Durontez Washington’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Durontez Washington. Check out our conversation below.

Durontez, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
At this moment I am wandering. Though, as I wander with all the freedom, there is a direction empowered by purpose.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name Durontez Washington, better known as Tez to my family and friends. I am the CEO and partner at Sessions Lifestyle Company, a Black owned rolling paper brand that is diversifying the over 500 million dollar industry. Originally I am from Kansas CIty, Missouri and now residing in Norfolk, Virginia. In between those destinations I found myself at Claflin University; the first (HBCU founded in South Carolina to educate African Americans. Its important to note that, because Sessions began on the campus of our beloved alma mater and our brand is truly inspired by the friendships we cultivated during our undergrad years. The company is made up of my best friends Tom, Todd, Jake, and myself.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother Mary. She always noticed my intelligence and fed willingness to work hard. Her nickname for me was “Big Wide Brain” because, early on I was very knowledgeable and insatiably curious. Rather than label me a know-it-all, she simply would say things like ” Well you know he’s Big Wide Brain”. My grandmother also gave me my first job. We lived near her in Southeast Kansas City and frequently helped her with yard work. When I was 11 she purchased a lawn mower and propositioned me to cut her grass for $25 every time it needing to be mowed. When I accumulated $125 she took me to the bank and opened a bank account for myself. I later went on to study finance, pursue a career in money management, and go into business for myself, which I always attribute to that summer.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me to dig deeper within myself to find genuine happiness. With success there are so many things outside of yourself that can give you the perception of happiness as long as you have them. But there is something powerful about when the everything seems to be going wrong and the moment when you decide that whatever it is you are going through will not be the end for me.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Arguing on social media instead of meeting in other and building community.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
A non profit to support Diasporans to return to Africa.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@tomshotta

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