We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Stanley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

I’ve been in business for over 2 years and despite the challenges faced I’ve preserved and maintained my business. The craziest thing happened to me recently. I’ve been given a huge opportunity after styling an actor on set for a popular Television show. She was a great client and passed the word and got me my first celebrity client for the upcoming 2023 year and I’m so excited. Not only is my brand/store DBD Fashions going to be an actual brand marketed throughout the United States but I can add dressing people with names to my resume. I owe all my success to God, my family, my close circle of friends and my beautiful daughter who is my motivation.

Vanessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m from John’s island sc. I’m the youngest of 4 girls. Entrepreneurship has ran the my family for many generations and I am now pursuing my legacy. I’ve been involved heavily growing up into music as a vocalist singing and writing R&B, gospel and soul music. My love for writing didn’t fade. I also write and produce stage plays where I donate to non profit organizations through out the Charleston Community. From there I’ve obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in communications from Claflin University but Entrepreneurship and owning, operating, and pursuing DBD Fashions has been a dream come true.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

How I overcame my struggles, anxiety and business depression was; money management, budgeting, and focus on what’s important for your business.

Money management is important because I’ve had 3 locations in the past 3 years. I want to be honest and truthful. Money wasn’t an issue because it was being made however I realized spending it more effectively was the issue. Budgeting came into play. I realized the more I budgeted and focused on what was important for my business it worked for me. However I made the decision that in Charleston sc I don’t want a physical store anymore. I just need a show room where I can show my designed clothes by me to the home team. The last 3 months haven’t been easy but it was necessary for me to refocus, close a physical store and open my showroom..

I have been happy, the money has been more effectively used and I am heading in the right direction because I have 2 more stores projected to open away from Charleston my home next year in which I’m excited about.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Anyone who knows me knows DBD Fashions customer service is Number 1 on our goals and mission. We work hard to serve all kings & Queens. Well it takes only 1 bad review for people to doubt your brand, but we focus on customer service. We want the customer to know we will get things together for you so you can not worry about your outfit or look.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram/DBDFashions
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DBDFASHIONS
• Other: Snapchat www.Snapchat.com/DBDFashions

Image Credits
Impressions by Deandre by Brandon BLow Bryant