Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Ward.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Denise. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always found immense joy in coming up with something new or putting a spin or new interpretation on something already in existence. What I find most interesting about my journey is that I’m just now realizing as an adult that from a young age, I was already exhibiting an artistic and entrepreneurial spirit. I will always consider myself a Creative, from writing short stories as a child to submitting handwritten movie sequel treatments to film studios at 12 years old (shout out to my mama for keeping those in the archives) to acting and belting my heart out in school plays and concerts.
From elementary school through college, I always had a “hustle”. I started in the 5th grade with custom bookmarks, moved on to high school with made to order friendship bracelets and to make extra money for party dresses in college. I took hairstyling appointments in my dorm room. I thrived from sharing things that I created and cared about with others, sometimes offering a service or good that would, in turn, impact their day-to-day lives in either a small or large way.
After graduation, I moved back home to Houston and began my professional career as the Student Services & Program Assistant for an incredible organization that enriches the lives of students through music. In my spare time, I loved spending time with my friends and curating creative gatherings, further expanding the themed kickbacks and get-togethers I would throw in college. While I did have more money and time to plan as an adult, I still would keep in mind how to be budget conscientious in my planning and execution. That ultimately is what birthed my lifestyle brand Bougie on a Budget.
The brand ties right into my professional performing career. As a freelance actress and singer, I attend numerous events and performances. You are a walking billboard for your brand as soon as you hit the stage, so my outfits always have to be camera-ready. Bougie on a Budget features a lot of my tips on finding dupes for designer pieces, where the best sales are, and how to conserve your money in other areas so that you can splurge on what you want.
Has it been a smooth road?
This has not been a smooth road at all! My advice for other women just starting is that the biggest adversity on this journey for me has been getting out of my own way. There are times I’ve mulled over an idea for way too long, or been apprehensive about posting a performance or cultivating a series, all because I was worried about things that hadn’t even happened yet. I was letting imaginary “what if’s” and “who knows” get in the way of me sharing my craft and passion projects with others. I finally had to come to terms with it and say, “Girl, stop playing yourself.” Now it’s still something I deal with, and from talking to fellow creatives, I’m not alone in feeling that way. For anyone wrestling with how to get started I’d say:
Manifest Where You Want To Be. Write down where you ultimately want to end up, the career you want, the impact you want to impart, and the connections that you want to make. Meditate on that daily. If that’s too much, set a weekly check-in with yourself to make sure you are on track to reaching your goals. Also, find 1-3 people who are doing what you want to do and study their trajectory. Everyone’s story is unique, but there are gems to take away from looking at the journey of those who are currently where you aspire to be.
Do Nothing Without Intention. I heard that line on a Solange album and it changed my life. Anything that we do, especially as it relates to our craft and our brand, should serve a purpose. Life is too short, and the world moves way too fast for us to just go through the motions without having any active intention behind what we’re doing. An easy way to help with that is to set a goal, and then come up with 2-3 actions that will help you accomplish it. By following it up with actions, you’re laying the framework for completion.
Make A Tribe. I’m a firm believer that there is power in numbers. Some of my greatest collaborations have come from my relationships with friends. When it comes to our circle, we attract like-minded people. Lean into that, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas with them. It’s also helpful to have a friend that can be your “accountability partner” to keep you focused on what’s important. They may have a suggestion or a connection that could take your brand to the next level!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m blessed to be a multifaceted creative with numerous passion projects in the works. One of the endeavors I’m most proud of is Bougie on a Budget. @BougieBudgetLifestlyle is a lifestyle resource for the modern woman conserving her coin. In my 26 years of life, I have frequently been characterized as bougie. I’ve always taken pride in my appearance, aspired to live my life to the fullest, and also carried myself with confidence. However, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, and although I was afforded many opportunities, money was always something I was very cognizant of.
I’ve always characterized myself as frugal. Living in Boston for four years as a college student taught me so much about how far your money can take you and how extremely fast it can leave you. As a Texas native living on the East Coast, I found out that my dollar wouldn’t stretch nearly as far as it would in the good ole South. Training to be an opera singer, braving the New England arctic, being the face of various organizations, as well as being a member of a sorority required MONEY. There was always a winter coat to be needed, a gown to be bought, a dress for a night out, or membership dues that needed to be maintained. I had to learn how to do all of this with the small paycheck I collected from my work-study job and whatever I could squeeze out of my parents. I came to realize looking good didn’t always require missing a meal or breaking the bank, sometimes all it took was a little extra research, online options, and a prayer (those who shop online know exactly what I’m talking about). So, I created a blog that allows me to share some of the helpful sites, tips, and ways I’ve adapted my life to live fabulously, yet stay fiscally responsible!
In addition to Bougie on a Budget, I am also the founder of Sista Circle, a book club for the evolving woman. We are an empowerment community of like-minded women who celebrate the power of black literature, preferably over cocktails! I’m also so happy to have finally collaborated on a podcast “Keeping it Together” with my best friend, fellow Trailblazer and force to be reckoned with Tyler Bryant. Keeping it Together is a conversational space where we discuss how we’re figuring out how to have it all while keeping our mind, body, and souls intact.
Who have you been inspired by?
I am most inspired by the women I’m proud to call my family and friends. My mother is the driving force behind all that I am, and she has instilled in me courage, hard work, compassion, and caring for others. I also find strength in my friends who I can call collaborators. From bouncing ideas to listening to how we’re overcoming life’s struggles to just praying over our next steps. I’m blessed to have to so many Boss Women in my corner, making moves, and also taking me along for the journey. Women are often underestimated and grossly undervalued. Being a black female creative and entrepreneur can place you even lower on the totem pole.
As a performing artist, I’ve found that there aren’t enough roles out there that truly represent the complex beauty of what it means to be a black woman. We’re often pigeonholed into stereotypes or marginalized as the friend who provides comedic relief. As a leader, I’ve stopped looking and waiting for opportunities that may never come. I’ve pledged to create those spaces for representation that I want to see, for myself, my friends, my colleagues, and for other little girls out there that don’t feel seen. My advice to any woman is to be the change that you want to see in the world. You never know who’s waiting to be inspired by your next idea.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/deniseward_
- Email: denise.fwd@gmail.com
- Instagram: @deniseward_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bougiebudgetlifestyle
- Other: @BougieBudgetLifestyle
Image Credit:
Denise Ward
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