We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Desirie Sykes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Desirie, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a Black female entrepreneur, my journey in establishing and expanding my business has involved navigating distinctive challenges and seizing unique opportunities. Often finding myself as the sole representation in various settings, I’ve embraced my individual perspective as a valuable asset. By incorporating my identity, I’ve contributed to the diversification of thought, particularly within the realm of therapy for children with special needs.
In the establishment of my business, I actively sought mentorship from individuals who comprehend the nuanced experiences of being a Black female entrepreneur. These mentorship relationships have proven invaluable, offering guidance, support, and insights to overcome specific challenges unique to my journey.
Strategic networking and establishing connections within my industry and community have played a pivotal role. Actively engaging with others has facilitated the creation of partnerships, provided access to resources, and helped build a robust support system. This approach not only heightened the visibility of my business but also facilitated opportunities for collaboration and overall growth.
A commitment to remaining well-informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and avenues for minority-owned businesses has been a priority. This knowledge empowers me to make informed decisions, strategically positioning my business for sustained success.
In essence, my path as a Black female entrepreneur serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and dedication required to effect positive change within the business landscape, particularly in the context of representation and inclusivity.
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?
Hey there!
I’m Desirie Sykes, the creative force behind NESS Cares & NESS Behavior Consulting. Imagine this: a former Behavior Specialist with OPWDD (yeah, that’s a mouthful!), and a go-to in-school Behavior Consultant. I’m all about unleashing my bag of tricks to amp up the capacity and independence of school professionals and families dealing with special needs children. We’re talking about crafting effective Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans, ensuring students get access to efficient resources in their school districts—or alternative settings if needed!
NESS Behavior Consulting is on a mission to sprinkle some magic into the learning journey of awesome students with developmental disabilities. Picture us as your partners in crime, handing out tools and resources like confetti. How do we do it? Well, we’re all about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a dash of psychology. It’s the secret sauce for crafting tailor-made strategies that make every student shine.
Now, NESS Cares is a non-profit on a mission to provide resources for mental health and special education. In this platform, we go beyond the classroom, ensuring the entire family unit is recognized and has access to resources that extend into the nitty-gritty of real-world needs and preparation.
Our journey is one wild ride, fueled by a genuine love for making education a blast. We’re thrilled to be on this adventure, making a real difference in the lives of students and our communities.
Cheers to the ride!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1.Alright, imagine this wild scene: 22 years young & I become a mom. No bells, no whistles—just me, no ring, no diploma, and definitely no fancy job. The fam’s reaction? Downhill warning lights flashing. But wait for it! My first kiddo? Total game-changer, my chief motivator. Suddenly, I’m on a mission to be the superhero version of me, just so she can strut around saying, “Yep, that’s my mom!” Who knew a little human could kickstart such a revolution? Turns out, I didn’t just birth a baby; I unleashed a force to be reckoned with. Here’s to embracing those unexpected plot twists
2. Navigating the complexities of strained friendships, self-discovery, and a profound mental health challenge brought me to a point of profound vulnerability. Amidst this tumultuous period, I found myself admitted to a mental institution, a chapter in my life marked by intense introspection. It was during these trying moments that I turned to writing as a form of therapy, birthing my first book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” This motivational workbook became a lifeline, allowing me to articulate my aspirations at a time when my identity seemed elusive. This personal journey catalyzed my commitment to mental health advocacy within NESS Cares. Having experienced the silence and isolation that often accompanies such struggles, my sincere hope is to extend a compassionate hand to others, offering resources that I wish I had during those challenging times.
3. Guess what? NESS Behavior Consulting just hit the big 5-year mark! 🎉 Flashback to October 31, 2018, when this whole adventure started in my mom’s basement. I remember praying to God, “Just throw me one client, please!” Fast forward, and now I’m juggling contracts with insurance panels and school districts like a pro. This journey isn’t just about learning the ropes of the behavior consulting biz; it’s also my crash course in how to boss up and be a stellar leader through the good, the bad, and the chaotic. From overcoming hurdles to realizing that entrepreneurship is basically an extreme sport, I’ve learned one thing: this rollercoaster isn’t for the faint of heart.
Advice: skip the hunt for validation from others. Stay true to the awesome human you are. Put your plans before God and keep the faith. Tackle each situation like it’s your grand finale and sprinkle love on people, even when they’re not acting all that lovable. Stay genuine, stay resilient, and watch the magic unfold. ✨💖
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Throughout my upbringing, I consistently observed my parents operating as a united front. While my father might not always comprehend the intricate details of my mother’s endeavors, he provided steadfast support throughout the journey. Witnessing this dynamic collaboration from a young age left an indelible mark on me. My mother emerged as our family’s foremost advocate, championing our pursuits without imposing any predetermined career paths. Her genuine excitement for our endeavors, created something inside of me that truly believed I could conquer anything – and honestly, sometimes there are days that this is all that keeps me going. Just truly believing in me and that I can really do this thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.desiriesykes.com
- Instagram: @desirie.sykes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desirie-sykes-810024a6/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nesstv18
- Other: www.nesscares.org