Meet Destini Russell | Organic essentials maker

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

Hi Destini, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
DesJanay started as just a hobby. It was me collectively creating things to help with my personal issue like extremely dry skin, acne and at one time we even created customs keepsake blankets. So to sum it up DesJanay was me surviving. Then I noticed that I was really making a difference with my organic soap products that is when I knew I had to make this a business. Over the years we went from a sole proprietor to an Llc within a year of being in business. Dropping the customs off our Title making us DesJanay From Earth to Skin Llc. This jump was necessary even though I was new to business we were soaring and eager to tell our story to the world.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What keeps me busy professionally is protecting & perfecting my business. I’m currently trying to get into franchise stores and applying for grants. This task take a lot of researching, recording and organizing. An honesty is a very tiring process, but I do it knowing that the results that I’m looking for going to come. My day today professional job is currently an Account expert at T-Mobile. My Job was heaven sent because when I got my position I was suffering with having Nero-flares and that really made me feel confused at times.  My job allowed me to learn at my own pace, an placed me with people like Kelly Bonifacious, Kevin Freeman, Jasmine Stoudemire, Adrain Waters, Melanie Sexton, Khadija Ellis & Tyler Cordell just to name a few. These individuals poured into me even when I didn’t understand what I was doing wrong or how to fix it. Their patience to get me there was unforgettable and I know it was not easy for them being my supervisors but I do believe they understood what medical fight I was up against and for that I am grateful. In the year of 2022 was the worst year in my opinion that I had at my job as I was out a lot on leave due to having blurred vision but to my surprise it would be the total opposite. I had won 3 months of being the top performer and that is with me being out on leave and missing more the half the year I was still classified as a top performer and was acknowledged as such. I am forever grateful for these individuals because they pushed me to believe in myself again. I have been with T-mobile for 3 years now and we are currently entering in our 4th year and I couldn’t be more excited. This year I am the healthiest I have been in a long time. Im not on as much medication and continuing to soar in my business using my own products and sharing the importance on using natural products.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So some great places to go in this amazing city of Chattanooga would be Bling Beautiful Boutique with owners Christy Sylman & Betty Jackson. We are currently located inside of this amazing establishment so feel free to get your clothes, accessories and lets not forget their Essentials by DesJanay. I would also suggest to book a Chatt taste tour so we can go to more then one restaurant in a group setting and creating a vibe with laughter and meeting new people. We would then go to locals only to get some of CoCoa Asantè chocolates or find her at the market to grab a few. Now depending on the time of the year we would have to visit our downtown area to see all we can see and go on a tour at the Aquarium & end the day at the water steps which is so relaxing. I would check for local events to see where I could find local brands like Queen F Lashes & Crown full of locs. Its so much to do in this city so finding something to do will not be a problem rather we need to catch a little brunch or go by the Common house to talk business and improvement.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So I would have to shout out a few Queens in my City Ella Livingston owner of Cocoa Asante for her guidance and support, Marcherie J owner of MGM Marketing for her brilliant mind and vision for my business as she helped transform DesJanay Customs to DesJanay From Earth to Skin Llc to what it is today. Also Kris Hacker an amazing photographer who passion shows through her work and her kind heart.These Queens have always showed consistent support and always welling to show up for my business and I appreciate everything that they do.

Website: www.DesJanay.com

Instagram: DesJanay

Facebook: Des Janay

Image Credits
Kristal Hacker with Hacker Medias