We’re looking forward to introducing you to Deidra McNish-Brown. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Deidra, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I recently returned to working a full-time Monday through Friday nursing job, and I’ve found myself having to restructure my before- and after-work routine. I have been waking up ridiculously early in the mornings so that I can get in at least 30 minutes of exercise before work. If I time it right, I’m able to sneak in some work for D’s Delights — drafting emails, making a piece of jewelry, or brainstorming ideas — before I leave for work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a first-generation Brooklyn-born and raised Jamaican American. I am a Registered Nurse, a wife, and a mother of 2. I started D’s Delights in 2020. Before this, I had never considered myself to be creative, and I had never been encouraged to explore my creative side. The idea to start making bracelets came to me at 2 am, while I was working one of my two Nursing jobs. I wanted to make bracelets for my fellow healthcare workers, whom I felt were being overlooked and disregarded during the height of the pandemic. Through creating jewelry intended to make others feel seen, understood, and represented, I found my purpose.
D’s Delights has evolved over the past 5 years, but the mission remains the same: to create jewelry that celebrates every layer of who you are – bold, complex, and unapologetically you. I do this through combining high-quality semiprecious gemstone and African recycled glass beads to make jewelry you don’t typically see every day.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The Covid-19 pandemic definitely changed me and how I move through this world. So much happened during this time and each of my worlds collided in ways I never imagined. I was being pulled in so many directions and I was exhausted.
My grandfather died (in Jamaica) the day that the lockdowns were announced. My main job was on the IT side of healthcare and I was required to go in to work every day. My second job was in Labor and Delivery, which is completely patient-facing. My mother, husband, and children were home while I went out to work every day. My mother fell ill during the summer of 2020. I took leave to care for her and she ultimately passed away in the fall of 2020.
At work, we were dealing with the unknown. There were ever-changing policies. We were being told that the precautions being told to the public didn’t apply to us. We were surrounded by death every day. At the same time, so many people refused to believe that it was real. Being a Registered Nurse, I was considered an essential worker, yet I had to fight to get PPE and appropriate pay.
I was afraid of bringing illness home. I wanted to be home with my family. I felt like it was my duty to provide for them and keep them safe.
Through all of this, what resonated with me was: you never know what someone else is going through and we should never overlook how their experiences have affected them.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I actually have two – my fear of being judged and my fear of being misunderstood. There have been so many things in life that I’ve wanted to try, but I was afraid that people would think I was crazy for wanting to and/or thinking that I could. Ever since childhood, I felt that people would either criticize me and say that I wasn’t meant to do X, Y, Z, or question why I would ever want to.
Interestingly enough, making jewelry is one of the only things that I’ve ever done without having made a fully detailed plan before starting. I followed through on a random idea and I’ve gone where my heart has led me on this journey. However, there are several opportunities that I haven’t pursued because of my fears.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I would say, authenticity that is rooted in respect for heritage and individuality. I believe in honoring your roots, moving with integrity, and representing your whole self – quirks, flaws, and all.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I treated everyone with respect. That I helped others see the importance of considering another’s perspective before jumping to conclusions. That I spread joy through my creations and interactions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DsDelightsBKLYN.com
- Instagram: @dsdelightsbklyn
- Facebook: D’s Delights BKLYN
Image Credits
Demetri Lurry
Victor Castro
Constance Faulk
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
