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

Hi DJuana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
One of my go-to affirmations is, “Risk and reckless are not the same thing.” It’s my daily reminder that stepping out of my comfort zone is necessary, but it should always be done with intention and strategy. Every significant move I’ve made in business has carried some level of risk, and honestly, if it feels too safe, it usually means I’m playing small.

My ultimate goal is always to position myself to win, even if that means taking bold leaps that others might shy away from. I’ve made peace with failure because I see it as part of the process, not the end of the journey. That mindset gives me the freedom to “jump in the deep end,” knowing that every risk I take is a chance to grow, learn, and get closer to the vision I’ve set for my life and businesses.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is all about transformation and results. I help small businesses elevate their brands, stand out in crowded markets, and position themselves for serious growth. What sets me apart is that I don’t just create “pretty” marketing—I create strategies that win.

I’ve had the privilege of working with powerhouse clients like Anton Gunn, a leading international keynote speaker for corporate leadership, helping him amplify his brand and expand his impact. I developed Rentbusters USA, an app that grossed $20,000 within 60 days of launch, proving that the right strategy and execution lead to rapid success. I even built a website hosting company from scratch that has generated over $100,000. This is a feat that’s rare in itself, but even more groundbreaking because there aren’t many Black women running servers that host over 100 active websites.

I’m also the Marketing Director for Marquee Charlotte, one of the city’s hottest lounges, where I’ve been able to help create a thriving nightlife brand that stands out in a competitive space.

Getting here wasn’t easy. As a Black woman in business and tech, I’ve had people question my expertise, my education, and even my ability to “pull it off.” But I don’t waste time proving myself to skeptics. I let my results speak. Every client I work with wins, because I refuse to settle for mediocre outcomes.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but powerful:
– Clarity is power— when you know exactly where you’re going, you make bolder moves.
– Consistency builds credibility— people trust brands that show up.
– Confidence is contagious— when I bet on myself, my clients are inspired to bet on themselves too.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I am proof that you can build a thriving, multi-faceted business in spaces where you’re “not supposed to win.” I show up for my clients with strategy, creativity, and grit, and I make sure they get results that speak for themselves.

My story is about faith, vision, and perseverance, and I’ve built a brand that empowers others to believe that their dreams are valid, their stories matter, and their businesses deserve to dominate.

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 best friend came to visit me in Charlotte, NC, I’d make sure they got the full Queen City experience—food, culture, and a little nightlife flavor. Here’s how our week would look:

Day 1 – Welcome to the QC
Lunch at Chickbox on Sugar Creek Rd. It’s in the hood but they have some of the best soul food and my friends would want that experience first.

Walk around NoDa to check out the street art, breweries, and cool boutiques.

Dinner at Chimas for a classy night out.

Day 2 – Uptown Vibes
Start with breakfast at 7th Street Public Market—local vendors and great coffee.

Spend the day at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

Grab cocktails at Merchant & Trade Rooftop Bar with that gorgeous skyline view.

Day 3 – Day Trip & Chill
Head to Lake Norman for a day on the water—boating, jet skiing, and just soaking in that Carolina sun.

Dinner at Hello, Sailor for waterfront dining with a fun vibe.

Day 4 – Black Excellence Tour
Visit Historic West End for a deep dive into Charlotte’s rich Black history.

Stop by Archive CLT, a Black-owned coffee shop + cultural hub.

Dinner at 131 Main, because we love any opportunity to get cute and go eat.

Day 5 – My World
Visit my office and allow them to do a photoshoot. Listen to them tell me about their goals and let them know how I can help.

Happy Hour at Marquee Charlotte, the lounge I’m the marketing director for (and trust me, it’s always a vibe).

Day 6 – Sports & Nightlife
Catch a Hornets game or Panthers game if they’re in season.

End the night at Bar One for good vibes and great conversations.

Late night – Waffle House run or Cookout

Day 7 – Reset Before Goodbye
Brunch at Stats(because brunch is basically a Charlotte sport).

Stroll through McGill Rose Garden for some peace before heading to the airport.

Charlotte is such a blend of Southern charm and city energy—the people, the culture, the growth—it’s electric. And of course, they’d leave knowing that Marquee Charlotte is the nightlife spot they’ll brag about back home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I wouldn’t be where I am today without God. Early on, I learned that walking through life without a spiritual or moral compass would leave me lost. My relationship with Christ has been my anchor; it’s what has carried me through my hardest seasons, guided my decisions, and kept me grounded when everything around me felt uncertain. People come and go, but my faith has been the constant that sustains me through it all.

My parents, Sammy and Troy Fitzpatrick, have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. My father is an entrepreneur who built a successful career in government contracting, and my mother rose through the corporate world, ultimately retiring as a VP at Citigroup. They built a home where Christ was the foundation, and leadership was non-negotiable. They never once told me that my dreams were too big. If anything, they fueled them. Whether it meant buying the tools I needed or connecting me to the right communities, they always created space for me to grow into my purpose. My two sisters and I are living proof of their unwavering love, guidance, and belief in us.

And I cannot talk about my journey without honoring my husband, Shelton Lewis. From the very beginning—literally our first real conversation—I told him about my dream to build a multimedia company that would help usher small businesses into the digital age. Without hesitation, he looked at me and said, “How can I help make that happen?” Nineteen years and one incredible son later, he still shows up for me with that same question. Shelton is my rock, my sounding board, and my safe space. He pushes me forward, holds me accountable to my greatness, and gives me the room to chase my vision without limits.

Website: https://www.thedjuanalewis.com

Instagram: @thedjuanalewis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djuana-lewis-05692a24b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdfitz/

Youtube: @TheDJuanaLewis

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