We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dj Bivins II (topshelfdjj) a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dj, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I still have not fully conquered yet, but day by day I come to realize that I’ve built a pretty big platform. Once I took a step back from everyone and saw what they were doing, I then saw the difference in myself compared to others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name’s Derrell, but most people know me as DJ.
I’m a fashion model, wardrobe stylist, and creative director. I help bring shoots and content to life—whether that’s putting together the right look, helping direct visuals, or just making sure the vibe is right. Fashion has always been more than clothes to me. It’s how I express myself and how I help others do the same.
I’ve always had a passion for creating. I don’t just model—I build looks, I build visuals, and most importantly, I’m building a brand. What makes what I do special is that I’m fully involved in every part of the process. I love helping people feel confident in their style, and I’m big on making sure everything I’m a part of feels real and intentional.
Being an entrepreneur taught me that you don’t have to wait for anyone’s approval to be great. You can be yourself, stay creative, and still stand out. I’m proof that you don’t have to choose between being artistic and being business-minded—you can do both and do it your way.
Follow my journey on Instagram @topshelfdjj. Whether you’re into fashion, visuals, or just looking for a little motivation, I’m here to show you that it’s possible to turn your vision into something real.
Just remember: Be yourself. Be creative. The world will adjust.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Confidence helped me trust my vision—even when others didn’t see it yet. Whether I was styling a look or helping direct a shoot, I had to own my space and believe in what I brought to the table.
Tip: Start before you feel “ready.” Confidence comes from doing.
Creativity is what made my work stand out. I pull ideas from everything—music, people, feelings—and that helps me keep things real and fresh.
Tip: Don’t limit yourself. Be open and keep creating, even if it feels different.
Consistency is what made the biggest difference. I stayed locked in, even when things were slow or quiet. That work behind the scenes is what built my name.
Tip: Keep showing up. That’s how you grow for real.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle I currently face is most definitely not giving myself enough credit. I need to start patting myself on the back. A way I always resolve the issue is by reminiscing where I was 1-2 years ago and look at what’s in front of me now. It’s crazy, all I can do is thank God.
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