Meet De’Shera Milan | Coach, Speaker, & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with De’Shera Milan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi De’Shera, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business in 2020, during the pandemic. I recently graduated with my Master’s in Business Administration, and because the world shut down the week after my graduation, my business was born. No jobs were hiring in my professional industry, and I, of course, needed to work. It was really out of survival that my business was birthed. I remembered God gave me a vision for a business, and I even challenged him on it and told him, “Lord, if you want me to start this business, then it is your business and you will have to show me how to run it”. I went through every step of starting a business. During the pandemic, we received a Stimulus check, and that check helped me to get things in order. I registered for my LLC, purchased my website, applied for a Trademark, and began developing the business. As I told myself over and over again, this is the Lord’s business and I am just the Manager. It was a motivational Kingdom lifestyle brand called “Wow God!” The mission of the business was to share the miracles and wonders of God and to inspire people to have no expectations, letting God WOW them. I had to purchase many samples, work with different vendors, and learn how to sell products. This business taught me all the factors associated with running a business. I felt like God supported me on the journey and gave me the confidence to pursue other business passions.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My Business journey has been a wild ride! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I feel like business is a journey, and you have to enjoy the process to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor. When I started my business, I had no idea what I was doing. I just know God gave me a vision, and He gave me the tools and resources to develop it. My multifaceted business is called D. Milan Hospitality. We are the quintessential answer to eminent hospitality: Where hospitality is more than just a service. It’s an experience. In this company, I have different brands because, yes, I have future goals to expand into different segments. We have Wow God!, which is a Kingdom lifestyle brand designed to motivate and inspire people to talk about the miracles and wonders of God. Our next entity is the products and services I offer as an Author, Certified Life Coach, and Inspirational Speaker. We offer transformative coaching programs, consulting & speaking services, courses, books, and curated events. We are dedicated to empowering individuals to live their dream lives. What sets us apart is that authentic hospitality is woven into the fabric of our company. We see our clients as members of our family, and we love and serve them the way that Christ calls us to. Has it been easy? NO! I have had to pick it up and put it back down every so often. I have put so much money into the business, and sometimes I did not see the return on the investment. I even had one of my largest consulting contracts terminated abruptly and had to pivot quickly. I had to go back to working a 9-5 to pay my bills and work with my clients on the weekends. I almost lost my business during that season! But God! I had to learn that I am building a legacy brand, one that will last when I am no longer on this earth. Legacy takes time to build, and I am just fine with that! I want the world to know that with God on your side, you can do all things! You may go through some challenges, but having faith and resilience is all you need to succeed. Everything that you need is already inside of you! You just need to look up and within for it.

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?
Atlanta is the city where I grew up and went to college (Hey GSUFam!) But so much has changed since I returned after having a career in other major cities. There are so many great things to do, but if I had to say, I would start at somebody’s brunch! A few of my favorite brunch spots are Breakfast at Barneys, Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles, and The Real Milk & Honey. After Brunch, we are going to stop by an event at Piedmont Park and enjoy the fresh outdoors. Next, we may attend a sporting event to see the Falcons or Hawks play because it is always a good time! Then I am probably going to grab some dinner from my favorite spot in the city, Planet Bombay Indian Cuisine. And finally, we may catch a movie at AMC Madison Yards or LOOK Dine-In Cinemas in Brookhaven. Just a couple of my favorite things to do in the Metro-Atlanta area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank all my family and friends who have supported my vision and business since its inception. I want to give a very special shoutout to my Mommy, Daddy, Kai, Nana, Aunt Gladys, Aunt San, Chelsea, Raisha, and my fiancé. My Mom has been a proud parent supporting me with the highs and lows in business. She has worn my apparel, worked a vendor booth with me, and introduced me to different speaking opportunities. I am forever indebted to her for her support. My Dad has been the driving force behind my motivation and has taught me the importance of entrepreneurship throughout the years. My younger brother Kai has been my model, photographer, and videographer, recording content that helped me to grow my business. My Nana is the matriarch of our family and has been my guiding light when it comes to why I provide amazing hospitality and customer service. She has always taught me to treat people good when they are in your presence, and I take that with me wherever I go. Aunt San, Aunt Gladys, and Chelsea, I am thankful for their support of my business and for providing spiritual wisdom and Godly counsel, especially when I am overwhelmed and afraid. Your prayers always kept me grounded. Raisha, for having my back all these years and for supporting me during those rough seasons. Your selflessness and love are something I will cherish forever. Last and certainly not least, thank you to my fiancé, Jeffrey! Your love and commitment to me have been something that I needed more than you know. Thank you for believing in me and for supporting all of my endeavors. God truly blessed me with you!

Website: https://www.desheramilan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desheramilan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desherabenton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desheramilan

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@desheramilan

Image Credits
ShotbyMK

Kai’John Benton