“Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart,” Owner of DSM Events and Clip to Fit Deandra Matherson explains, but the truth is she would not have it any other way.
Entrepreneur Beginnings
Deandra showing off her very own shoe accessory.
Clip to Fit was her first entrepreneurial venture, a shoe accessory business. Her mom was the inspiration as she needed something to accessorize her shoe for a wedding.
“She had a wedding to attend and she said to me ‘I wish I had a bow or something on my shoe to make it look different’ to which I replied, I will make one for you and the rest was history,” she laughed.
Always the fashionista and trendy woman, she wanted to see how to be fashion savvy on a budget. Clip to Fit now includes a variety of trendy accessories and heel protector for garden weddings and other outdoor events.
“I am always trying to find budget-friendly ways to stay on-trend. The whole idea is to create and sell shoe accessories to make one shoe look like many different pairs on the one hand and to preserve the longevity of the shoe on the other,” she admitted.
Her Dream
But Clip to Fit was never the 33-year-old’s final dream. Deandra is a social butterfly, and event planning was a passion of hers.
“I have been planning events as far back as high school. If there was a planning committee of any sort you name it, I was a member or even the president. It was also the same at University; as I was too an active member of the CEAC committee. While my Bachelors degree is in Literatures in English, I went back to school to be certified in Event Planning and Management and have been working professionally in the field since,” she explained.
DSM Events
She put her training to good use, honing her skills at a few companies including Thought to Finish/Jahmento Productions now Jacqui Tyson Ltd, where she admits to having learnt a lot. She later launched DSM Events. It was not as difficult for her to start as Clip to Fit. She was networking and built great connections before going out on her own. So the start was a bit easier for her.
Apart from planning several events she has Sunshine City Pre-Christmas Brunch under her belt. This is her signature event, the first of its kind in Portmore and it will be its third staging this year.
But being an entrepreneur is no easy feat. It takes bravery and a lot of passion. It takes you being your own cheerleader. She admitted that she that there were times that she even questioned her own decisions as her efforts proved to be quite futile.
The Entrepreneur Passion
The Business Woman
She would advise female entrepreneurs to not get into business for likes. They should be passionate about it. It was her passion why she achieved her dreams. This was not just something that she was trying or loved. It was something that she was passionate about. Her passion pushed her through the rough patches. Your passion is what will make you take risks.
In fact her exact words were, “Never and I mean never let anyone talk you out of your dream or your passion simply because they cannot understand or relate to your vision.”
Words that she lives by and encourages others to do the same, forever driven, forever passionate about her dreams.
4 Facts About this Boss Babe
1. What’s your favourite colour? Can you believe it! I don’t have a favourite colour. I did at different points but right now none.
2. Hobbies? Singing, Dancing, Voice Acting.
3. How are you coping with Social Distancing? I would say I am coping quite fine. Sometimes when I am out I have to be constantly reminding myself not to hug people I know, but other than that I am honestly fine.
4. What is the one thing you can’t wait to do after quarantine is over? Go to dinner and have a drink with a few friends