We had the good fortune of connecting with Deja T. Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Deja T., why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creating has always been apart of me since I could pick up a pencil! It’s always been something i’ve dreamed of doing. As a child I would constantly get in trouble in school because I would either be daydreaming about designing, drawing outfits for my friends, or just simply sketching or doodling in my notebook. I essentially started pursuing design because of shows like “True Jackson VP” and “That’s So Raven”. I thought it was so cool to be able to design and make your own clothing! I never realized that I could actually grow up and turn something that I love to do into a career! So from there my love for fashion design and design in general grew more and more.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a fashion designer as well as a graphic & brand designer. I started off being a fashion designer then ended up adding graphic designing to my repertoire. After graduating high school, I decided I want to go to SCAD to pursue a degree in fashion designing. Unfortunately, I could only attend for one quarter. I’m still so grateful for that opportunity because I learned a lot and gained lifetime friends in my short stay in Savannah. After leaving SCAD, I was a little devastated, I felt like I’ll never be a designer without a degree. That feeling was short lived because I brushed it off, took what I learned, combined it with what I already knew, and Started my brand “Deja Tenay”. My grandmother gifted me with a sewing machine (I am SO SO thankful) and I started making my sketches come to life.
About maybe a year or two later I launched my fist collection called “Vacay Vibes”and showcased with a production called “Raw Artists”. Within that collection that’s when I started using my beginners graphic design skills. I created the actual print that went on the fabric, I designed my logo, and learned to digitize my sketches. After the showcase and collection settled down, one of my close friends approached me to create a logo and business card for her. At the time I wanted to say NO, because I had no clue what I was doing. But I am so grateful I told her YES! After completing her project she spread the word that I created her logo and cards. Soon after, it was like a trickled effect. More and more people started coming to me to do their logos and business cards. Soon after I began to get a little more confident but then Michelle came and my confidence went away. This was a good thing! She helped activate my purpose and elevated my gift. She challenged me and believed that my skills were more than just logo design. She hired me to make flyers and graphics for her, her team, and church. At that moment, I’ve never done flyers, didn’t know how to make them, and really wasn’t sure where to start. I knew I had to get it done and I did! Ever since that push, I now do work for multiple people, organizations, business, and more!
I’ve learned a quite a few lessons along the way but here are some key startups:
1. Set Boundaries, especially within your business and clients
2. Price your worth! You’re worth much more than you think. Don’t cheat yourself with your prices, Add tax!
3. Keep learning and growing. Just because you think know something there’s always ways to evolve and grow.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a foodie, so in Orlando there’s a few spots I’d have us visit! Definitely through Mills50 district they have a ton a good food spots. Around International area, I know its very touristy but why not be a tourist for the day? They have a lot of fun things to do around there. I would even get tickets to Universal, maybe go to Dave & Busters, and Andretti for the Go Karts. Then at night go Downtown to enjoy the night life!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My fashion inspiration comes from Kimora Lee Simmons and Vera Wang. They were my role models in the fashion industry growing up.
My parents, they allowed me to be creative and encourage me to do what I love! They gave me freedom to be me.
Michelle “Chelly Rey” Reynolds, she pushed me to really grow and pursue my graphic designing skills. Without her push and guidance there would be no “Deja Tenay Graphx”. I would’ve honestly kept the graphic design gift all to myself. I wouldn’t have allowed access to others but only used graphic designing just for my clothing brand.
Website: dtgraphx.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtgraphx/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDTGraphx
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5IrLqPve6KXvwIyO0NHyTA
Other: https://www.instagram.com/designedbydeja/ thedtgraphx@gmail.com
Image Credits
Mark Sky (Sky Solo)