Meet Deon Jefferson | Designer, Creative Artist, Creative Producer, Singer, Painter, Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deon Jefferson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Well, one of the main ideas that stick out to me was when I was on the reality show “Undercover Boss:” I was on the show while I lived in Ohio. I was an employee of Alfred Angelo Bridal. The show was top secret, so I did not have a lot of details about. When the producers of the show introduced the idea of being on a reality show, I originally said no. The producer of the show called me and told me that “if I didn’t do the show, it would be a big mistake”. to me, this was a huge risk because they were not allowed to tell me that the show was “Undercover Boss”. They had to keep it a secret by only giving me small details. To make a long story short, I took the spot on the reality show. I then became a full-time designer making gowns for a manufacturing bridal company.

I now live in Florida because of the risk. I was able to move to Florida, and have designed for two bridal companies.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from other artists is my ability to move through several art forms. My art is influenced my history and music. Growing up, I enjoyed the history of anything. I love turning on my record player and getting an idea from listening to Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone or David Bowie. In my career, Im most proud of the many dress collections Ive contributed to. The reason being, is because so many people from the globe are able to wear my designs.(they sell in the US and overseas) Im also proud to be the only designer for bridal company Gather and Gowns.

Getting to where I am now was not easy. Im still learning and growing. I’m not the artist I was in the past, and I’m always willing to get better. I would saw college was the best thing I could do. The life lessons I learned in college, got me to where I am today. Also, having a vivid imagination and watching MTV-BET-and VH1 played a huge part as well. Looking up to artist like Andy Warhol , Keith Haring, and Jackson Pollock helped also.

Life lessons I learned along the way.. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” . I’ve also learned to be “impeccable with your word”. one of the best lessons I’ve learned is to not tell a lot of people your plans. Surround yourself with like-minded artists that are doing positive things.

I want the world to know that I’m humble and enjoy collaborations with other artists. My whole brand is about expressing myself, by inspiring others through the arts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend was coming to visit, Id first take her to breakfast. I live in Delray Beach, so to me, the best place for breakfast is Cafe Over the Bridge on Atlantic Avenue. Next, I would take her to Lake Worth to do some shopping. Id take her to World Thrift this is my favorite thrift store to find anything. Next, Id take her to a vintage store Stitches and Rust in downtown lake worth. They are the best spot to find all things vintage and nostalgic. We both love vinyl records, so I would not leave the store unless I bought a good classic vinyl.

After taking her shopping, I would take her to lunch. I would take her to Taco AlCarbon to get some tacos. We cannot leave Lake Worth Beach without getting some delicious tacos. to me, its the taco capital of the world.

After lunch, we would go to one of my favorite museums, The Arts Warehouse in Delray. Since we will be back in my home city, we will go to the beach to end the afternoon. We will have dinner on the beach. Our night would end with going to the Sand Bar(which is don’t eh beach strip). We would end the night on the beach playing loud music and singing at the top of our lungs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would honestly like to thank my best friend Christina. We went to college together and sung in the same university choir. We went to Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She has been the #1 supporter in my life and career. When I moved to Florida, I had a lot of issues. I did not know a lot of people, so she was literally there for me whether I needed money, advice, or just a shoulder to cry on. She is an artist, so watching her carve her own lane as a music teacher and thespian has been inspiring. She is winning theater awards and starting her own production company. I wanna be just like her.

I would also dedicate my shoutout to the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miquel Ruiz. This book helped with writing daily affirmations. This book helped me become a better artist and person. Is the kind of book that allows you to become a thought-provoking creative.

Website: https://www.deoncjefferson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deon.cjefferson/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deon-jefferson-6425a023/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deon.jefferson.5/

Image Credits
Jessica Bethel Carina Mask Tony Gonzalez