Today we’d like to introduce you to Drenda Williams.
Drenda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started years ago when as a domestic violence survivor, I wanted to share my story with a group of students at Lincoln University, MO. It was during this round table I realized how my voice could become an inspiration to so many. I decided to author a non-fiction book recounting the tragic events of my life as a domestic violence victim; however, it later turned into a guide to provide steps for those currently in these situations. It also provides those who have never had to experience it a glimpse of what the thought process of a victim is because many say, Why didn’t you just leave?
One element not widely publicized is the survivorship aspect. I decided to do interviews with other survivors both men and women as well as a child who saw domestic violence in the household. These interviews share not only their stories but words of wisdom designed to help others. The book, The Will To Live: Finding The Strength Within To Survive, was published in 2018. Not only does it discuss turning tragedy into triumph but also talks about purpose and love of self so it sends a message to anyone who reads it.
Fast forward a year later to 2019, I launched my Reach Back Campaign this past October because I felt I needed to do more to bring domestic awareness to a demographic that may not be avid readers. I decided to create an all-natural lip gloss line called JoyL which comes in 6 colors with a signature purple called The Will To Live named after my personal testimony. Men are victims and survivors of domestic violence too so I developed another product for my Reach Back Campaign called Mfalme which means “King” in Swahili. It is a beard and hair oil for men. Each product includes domestic violence facts in the packaging and displays my website address which contains more information about my personal story.
The Reach Back Campaign donates 10% of every sale to a domestic violence shelter annually. This year’s recipient is the Audrain County Crisis Intervention Services also known as The S.A.F.E Place. Each year the recipient will rotate and will support a male and female domestic violence shelter in an effort to increase awareness and provide support to those organizations helping others.
My goal is to continue being the example to those who feel they can’t survive and to show others through proper healing and forgiveness, one can continue to accomplish their dreams and there’s no limit to the success one can strive for regardless of their past. As I travel the country and tell my story many people say, “I didn’t know this was happening to you!” This is why awareness becomes so important because so many suffer in silent and if I can save at least one person from these types of tragedies, I have done what I was called to do.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
During the process of sharing my domestic violence story, I was a little hesitant because many of these intimate parts of my life remained hidden from my family and friends. It was a decision I had to contemplate but in order to help someone else, I decided it was best to continue on my journey of telling my story.
I received confirmation from others who read the book about how it helped them while others offered their apologies for not knowing so they could have helped me. Most importantly, others thanked me for telling my story because I am not the face of a domestic violence victim and it gives a chance to reaffirm the importance of healing and forgiveness.
As I continue with my message, the only obstacle currently would be more time. I’m only one person so I try to establish new partnerships to assist in carrying out the message. In the future, I would like to be able to spend more time on my advocacy so I welcome all who want to help partner with me on this journey.
DJW Solutions – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
DJW Solutions, the parent company provides consultation services in the form of training and 501 c 3 development. This is where the Drenda Williams brand came to life in 2012. Drendawilliams.com promotes domestic violence awareness through published literature, the Joy L lip gloss line, and Mfalme Beard Oil. The Drenda Williams brand is available for speaking engagements, round table discussions and forums, book signings, and also provides an online shop to purchase items.
What I am most proud of is using my name to help others. I have had great success in my professional and personal life so I am using Drenda Williams to increase domestic violence awareness. What sets me apart from the others is after surviving such traumatic experiences, I am able to use that determination and strength in everything I do. These intimate details of my life were shared because of my unselfish desire to reach back and help someone else. My caring nature which I attribute to my mother has been an additional driving force this is what sets me apart from others. I use my own personal time and resources trying to make a difference because it’s my God-given purpose.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
How do I personally define success? It’s individual. What is a success to me may not be success in other’s eyes because we each have our own experiences, trials, and walks in life.
I am a very spiritual person so my success comes when I am obedient to my purpose and follow this path. Every time I continue on the walk God has for me, it always leads to much success and that is by design.
My success doesn’t hinge on awards or financial results but what God wants me to do and that’s what most rewarding.
Pricing:
- The Will To Live: Finding the Strength Within To Survive – $16 (Available on drendawilliams.com or amazon)
- JoyL Lipgloss – $12 (Available on drendawilliams.com/shop)
- Mfalme Beard Oil – $15 (Available on drendawilliams.com/shop)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drendawilliams.com ; www.djwsolutions.com
- Phone: 573-797-0899
- Email: dwilliams@djwsolutions.com
- Instagram: Djwsolutions
- Facebook: Drenda Williams
- Twitter: DjoiWillz
Image Credit:
Eric Coleman Photography, Eric Coleman
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