Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Dillard.
Hi Brittney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In December 2019. I traveled to Austin, Texas for a bachelorette weekend to celebrate one of my dearest friends transition into wifehood. While there, one of our activities was at Upstairs Circus where we enjoyed crafts with a side cocktails, we don’t have to discuss the number of cocktails though. The craft I chose was making beaded bracelets because I’ve always been a fan of beaded bracelets. I received so many compliments on the bracelets I made and was encouraged to create more.
I decided to invest in the material to get started but only creating for myself initially. I received more compliments and more encouragement to begin selling them. I was still fairly hesitant to be that vulnerable in putting my creation out there because like Erykah Badu said, “I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my {stuff}.” I decided to come out of my comfort zone and take that leap and just see what happened and whoever rocked with me, rocked with me and whoever didn’t, wasn’t for me.
The name, Deeply Rooted was inspired by another dear friend who handcrafted and named my first waist-beads “Deeply Rooted.” She described the name was chosen because it spoke to my core and I agreed. I stuck with Deeply Rooted for many reasons, with one being a remixed quote by Joe Abercrombie, “A tree is only as strong as its roots.” I believe a solid and healthy foundation will produce greatness in any area of life. I created my own logo then my Instagram and Facebook pages, it became live to receive orders and the love and blessings began to pour in so much that I made 1 year in business on July 18, 2021, and still rocking. Shoutout to all the pandemic creatives/entrepreneurs!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a fairly smooth road thus far with the typical struggles. Learning the ends and outs of beginning and maintaining a business was a challenge, balancing a full-time job while filling orders in a timely manner, remaining consistently present on social media, and participating in Pop-Ups all while being an introvert. Honestly, stepping out of my comfort zone has been the most challenging for me personally but growth can be uncomfortable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create custom and handcrafted beaded bracelets using all types of beads and healing stones/crystals.
I am most proud of the abundance of love I’ve received over this year in business and receiving my supporters’ reaction to seeing their ideas brought to life.
What sets me apart is that every order come with a handwritten and personal thank you note and description of your bracelet(s). I also pray over each order before packaging and shipping to my TriBe, that’s what I call all of my patrons, to further endorse our motto of “Spreading Love & Positive Energy.”
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
No advice on finding a mentor because I can’t say that I have one officially, however, I do brainstorm with a few people and listen to a lot of podcasts.
Networking; just putting myself out there really. Looking for all opportunities to showcase my work so attending pop-ups, conferences, etc. and building report with the other artist/creators there. I always leave with more than I came with; more supporters, ideas on growing my business, the logistics of having a business, other pop-up locations, etc.
Social media has been an amazing tool and asset in growing my business because of the broad reach it has.
Contact Info:
- Email: deeplyrootedbybrit@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeplyrooted_xbrit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deeplyrootedxbrit
