Today we’d like to introduce you to Dionna Carter.
Hi Dionna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Have you ever had a friendship that seems to have always existed? As much as you try to figure out how it all began, a singular origin story doesn’t exist outside of, “We’ve been friends since childhood.” This has been my relationship with fashion and writing. As far back as I can remember, these two have been my passion.
Words have always fascinated me. I’ve loved reading and writing them. I’ve always loved the way my heart dances when it experiences a new story or an author’s nuance that makes their words come alive in a new way. When it came time for college, there was no doubt that I’d major in something writing-related. My writing experience spans the gamut of highlighting community leaders and sharing parenting tips to publishing a book of poems and diving into the latest style trends.
And it only makes sense that my favorite writing genre would be fashion. My world comes alive through color. There’s no shade, fabric, or pattern that I won’t try at least once. As a child, my ultimate dream was to become the editor of Vogue magazine – the ultimate marriage of my two loves. Although my life course changed, fashion has stuck with me. By serving as a personal stylist and consultant to clients, I’m able to share the joy that style gives me and help others find confidence through what they wear.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road for anyone? Life is full of bumps and challenges. And I’d be lying if I said “I enjoyed them all” or “I wouldn’t change a thing.” But the truth is that I’m appreciative of what these struggles have taught me.
One of the greatest challenges in my pursuits has been learning to manage the sometimes-conflicting roles of being an individual, a wife, and a mother. Sacrifice takes on new meaning when other people are intricately intertwined within your life. Discovering how to navigate dreams while fulfilling other God-given roles is a path laden with anxiety, doubts, and frustration. But in the midst of it, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to manage expectations, prioritize, and give grace. And as much as those are important in external relationships, they’re just as essential in my relationship with myself. I’m continuing to unlearn so many tenets that I once held true, evolving in who I am. And because of this, I’m a better person for myself and those around me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for my thought-prov0king poetry and unconventional style.
Oftentimes, I’m approached by strangers who like to comment on my attire or latest hair color and design. Although introverted by nature, my style is bold and it seems to serve as an invitation for others to approach and engage. And I love it! I’ve heard, “I could never wear what you wear,” and this is always a gateway for me to begin the journey of helping others become comfortable and courageous within themselves. I have such passion for helping my personal styling clients embrace not just who they are currently but who they can be when constraints are removed and possibility is embraced.
February 9, 2021, is a date that will forever bring me pride. This is the day I launched my first book of poetry, Bed of Roses: Thorns Included. Bed of Roses is a journey through the struggles, despairs, and restoration of relationships. This is my story that I’ve offered as a way of encouraging and uplifting other women who have experienced their own traumas in relationship. It’s also a personal triumph of the power of vulnerability. Inviting others into your heartache is terrifying, but the opportunity to foster a community of openness and acceptance is more than worth taking the plunge. S0 many women have shared their gratitude for these words, words they’ve experienced but could not articulate. These reactions are why I wrote this book and it’s my hope that other women will continue to see themselves in my words and gain the strength to find their way back to healing and wholeness.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people who know me are shocked about my athletic background. They see the way I dress and think I would never sweat it out on the court. But I grew up loving basketball – it was basically a rite of passage in my family. At one point in my elementary school years, I thought there was chance I could make it to the WNBA. That pipe dream was very short-lived. Although I played for a long time, it was more for the love of the game and not because I was a spectacular superstar. And let’s be real, “just decent” players don’t tend to make it to the pros.
Contact Info:
- Website: dionnacarter.com/bedofroses
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyandshyyy/
