We had the good fortune of connecting with Deovani Jean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deovani, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Canton, Georgia, which is about an hour north of Atlanta. Growing up there taught me how to be comfortable with being different. I spent a lot of days lost in my head, seeking validation and attention from others.

But without the hardships I faced, along with the simple joys of suburban country living, I wouldn’t have the perspectives on life that shape who I am today and guide my artistry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve truly begun to come into my own as both a creative and an individual, understanding the role I play at the intersection of artistry and business. I believe we all have a superpower, and it’s our responsibility to dig deep and uncover it. For me, that power lies in creating connections—whether through visual, spoken, or written mediums. My strongest forms of expression are visual and spoken, and this ability has significantly influenced my styling, relationships, and business ventures.

It’s been a long journey to reach this perspective on my career and myself, but I recognize that others have worked just as hard, if not harder, without the same opportunities. I feel lucky, blessed, and divinely guided and protected. Since I was 18, I’ve been determined to establish myself in the fashion industry, and now at 22, I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished in the past year since leaving my corporate job. There’s been a lot of pressure, but my dad always said he gave me the middle name ‘Diamond’ for a reason.

I’m particularly proud of what I’ve achieved without formal schooling—after dropping out of SCAD and quitting Zara. It always felt like this was my path, and I believe the universe agrees. I’ve made sacrifices in both time and money to get to this moment, including this opportunity with Shoutout Atlanta.

I don’t regret any of it. I feel aligned with who I am today and who I’m becoming. This year is just the beginning of even greater abundance, and this interview is only the start of more to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting, I’d definitely have to take them to Little Five Points. It’s where the cool, creative crowd always hangs out, and there’s so much to explore and do. Whether you’re into unique shops, street art, or great food, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back day with friends or loved ones.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people, groups, and books that have guided me to where I am today.

First, I have to mention my mom and my sisters. They have been a constant guiding force, always reminding me to stay grounded and to never forget who I am.

Beyond my family, I’ve found a lot of value in spiritual and philosophical books like The Power of Now, Be Here Now, and Ancient Future. My belief systems became shaky during my teenage years, and these books helped me reestablish the faith I had lost to self-doubt and insecurity.

Professionally, my journey in visual merchandising—starting at Zara—paved the way to my involvement with ATLFW, where I’ve continued to grow my knowledge of the fashion industry and develop into the person I always knew I could be. I’m incredibly grateful to my family at Seventy7 Magazine for giving me the opportunity to expand my portfolio so rapidly this year, and I appreciate those who mentored me at Zara and ATLFW.

Specifically, I want to thank Angela Watts, Autumn Naomi, and El Lewis for being industry leaders who believed in me and envisioned this path for me as well.

Website: www.deovanijean.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deovni/profilecard/?igsh=dm0ya2plMTJ1ZXN6

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deovanijean?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

Image Credits
– STYLED BY DEOVANI JEAN – IMAGES SHOT BY HANNAH MIDDLETON & RACHEL TOMSCHE

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