Meet Dominique Devereaux Bedford | Lead Designer and Fashion Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dominique Devereaux Bedford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dominique Devereaux, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I have ever made was to take a chance on myself. In 2016, when I decided to leave my dream job in showroom and brand management in my dream city of Dallas to relocate internationally, I knew that there would be no turning back.

For years, I worked for other brands with people I admired and respected as entrepreneurs and mentors and I felt like because they believed and invested so much into me that I was indebted to them for life and that my dreams needed to be placed on hold. I found myself also often times feeling unfulfilled, like I was spending my days making other people happy both personally and professionally while helping them fulfill their dreams and it became a huge weight on me- mentally and physically.

I always knew that I wanted to go into business for myself but doing so internationally and at the speed in which it happened, I never saw coming. When I initially relocated, the employment market was hard. I couldn’t get short listed or interviews for positions that I knew I was more than qualified for.

It was the love of my life who gave me the push I needed to take the leap of faith. Not only did he encourage me to stop applying for jobs with other companies and to put all my energy and efforts into building my brand, but he motivated me at times when I felt defeated. He let me know that he would be supportive of my goals every step of the way under the condition that I did not give up on myself or when it got hard and boy it got hard.

However, what I viewed as the most difficult decision, turned out to be the best one I could have made for myself in the long run because I am now in full pursuit of my dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a designer of power suiting and separates for the professional redefined and what that means is that I create statement making pieces with luxury fabrics made from bold colors with elaborate details. My signature is that all of our pieces are accented with leopard print silk. And why leopard? Because not only is leopard a blend of neutral tones but it also represents ferocity and strength- two characteristics innate to power dressing.

I am most proud of my growth over the last 3 years both personally and professionally and not giving up on my dream despite the effects of COVID. I launched my first collection in 2019 and less than a year later the world was impacted by COVID. However, I did not allow that to deter me from my dreams and I continued to work throughout the pandemic on both my second and third collections while growing my fashion/personal styling clientele.

By no means was my journey easy but it was and has been worth it. I have received help in overcoming challenges not only from my support system but by connecting with other female entrepreneurs who have endured the same struggles. They have taught me that I cannot possibly do everything on my own and that not only is it okay to ask for help, but that if I truly desire to grow and scale my business, then help is necessary.

Some of the lessons I have learned along the way is that you will never have it all figured out, so learn to give yourself grace when mistakes are made and be present in the moment when you accomplish anything- be it big or small. Don’t let those blessings pass you by because they are all apart of the journey, they keep you grounded and humble and serve as reminders of your potential. I have also learned to trust my gut. When I first started out I would second guess myself as it pertained to how and what I created, but I quickly realized that my perspective and point of view are what have been integral to my success and so don’t change a thing. It’s important to adjust and adapt but absolutely at no time should you conform to the norm.

I want the world and especially women to know that it’s okay to embrace who you are, what you dream to be and to be unapologetically confident. Wake up, get dressed and feel good about yourself- because when you look good, you feel good. Don’t shrink yourself or make yourself small in order to make others feel comfortable. Their insecurities are their problem and not yours. As a woman- a tall woman at that, I had to learn that all five foot ten inches of me is enough even in the moments when I feel like I’m not.

I want creatives to know that it’s okay to be “weird” or “awkward” because you operate on a different wavelength that others may not understand and that is your superpower. That is what makes you special.

Lastly, I want the world to know that the House of Devereaux empowers, emboldens and embodies what it means to be reassured, fabulous and powerful in every way. That’s why our philosophy is “people will stare- make it worth their while”- Harry Winston

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The UAE specifically Abu Dhabi- is filled with so many places to pick from but we would definitely start with breakfast at Nolu’s at the Galleria Mall- with views on the water and a nod to Afghani style dining. If you like to sleep in then we would grab Afternoon Tea or a lavish lunch at Emirates Palace- home to the 24K gold cappuccino, camel burger and cold soft serve ice cream (yes all come covered with 24 karat gold flakes).

If you’re a museum lover like myself, we would then head over to see the latest exhibitions at the Louvre, followed by a beautiful Sundowners session at their rooftop lounge to catch the most gorgeous Arabian sunset and finish the night with dinner on the beach at Tean Restaurant located at Saadiyat Jumeriah or Ladies Night at Turtle Bay at Saadiyat Rotana where ladies can lush over complimentary libations and discounts on dinner.

Other interesting places to check out are of course, a desert safari where you can sand surf, ride the sand dunes, give a try at four wheeling and ride a camel while enjoying traditional Emirati cuisine or if you love architecture- check out the Observation Deck at Conrad Etihad Towers. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can ride the rollercoasters at Ferrari World or even take a Ferrari or a race car for a spin at the Formula 1 Track at Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai is just an hour drive away. When in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi- you absolutely must try Friday brunch. There is nothing basic about brunch in either city. Trust me, when in doubt forget breakfast and book a brunch, you won’t regret it (there are too many hot spots to name).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Those who took a chance on me and never made me feel small or like what I wanted to achieve was unrealistic and unattainable like Sarah Wolf, Matt Swinney, and Reginald Lockhart who supported my graduate school ambitions. But especially powerful women in the industry such as Sheila Hawkins Bucklew and Jamie Garrott. My undergraduate professors from Texas State University- Bobbie Moore and Gwendolyn Hustvedt and FashioNation advisor-Beverley Woodson Day. My immediate family and support system of friends, former co-workers and college/childhood besties from Texas to those in the UAE for constantly cheering me on and especially my forever partner in business and life- Carlos.

Website: www.houseofdevereaux.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/houseofdevereaux

Facebook: www.facebook.com/devereauxllc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOw7RIFz2huQ_Ml_BYWfCQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Tavia Whitlowe of For Beauty Sake Studios and Mais Guluzade of Mais Matte Photography Models: Ashley Barksdale, Arushi Das, Monicah Kibby, Jasmine Marie Nalls Hair: Iris B. Felix MUA: Iris B. Felix and Stacy Uzuh Styling: Monique Spearman