Within the last quarter of the year, we’ve learned so much from the #MoxieFriday series like being resourceful, strategic, accepting ourselves and the importance of forgiveness. I’m grateful to share these women’s stories and to know each of them personally.
Denitra Townsend
We are going out with a bang as we share the last #MoxieFriday feature for 2017, which features Denitra Townsend, but don’t worry – we will be back with new women + their stories in 2018. If you would like to see someone featured on this series soon, please fill out this form.
So I’ve known Denitra for years and love her to pieces. She is a phenomenal woman of God, amazing at her craft, and one of the sweetest spirits I know. Keep reading to learn about her and her empowering project.
Tell us about yourself and your company, Unforgettable You, LLC.
I am an extremely passionate and hardworking person. Detroit-bred and I love my city! I like to describe myself as an analytical creative. I use my social and psychological training to help others embrace their individuality and personal style. Unforgettable You, LLC is a virtual lab of Style, Art, and Empowerment!
As the owner Lead Style and Beauty Curator, I offer services, such as wardrobe styling, personal shopping, color psychology sessions, appearance refinement (hair and makeup services), social and business etiquette training, self-esteem building coaching, etc. Some of my clients include entertainment artists, magazines, newspapers, business executives, business associations and individuals who desire a fresh perspective.
Fashion
What sparked your interest in fashion and styling?
Since I was little, I’ve had interests in fashion. At a young age, I knew what I preferred in fashion and beauty. So much so, my mother stopped doing my hair (in the 3rd or 4th grade) because I was so particular and allowed me to start doing my own pigtails.
This was back when Luster’s Pink Oil Moisturizer was the jam! LOL. I also was allowed to “style” myself. I got sent home one time from school because I wore what we call leggings now (my booty was “
My styling work comes from an image stand-point. It started becoming important to empower others when I only saw trends or images that weren’t inclusive of all body types and all personal style segments. I am not so much into “cookie-cutter” or “fast fashion.” I like styling from an advantage of individuality, sustainability, and lifestyle.
Creative Director
From producing events centered on women’s empowerment, you also created the #BrainsOverBooty campaign. Tell us how the concept came about.
Created November 2014, the #BrainsOverBooty is a social media campaign designed to empower women and celebrate them for their contributions to society, success in business, academia, and their selfless service to their communities, churches, families, and friends! More than just another hashtag, #BrainsOverBooty was created as a catalyst to change the social media conversation about women as a whole; to reprioritize the order and purpose in which a woman is celebrated in today’s society.
The movement was birthed from a necessary need to change our culture’s narrative with regard to a woman’s body. Although there is nothing more empowering than positive body image, I no longer wanted to confuse that with exploitation. As a curvy woman myself, I absolutely feel embracing that part of my womanhood is important. So I’m in no way stating women can’t have it all. What I am emphasizing is the positivity in women being SMART and I’d like to encourage girls and women to invest just as much in their brain power as they do their appearance!
Who are some role models who influence the campaign?
Role models who influence this campaign are women right here in our Detroit community, who daily provide inspiration and examples of what a brilliant mind (education, hard work, persistence, business savvy, etc.) can accomplish.
Brains Over Booty
Since #BrainsOverBooty started, the support has been endless. How you would like to see the campaign continue to grow?
It is my goal to continue this empowerment work by allowing women to make powerful statements through our current merchandise. I also would like to see “Brains Over Booty” campaign satellite launches all over the world.
How can others get involved with this campaign?
People can immediately by state their support of the campaign publicly on social media (using hashtag #BrainsOverBooty). They can also become involved by purchasing available merchandise via the website. Also, a formal platform is soon to be relaunch that will include round-table discussions, school outreach, etc.
My passion and determination is definitely my moxie. I am working to only do what I am passionate about and what I’ll be determined to get up every morning and smile about!
Give us an example of how you would like to inspire the force, nature, and creativity of womanhood in five years?
In the next 5 years, I’ll be in my own brick-and-mortar space, still providing Image Consulting work, styling and creating, BUT I’ll also have space (a showroom) to provide grassroots fashion designers and artists an opportunity to showcase their work and grow their clientele.
Sharing Advice
What advice would you give someone who is starting in fashion or wanting to start their own campaign?
Learn what your moxie is. Learn what your niche is. Discover what your work looks like. Learn from those whose work mirrors what you want to do. Study your market. Study who your clients are. Know you are not for everyone and everyone won’t be for you. Be ok with that. Work from passion and not need. Stick to your convictions. Stay firm in your beliefs.
What was one of the most defining moments in life?
One of the most defining moments in my life was losing almost everything just to gain the confidence to know that purpose and passion are the most important assets. Things will come and go. Purpose and passion should stand the test of time. When you do what you’re passionately about because you know it’s connected to your purpose…no matter how challenging it may be…that’s when you’re living your best life. The money will come.
If you would like to purchase Brains Over Booty merchandise or support the movement, please visit the website. For inquires or information, you can follow Denitra and her company through the following platforms:
- Facebook: @unforgettableyoullc
- Instagram: @un4gettableYOU
- Website: www.unforgettableyoullc.com
About Denitra
When God speaks, it’s hard not to listen and listen is exactly what Denitra Townsend did when she received confirmation that it was time to step out on faith and become a full-time entrepreneur. Empowered by her faith, Denitra took a leap toward her dreams and landed in her purpose, utilizing her passion and love for the beauty and fashion industry.
A hat wearer of many titles, she is also a graduate of Douglas J Aveda Institute, a licensed cosmetologist, Creative Director, and documentary producer. She speaks on image and beauty topics across many platforms throughout the state, including several local Detroit publications and blogs.
Denitra is on a faith walk toward her dreams and admits it is not always easy but is determined to live the purposeful life she envisioned. She relentlessly works to achieve her goals. Using her gifts to help others embrace and celebrate both their inner and outer beauty, she is a testament to the phrase: “Your gift will make room for you.” She is an inspiration to all those who not only dare to dream but who are bold enough to live their dreams aloud.
Create Conversation
Leave comments and feedback below. Use the hashtag, #MoxieFriday.
xo,
Samary says
Awesome post! I love reading about other women doing their thing!
Latoya says
I loved reading this, as I’m aspiring to start my own image consulting business. Love the idea behind her movement. Will be giving her a follow.