What was the biggest lesson you learned from 2021?

The biggest lesson I learned in 2021 is to be committed to the vision and not the process to get to the vision. When I first started Dejha B Coloring, I just wanted to sell my coloring books online. My business mentor challenged everyone in to make $1000 profit in their business for that month. Since I was an online store, I wanted to complete the challenge by selling $1000 worth of books through my online store. Instead, I was a vendor at a festival and made $3500 in one day selling my coloring books. At the end of the month, I reported to my mentor that I failed the challenge. I explain instead of making $1000 in online sales I made $3500 at a festival. He was so confused and could not understand why I thought I failed the challenge. He asked me to remember my why, and my purpose of creating Dejha B Coloring. He also told me that the process to get there may not look how we envisioned it. This is when I started being committed to the vision and not the process to get there.

How are you preparing for 2022?

My coloring books takes 2-3 months to produce, so I prepare at least 6 months in advance and leave room for the unexpected. I have four notebooks that helps me prepare and achieve my goals for the year. I have a gratitude journal in which I write down three things I am grateful for once a day. This helps me focus on the positive things on my entrepreneur journey. The second notebook I use to take notes from classes I attend, or any important advice or information I receive that I think will be useful in the future. The third notebook I write all my creative ideas no matter how crazy they are so I don’t forget. In the fourth notebook I write a plan on how I will execute the ideas from my idea notebook. This helps me organize all my goals for the year.

What advice would you give other female founders that are looking to create big success in 2022?

The advice I would give for female founders looking to make enormous success in 2022 is to remember that the most informed client gets the best advice. Whenever you are collaborating or seeking advice from your accountant, a mentor, a web designer, etc. Its best to do your homework so you can get the advice you are seeking tailored to you and your business. For example, before collaborating with my accountant, I read books and watched videos on tax deductions and write offs. There are over four hundred tax deductions for businesses, therefore it would be impossible for my accountant that does not work every day in my business to know every deduction I qualify for. I did my research and was able to ask about the tax deductions that I thought applied to me, and my accountant was able to give me more of a customized advice for my business. Also doing your research decreases the chances of people taken advantage or swindling you.

What’s your 2022 mantra?

My 2022 mantra is to choose my calling over comfort. If I am uncomfortable making videos for social media for my business, I remember my calling. When I am afraid to speak in public for my business, I remember my calling. In general, I remember that building a brand and a business will require me to do things that makes me uncomfortable, but I know doing things that are uncomfortable is a sign of growth which will lead me to my dreams.

To connect with Dejha :

Instagram @Dejhabcoloring
Facebook @dejhabcoloring
Twitter @dejhabcoloring

More about Dejha : She learned early on to use art and entertainment to escape the realities of living in an urban community. During the Covid-19 pandemic native New Yorker Dejha B could not make music, due to all the recording studios in NYC shut down. While looking for ways to reduce stress, her friend suggested coloring books. She picked up her son’s coloring book, and instantly felt relaxed after coloring. Coloring reduced her stress and helped her cope with a worldwide pandemic.

That is when she went on a hunt for adult coloring books and did not find what she was looking for. She realized there were not a lot inspirational let alone women of color represented in the adult coloring book market. This is when Dejha B was inspired to create Dejha B Coloring in the fall 2020.

She is creating her own lane with Dejha B Coloring by providing a unique selfcare tool, displaying positive images of women of color with inspirational messages and positive thoughts. With every book created by Dejha B Coloring there is a unique experience that you will not get from other coloring books.

Her coloring books have been featured on News12, Texas Metro News, East End Taste Hamptons Magazine, and more.

She wants to give back to her community by creating books that will spark inspiration, help with creativity, motivate, and help de-stress. She is a true example of “Dreams do come true." Dejha B wants to inspire others to turn their dreams into reality.