Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deneen L Garrett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Deneen L, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
My relationship with risk grew out of how I was raised. While there wasn’t an explicit focus on taking risks, there was a deep sense of freedom — the belief that we could do whatever we wanted. That support gave me a foundation of possibility, and over time, that foundation evolved into the courage to stretch myself in new ways.
My ability to take risks came from learning to trust myself. I grew into it by doing things that scared me and discovering I could hold myself through the uncertainty. Traveling solo, stepping onto stages, investing in my own development — each moment expanded my capacity for courage.
One of the biggest examples is launching my podcast. Five years ago, starting Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation was in direct opposition to my fear of vulnerability. In Episode 1, I say it plainly: once I realized what the fear was, I “Nike’d it” — I just did it. That leap created what is now a 100 Best Women’s Empowerment podcast, currently ranked #19.
The real turning point, though, came when I stopped waiting for permission. Once I understood I didn’t need anyone’s approval to pursue the life I envisioned, everything opened up. Risk stopped feeling like danger and started feeling like alignment. Choosing myself — fully and consistently — is what built the confidence I carry today.
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?
I’m the Founder & CEO of Deneen L. Garrett LLC, the home for everything I do as a Podcaster, International Speaker, Writer, and Dream Lifestyle™ Coach. My work lives at the intersection of storytelling, empowerment, and community-building — it’s truly heart work. Every part of my brand is rooted in helping Black women, especially those 50 and over, choose themselves and design a life that feels bold, joyful, and deeply aligned. One of the core expressions of this is my podcast, Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, a 100 Best Women’s Empowerment podcast. For five+ years, I’ve been sharing the personal journeys of women who are choosing themselves in powerful ways. Their stories create a global connection — women hear themselves in every episode, and that resonance is what makes the show so meaningful.
The project I’m most excited about right now is the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective, a membership community for Black Women 50+. It’s a sanctuary where we explore identity, creativity, travel, lifestyle design, wellness, legacy, and purpose — together. We’re currently in our Founding Dreamer phase with a full expansion planned for March 2026.
What makes the Collective special is its focus on sisterhood, joy, and reinvention at a stage of life when many women finally feel permission to pour back into themselves. It’s a space where Black women can reclaim what fulfills them, redefine what’s possible, and build a life that reflects who they are becoming.
Outside of building the Collective, I write for Hope Magazine, Culturs Magazine, and Medium, using storytelling as a tool for visibility and empowerment. My writing often explores identity, belonging, and the global experiences of Black people — themes that mirror my own journey as a traveler and cultural advocate.
Just recently, I was honored to be recognized as a Who’s Who in Black Detroit Notable Professional — a celebration of Detroit leaders whose work is shaping culture, community, and legacy. That recognition felt aligned with everything I stand for: amplifying voices, creating space, and showing Black women what’s possible when we choose ourselves.
As I move into 2026, my focus is on expansion — growing the Collective, elevating the podcast, deepening my speaking work, and continuing to write stories that open doors for others. Everything I do connects back to one mission: helping Black women, especially those 50 and over, live their Dream Lives™ now.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Self-Belief
Before anyone could support my vision, I had to believe in it myself.
Advice: Act on your dreams while the idea is still warm — before fear talks you out of it. 2. Storytelling
Sharing my story, and amplifying the stories of other women, opened doors for me. Storytelling builds connection, credibility, and community.
Advice: Don’t hide your journey. Your story is a bridge for someone else.
3. Consistency
Consistency is the unglamorous yet essential part of the journey that builds everything.
Advice: Choose small habits that align with your dream and practice them daily. Momentum grows from repetition.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration is central to everything I’m building — and as the Dream Lifestyle™ Collective expands into 2026, I’m calling in partners who feel deeply aligned with this mission. I’m excited to connect with brands, creators, and visionaries who see the value in uplifting Black Women 50+ and want to be part of something transformative.
I’m especially welcoming collaboration with:
Lifestyle, wellness, travel, and financial brands that champion joy, freedom, and reinvention
Foundations committed to women’s leadership, aging well, and cultural impact
Creative partners, artists, and media disruptors who want to amplify underrepresented stories
Organizations dedicated to elevating Black Women’s voices and visibility
Black Women 50+ who feel called to join this community or help shape its future
If your mission is to empower, inspire, or support Black Women 50+, I’d love to explore how we might create impact together. Whether you’re a potential partner, sponsor, collaborator, or future Founding Dreamer, the door is open.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deneensdreamlife/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneensDreamLife
- Other: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/, https://www.skool.com/dream-lifestyle-collective-1653/about
