We had the good fortune of connecting with DeAndre’ davison-Marshall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DeAndre’, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Beginning
For nearly fifteen years, I dedicated myself to the field of Social Service, advocating through many well-known Social Service agencies in metro Atlanta serving those often forgotten, forsaken, and overlooked. My final stint in the business world included serving as the Director of Training and Programs for the International Human Trafficking Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, for three years, until its sunset in 2021. During my tenure, in the midst of a pandemic, and under the coaching of my mentor, I successfully led a team of Ambassadors to train over 60,000 people in Georgia, across the nation, and internationally, empowering them to Learn, See, and Do Something about Human Trafficking.

Jill Savitt, CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, recognized my passion and dedication to this cause. She entrusted me with the intellectual properties needed to continue my mission of educating communities about exploitation and human trafficking.

The Move
In 2022, I forged ahead, consolidating all my initiatives under DdM3 Consulting. Through this platform, I currently facilitate a wide range of trainings and seminars for tweens, teens, and young adults. My focus is on helping them realize their potential and become their best selves through life skills, art therapy, and critical conversations about exploitation and sex trafficking.

How It Is Going…
I’ve been an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years, and this journey has been sustained by prayers, intestinal fortitude, and the unwavering support of family and friends. I always knew I had a special gift for reaching young people and trusted the process, despite the challenges. It hasn’t been easy, but I firmly believe: If not me, then who? If not now, then when?

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets DdM3 Consulting apart is the diverse menu of seminars and classes offered through a single individual. I take immense pride in my ability to reach children, teens, and college-age young adults through these classes. My entrepreneurial skills are gifts I don’t take for granted, from teaching girls about puberty and celebrating their coming of age to helping teenagers and college students stay safe online. My approach is straightforward and honest, while also being an active listener. I’ve found that the key is to be the respectful adult in the room, which in turn earns the respect of the kids.

My entrepreneurial journey took off when I was searching online for a way to explain menarche to my girls and couldn’t find anything uplifting or celebratory. This led me to create the “YouNiquely You… Commences Towards Maturity” seminar. Since then, over 1,200 tweens, teens, and moms have participated. I expanded my offerings based on need, and as an advocate for education, I also facilitate self-esteem and life skills seminars for tweens and teens. In 2022, I consolidated all these initiatives under DdM3 Consulting.

Two things I am proud of is the collaborative partners who continue to trust and allow me to pour into the lives of the kids they serve. I am grateful for the extensive menu I offer to help tweens and teens become their best selves. I want the world, especially kids, to know that knowledge is power.
I always tell my participants, “If you listen, you will learn SOMETHING!”

As a female entrepreneur and independent contractor, one of the most discouraging challenges has been encountering organizations and groups that do not value my expertise and expect my services for free.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow! Yes, I am here for it and did this for a friend who visited recently. I like to patronize businesses in my community. I live West of Atlanta . We did breakfast at The High Noon Brunchery and it did not disappoint. It is a unique ‘pinked out’ space. We did a little shopping in Villa Rica at Home Furnishing Market. We turntup at a mid-day concert in Douglasville at the Greystone Amphitheater. The artist was Richard Shaw, Jr. and he was fiya!. The next day a trip to Atlanta was in order and of course, we visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. (S/O to my former employer). We lunched in Castleberry Hill at my favorite Mexican Restaurant – No Mas Cantina. The following day we were back in Douglasville where I treated my friend to a Birthday massage at Green Tree Spa. We spend the evening catching up on 50+ years of friendship. The final day we visited with friends and capped the night off with light refreshments while listening to a live band at Per Se, a local dinner spot in Douglasville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely!! I’m thrilled to celebrate my sistafriend of over 20 years, Deborah J. Richardson. Without her, I wouldn’t possess much of the business acumen, wealth of contacts, and knack for connecting that I have today. Deborah has consistently provided constructive criticism, invaluable advice, and enthusiastic applause. I will always be grateful for her mentorship and genuine care and concern. Ask anyone who knows her, and they’ll tell you: Deborah walks quietly but is incredibly knowledgeable, well-connected, and loves encouraging sister entrepreneurs. To me, she is the epitome of a phenomenal business role model and coach.

Website: https://ddm3consulting.com

Instagram: @deandredavisonmarshall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deandre-marshall/

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