Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charmaine Dantzler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Charmaine , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being that I’m a plus-size, African American woman with natural hair who is very opinionated but also introverted so I don’t speak much unless necessary, I find that I take up a lot of space when I enter into any room. However, I’ve learned to let my gifts, talents and personality outshine how others prejudge me and it has been the most effective in regards to my success.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Charmaine Dantzler, a proud black woman entrepreneur born and raised in city of Chicago. I am the founder and owner of multiple small businesses in the apparel, skincare, and digital product industries. The start of my journey as an entrepreneur came out of struggle, curiosity and trying to find a creative way to put “life” back into my people. My ventures are not just about profitability; they are a vehicle for upliftment, empowerment, and creating positive impact within the black community. Being from Chicago it’s easy to fall through the cracks and go unnoticed and i wanted to use my love for my people, creativity and desire to want to be successful to not only represent for my culture but also empower, impact and uplift them as well and that is how Du.Damage.Apparel, as well as other businesses, was formed.Through my apparel business, Du.Damage.Apparel, I design and curate Streetwear that celebrates black culture, promoting self-expression and confidence. In the skincare industry, Ilume Bath and Body, I provide bath and body products that cater specifically to the diverse needs of black men and women, encouraging self-care, positive emotion/mindset and embracing natural beauty. Additionally, in the digital product realm, Conscious Soul, I create digital planners and journals that are used as tools to help express, heal and maintain a fulfilling mindset that advocates growth.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by black people and promoting their success. I am deeply passionate about creating opportunities, fostering economic growth, and inspiring positive change within our community.
I am most proud of being able to give back to the community that gave me an open space to express myself, throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, even during the most difficult times, i was received with nothing but the most authentic energy and honest criticism that help me and my businesses to continue to grow.I would like everyone, weather they support me or not, to know that i will always be authentic, proud and put my all into everything i do and they should look forward to receiving that same love and care as well
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities and/or areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey were integrity, consistency and knowledge of self. The best advice I can give to those early in their journey on how they can improve and master these qualities and areas of knowledge is begin with seeking out your purpose, passion and gifts because they will make room for each other. Stay the course, never give up, learn as much as can about everything and stay true to yourself.
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?
One challenge I’m facing currently is effective marketing strategies and I have actively made plans to over come this obstacle by creating a captivating online presence through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok that allow us to not only create dynamic content but also speak to our target audience in a personal and authentic way. We are able to reach the people who our mission and vision resonates with and they become our biggest supporters, advocates and repeat clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: dudamageapparel.square.site
- Instagram: @du.damage.apparel
- Facebook: @du.damage.apparel
- Youtube: @dudamageapparel
