Meet Des The Don | Influencer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Des The Don and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Des, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe a life worth living is one that constantly chance the experience of all things we imagine. Even when things don’t go as we want it, when we want it, or how we pictured it at all it is in the lessons that we still get blessings. Risk are blessings waiting to be known. Without risk I think we would be come stagnant, never gaining anything but always yearning for more. This concept has played a major role in my life and career. In my life, the idea shaped my perspective and in my career has played a major forefront. As we wake up every day we trust that are body will function and we take the risk of getting up and walking. In the same manor when we get in our car we start the ignition because we risk that it will cut on and allow us travel. Risk are taken in everything we do everyday. I decided to change my perspective and see the risk in all things so I would worry about none. Risk became the leg in my run and the keys to the car as travel through the journey of life and career.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Don The Brand is a business built to inspire others to be their best selves. Driven by faith based beliefs, the brand focus on influencing self confidence and leadership. I wanted to create a business that illustrates my idea of ownership as well as emphasize the impact of taking charge of your own life. My creative way of expressing faith is what sets me apart from others. I am most proud of how the brand has branched out and grown from what started as just clothing to now digital designs as well as motivational speaking. To see the impact on lives around the country and hear how I have helped people is what makes me excited. Prayer, handwork, and networking is what allowed me to be where I am business-wise. The journey was never easy as I continuously face different obstacles. My determination to reach my end goal is what drives me to overcome challenges. Constantly remembering my why allows me to accept and face anything the comes along the way. Three major lessons I learned while building include always looking with a positive perspective, taking risk, and the importance of your environment. I want world to know that with hard work and hard prayer you can achieve anything you desire. Its only up to you to reach your destiny.

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.
Being born and raised in Cleveland I absolutely love my city. The itinerary for a perfect weekend in the city includes breakfast/brunch at another broken egg, waffle house, or Cleveland breakfast club. A walk around shops like Van Aken market district or Pinecrest would follow along with a stop for ice cream from Mitchells Homemade or Honey Hut while enjoying it at any of our local beaches. Dinner at Zanzibar, Crafty Crab, Blue Habanero, or Grill 55 makes great food to fuel before a night out. Pins Mechanical and or a night out in the flats make safe fun for a good time. Some of the most interesting/exciting places to check out are Pins Mechanical arcade bar, the Candle Studio, the art museum, the Hunted House Restaurant, the Goodtime boat rides, Rock & Roll hall of fame, the Christmas Story house, and overall downtown Cleveland.

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?
I would like to shout out InspiredBy TA, a public speaker in the business of motivational speaking and influencing. I also would like to shout out Rivers in the Desert, an organization that supports and helps people who experience grief through traumatic death. Both associations helped shape my knowledge, passion, and perspective for what I do. Inspiredby TA helped inform me and gave first hand experience on not only running a business but touching the lives of people through how you speak. Rivers in the Desert also allowed me the experience I needed to understand/grow my passion for helping people. Both taught me the value of teaching other to grow through what you go through.

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