. My business began to thrive. I received numerous orders and even had the chance to create jackets for hip hop star Trina and Love & Hip hop star Momma Dee all thanks to an amazing person named Quanae Coleman who believed in my talent and gave me the opportunity to prove myself.
As I relaunch my brand with an empowering message, I realize that the hardest times in our lives are often when we find our purpose. It takes a special kind of strength to persevere when everything seems to be falling apart around us. Though my mother is no longer with me, her spirit lives on in my work. I know she would be proud of everything I have accomplished and everything I still have to achieve.
The brand’s focus is on empowering individuals and promoting body positivity. I want my customers to not only look their best but feel their best as well. With my unique designs uplifting message, I’m ready to take on the fashion world once again.
My collection is celebration of difference and a homage to my mother’s love of fashion.
The Caged Juelz Collection is a beacon of hope in a world that often seeks to suppress individuality. I am living proof that with hard work and a positive attitude, anything is possible my story will be an inspiration to all those who dare to dream and follow their passions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_cagedjuelz_collection?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cagedjuelzcustomhandmadeclothing?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Delora Green