We were lucky to catch up with Herve Tennessee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Herve , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
In my ninth year of scholastic endeavor, circa grade the ninth, I chanced upon ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ penned by Oscar Wilde, that witty sage. Enthralled, I commissioned a grand tableau inspired thereby.
My fascination with Victorian epochs blossomed further upon viewing ‘The Gilded Age’ televise spectacle in 2023. As an historian and romantic, I confess enchantment with Gilded Age refinement.
My credo? “Life is theater; arrive in character.” This maxim stirred me to create.
My quest for Gilded Age revelries in New York City yielded naught but disappointment. None existed… till I decreed: “Be what thou wishest to see in this world!” Thus, Dorian’s Gilded Society was born.
Dorian’s Gilded Society, named for Wilde’s captivating Dorian Gray and the Gilded Era of Queen Victoria’s majestic reign. My aspiration: bring Gilded Age splendor to mortal lives.
“Tis not gold that gilds life, but refined taste and charming company. Wealth shall follow suit”, I decree. As Oscar Wilde once quipped, “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best”. My heart resonates with that.
Thus, inspired by Wilde’s wisdom, my own literary pursuits (I have written an adaptation of The picture of Dorian Gray. Not published.), and flair for dramatic attire – Dorian’s Gilded Society emerged, a testament to living life as grand theater.
My entrepreneurial spirit, honed by freelance pursuits in promotional marketing, merged with passion – Dorian’s Gilded Society was formally established.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
1.3. “Tell me about yourself.” Is often a loaded question or statement. Where shall I began? “Picture it, Grosvenor Square London 1830”, well…not exactly.
I am many things and do many things. Unlike, many mortals, I have lived a very long life, hence; I discovered this truth:
“Verily, Universe aboundeth, limitless and vast, Bestowing plentiful joys for mortal hearts to clasp. Emulate Universe’s grandeur, live life unbound, Limitless be thy spirit, wild and profound. Forsooth, self-restraint is grievous sin indeed. Against thine own soul, a heavy heart doth need.” (The Universe is abundant, limitless, and has made so much for us to enjoy. Be like the Universe. Live life to the fullest, be limitless. For not doing so, is a great sin to oneself.)
I am a the artistic director of ‘The TennCo Creatives’ and ‘The TennCo Events’, which comprises of .1. ‘Dorian’s Gilded Society’, special events. doriansgildedsociety.org. At D.G.S, I am an event producer and socialite. I create events based off Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray, Queen Victoria and anything Victorian and Gilded Age. 2. ‘The Tennessee Curtis Dance Company’, a dance troupe that creates theatrical performances. 3. ‘The TennCo Photography’, photography for events and special occasions. 4. ‘The TennCo Custom Design’, stylist and fashion design.
I am a life coach, at ‘ZEN TENN Garden of Meditation & Yoga’, where I assist and help clients to elevate their lives. Furthermore, I am a professional Organizer; ‘The TennCo Home & Office organizing and Interior Design’, also assisting people in their personal home and office life.
I also, enjoy making none historical art such as ‘A day in my life with bunnies,’ (adayinmylifewithbunnies.com) a long term project that I need to have displayed at a gallery some day. Know of anyone who can assist me with this endeavor?
People often say, “That’s a lot”. My response is, “as an entrepreneur, when you do what you love, it is not enough.”
I am grateful that I am able to do all of this and still have the time to make new friends and socialize at VIP events as a paid socialite.
Remember that, “Life is theater, be more than one character. Don’t limit yourself.” Oscar Wilde said, “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
2. How you got into your industry?
After a couple years of working minimum wage jobs, I realized that my life would get more value, if I work on my innate skills and abilities. That’s when I started ‘The TennCo Creative’, which comprises of anything creative. I am a creative and I can not live by a mundane 9 to 5 job. This had been the best life decision, however it’s a challenging one and well worth it.
My industry of interest is anything ‘art and creative’.
3. “the problems that I solve for my clients and/or what I think sets me apart from others”, is that I am a genuine person. I’m in the business for the love and pleasure of it. I take what I do with seriousness, “that life is for the living to enjoy it fully. So don’t limit yourself with baggage.” My goal with every interaction is to leave everyone much better than how I found them.
4. What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my accomplishments. Tho it can be very challenging, I welcome growth and am a stronger person for it
(“Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself”). Most entrepreneurs will tell you that it was not easy to quit their job to pursue their own career of choice.
I am proud of my good character. I am proud of my positive and amiable relationship with others.
I am proud that I am able to listen to the voice within, and create and share my creation with others. I am very grateful.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
As I mentioned previously, amiable relationship with others and “leaving others better than when you found them” has been my mantra ever since I was a child. At the age of 8, I realized that I only had two choices: 1. Grow up, be a “normie” and lose my “God essence”, 2. Grow up, BUT refusing to be like everyone else, be called a “weirdo” and KEEP “God essence”.
I gladly chose the latter.
I am saying this to say that, how you are with others, how you treat others around you, will be your reputation and legacy.
I am genuine, I pay my collaborations fair wages, meeting them above expectation. Because of that, many seek me out, because…people talk.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
A particular goal or mission driving my creative journey….. my personal business mission statement or goal is:
“……..To inspire people to do what inspires them.” I get inspired by life, by nature and be other artists. In return, those who are paying close attention, will get inspired by me, by my character and by my art.
Many a people have mentioned to me:
“you have saved my life” or “You have changed my life” or something alone those lines. I am so genuine with my life, with others and with my craft, that I am unsure what they are talking about specifically. I stopped asking and now accept that, how I lead my life is impactful to others. Hence, I shall remain steadfast in living my authentic life. How I treat myself is how I will treat others.
As it pertain to my creative pursuits, specifically for Dorian’s Gilded Society; my goal is to create access to the Gilded Life Style for the everyday person. “To be gilded, one only needs fine taste, good company and the money will come pouring. Do not bother with a rain coat, just go out, sing and dance in the rain.”
My company collaborates with other artists to bring grand special events, and experiential immersive events. In truth, don’t kill me for this….. I am very disappointed with New York City’s art life. I want to be the change that I seek. Will you join me to make such change?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://doriansgildedsociety.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorians.gildedsociety
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doriansgildedsociety
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herve-t-73299610/
- Twitter: @doriansgilded
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doriangray6653
- Other: http://adayinmylifewithbunnies.com
Image Credits
IG @dozenfingers_photography
IG @kriskennerimages
IG @savagely_richie