Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Duchess Simone D. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Duchess Simone, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?
There are only two things I wish were different. I wish I had learned to tap into finding my creative rhythm sooner, and I wish I was not so hard on myself for not having things figured out right away. I officially started my business in February 2015 during my final semester at Temple University. I was in their Los Angeles Study Away Program, and that gave me the freedom to observe and absorb every aspect of my interests as a student. I knew as a business owner, I did not have a crystal clear vision on what services and products I wanted offer, but time helped me solve that problem.
I had a natural passion for writing, storytelling, music, media production, art, and fashion, but I felt stuck when people always told me to pick one thing to be successful. It took me about 10 years to learn that I can find success in embracing the seasons of my creativity instead of basing success on a rigid formula which doesn’t apply to a non rigid space.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Creativity was always my outlet in the same way some people had sports. I did art camps, drill team, writing, vocal lessons, etc; I took the journey of an artist quite seriously.
Being naturally inquisitive, I always wanted to know how art came to be, beyond the perspective of the artist. I wanted to know how and where albums were made, behind the scenes of music videos, photo shoots, and award shows. Whenever I bought a new CD as a child, I would take the booklet and read through the lyrics like poetry, then I would read the credits to learn names and contributors. I needed to know how the finish product was achieved. And I did the same with movies. I believed that one day I would occupy both spaces as creative and contributor to other’s creations. The promise of that duality was empowered me to further my knowledge of industries.
Unfortunately, I started talking to people about my goals who didn’t truly see me as an individual, and I was constantly advised to choose one thing if I wanted to be “successful”. This jaded advice put my in such negative spaces, and birthed so much internal conflict, I felt so much unnecessary guilt!! It was never that I had to choose one creative outlet over another, I had to learn how to embrace the seasons, and not feel like I had to do everything always at one time. It took me decades to embrace the reality that my career is just as colorful as I am, and I don’t have to conceptualize it to make people understand it. I can just be.
This acceptance was the gateway to me tapping into my power, and I realized I have so much to offer.
I’m most proud of my tenacity and discernment. These two characteristics have never steered me wrong. There many times when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing in pursing my dreams of being a creative business owner. But in exploring the options, nothing else ever worked out, so I’ve been forced to trust the process and remain consistent. But it’s required dedication in doing the work: educating myself on the advancements, expanding my network, nurturing relationships, eating humble pie, asking for help, and taking notes from people who respect me.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Many new clients are referred to me by existing clients. It’s usually they’ve seen my work or heard a glowing review of what its like to work with me. And I’m going to say, I appreciate people not being stingy with me! Because there is minimal room to grow when people are playing the gatekeeping game with your business.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Seek value over attention. Use your own voice. Don’t try to be like anyone else .A trend here and there can be advantageous, but honey, do not get caught up in chasing attention, metrics, and views.
Tell your story and showcase the things that you are passionate about! I have never gone viral on social media, and I don’t think any of my videos have over 7k views, but my art caught the attention of television producers and I earned a segment on Fox 29 Good Day Philadelphia with Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley. That was the greatest confirmation I’ve ever had! Not only did that make 10 year old me proud, but it was so validating to my creative process. Do your own thing, and to trust that the right people are going to find you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecolorduchess.com
- Instagram: @thecolorduchess
- Linkedin: http://bit.ly/47oiYIt
- Other: https://www.thatsdsent.com
