The Walker Brothers

D D a s c e n s i o n

Faith and Inspirational Brand

Can you let us know your names?

Our names are David Walker and Daniel Walker. We are also known as The Walker Brothers.

You have such a cool company name! What does the name "DDascension" represent?

Thank you! The two D’s in DD come from the first letter of our names, David and Daniel. The Ascension comes from John 6:62 and John 14:12 in the Bible.

What inspired you to start your clothing brand?

During the pandemic is when we were initially inspired to start our clothing brand. Growing up in the church, we’ve always heard different sayings or passages from the bible that stuck with us. Our thought was, why not bring those sayings to light? That is why we created a faith-based and inspirational based clothing brand.

What type of clothing do you offer?

Currently, we offer t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies.

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a CEO?

Absolutely! As a CEO the one main challenge is trying to find the right avenue to market the brand. Marketing and networking go hand in hand.

How does your faith impact how you market your brand?

We market our brand to everyone and not a specific targeted group.

You donate a part of your sales to "One Hundred Black Men of New York". Can you provide more information about this organization?

One Hundred Black Men of New York is a non-profit organization of like-minded leaders whose main focus is education through mentorship, wealth building strategies fostering economic development, and raising awareness of health issues in the black community. We wanted to choose an organization that helps others better themselves.

What are some words of advice you can give to future entrepreneurs who want to launch a retail store?

There may be some obstacles one may experience, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream, and creating a better life for yourself and others.

"There may be some obstacles one may experience, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream, and creating a better life for yourself and others".

Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

Some hobbies we enjoy are hiking, working out, learning new avenues of investment, and playing sports.

Follow at:
Instagram: @DDascension
Twitter: @DDascension
Facebook: DDascension
TikTok: @DDascension

B e b e  B e a u

B  I s F o r  B r i d e

Luxury Bridal Boutique

What inspired you to open a bridal boutique?

Owning a bridal boutique has been a childhood dream of mine. I remember being in undergrad and having my wedding dress picked out. No man, no money. Just an unexplained obsession for wedding gowns!

What is the name of your bridal boutique?

B is for Bride

Where is your bridal boutique located?

Our first location is located in Hollywood, Florida. We have a second location opening in Houston, Texas.

How would you describe your bridal boutique's style?

I would describe our style as clean, simple, modern, and fun!

What kind of bridal services does your bridal boutique offer?

We sell wedding gowns and a variety of bridesmaid gowns.

When a future bride walks into your boutique, what are some tips you implement to help the process feel smooth for them?

From the moment a bride walks in our goal is to make them feel welcomed and comfortable.  We explain the shopping process in detail to help eliminate any anxiety the brides have. We offer a concierge-like shopping experience where we choose the gowns for our brides based on their inspiration photos. The process always goes smoother when the bride trusts her stylist.

You are also a critical care nurse. Can you describe your journey and experiences with this profession?

I have been a Registered Nurse for seven years now. Nursing is a profession where you give so much of yourself, and it is not always appreciated. Most days I leave the bedside feeling burnt out, but anytime I get to save/change a life for the better, it reminds me why I became a nurse in the first place. Nursing will always have my heart.

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a CEO?

There are so many challenges. I think the biggest challenge is stepping back and trusting your employees. When you build a business from the ground up, you really think you're the best at it and no one else can do it as good as you, but that just isn't true. You need a good team in order for the business to grow.

"There are so many challenges. I think the biggest challenge is stepping back and trusting your employees. When you build a business from the ground up, you really think you're the best at it and no one else can do it as good as you, but that just isn't true. You need a good team in order for the business to grow".

What are some words of advice you can give to future entrepreneurs who want to open a bridal boutique?

My advice would be to do your market research. Bridal can be very territorial. This means you want to be in a location that isn't too close to other bridal stores so you don't run into issues securing designers for your boutique.

Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I'm a mom to a very active four year old, so motherhood takes up most of my free time.  But outside of that, I really enjoy traveling.

Follow at:
Instagram: @b_isforbride and @iambeeeeb

 

Designer: Kelisha Lopez-Shealey

A m o r  S w i m

Sexy and Radiant Swimwear

Hello Kelisha, what inspired you to start a swimwear company?

Hello LDL Magazine! Amor Swim started from my love of modeling, which I’ve done since the age of 12. Once I was in my adult modeling years my mother started crocheting custom swimsuits for my photo shoots. I would give her an idea and she would turn it into beautiful swimwear. Instantly, I fell in love with the idea of us starting our own custom crochet swimwear line. However, my mother and I quickly realized that she wouldn’t be able to produce a crochet line all on her own and maintain production. At that point, I was already deeply in love with designing and creating a swimwear line. I continued with my moms full support, but without the crochet…and that’s where Amor Swim was born.

What does the name "Amor Swim" represent?

Amor Swim represents “ALL THINGS LOVE”. Through my faith, I believe in doing all things in love, I am love, I give love, I receive love, and I’m a hopeless romantic when it comes to love.  Amor Swim is my love that I’m sharing with women around the world.

"Amor Swim represents “ALL THINGS LOVE”. Through my faith, I believe in doing all things in love, I am love, I give love, I receive love, and I’m a hopeless romantic when it comes to love.  Amor Swim is my love that I’m sharing with women around the world".

How would you describe your swimwear brand style?

The brand style of Amor Swim can be described as colorful, bright, bold, sexy, edgy, and revealing. We’re an all inclusive brand allowing women to show every curve and be confident while doing it.

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a CEO?

I’ve definitely had to overcome many challenges as a CEO. There’s rarely any talk about the mental load you take on as a CEO. The overwhelming feeling that comes from managing yourself, your employees, your clients, and keeping your customers happy, while building a successful brand/business. That mental load is my biggest challenge everyday. However, I remind myself that this is what I prayed for, and my goals and my greatness are on the other side of every challenge I face.

What are some words of advice you can give to future entrepreneurs who want to start their own swimwear company?

My words of advice to up and coming swimwear entrepreneurs would be, remember to take your time. You’re not on anyone else’s timeline, but God’s. Learn and research your audience and your market. Find your team/people who understand your vision and are willing to grow with you (that includes everyone from manufacturing to social media management). Let your creative juices flow. Do you and do not compete with anyone but yourself.

"My words of advice to up and coming swimwear entrepreneurs would be, remember to take your time. You’re not on anyone else’s timeline, but God’s".

When did you begin your journey as an author?

It was 2018 when I started journaling. It started out as a way of healing and growing by speaking to myself in my journal. It was important for me to take back my power from anyone or anything that was draining me. I spoke to myself and encouraged myself through my writings. A few months into journaling I decided that I should share these thoughts because so many of us can just use an inspiring word at any given time. Fast forward into 2019, I shared my thoughts in poems and quotes delivered as SIS.

Tell us more about your debut poetry book.

SIS is short for sister. I chose that name because I’m speaking to women from a place of sisterhood giving them encouraging words. I believe women sometimes lose their voice in the process of losing themselves. That can happen from trauma, insecurities, not enough self-love, stress, negative relationships, or from just simply feeling lost. I hope that SIS helps anyone who needs it to reclaim their voice.

Who are some of your favorite authors or books?

Cora and Sarah Jakes, Eric Jerome Dickey, Omar Tyree, r.h.Sin, Lalah Delia, and Mirtha Michelle Castro Marmol just to name a few.

Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I’m a true introvert through and through. However, with my people and in the right environment, I can definitely be an extrovert. My hobbies look like laughing until we can’t breathe with my daughter, family and alone time, most recently traveling the world, working on my business, online shopping (hence introvert), watching my favorite shows, sunsets, and a great glass of wine.

Follow at:
Instagram: @amorswim_
Facebook: Amor Swim

Photographer: Monique Farrow
Makeup Artist: Tasharriel