Meet Trailblazer Derria Underwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derria Underwood.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Derria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born Buffalo, NY and raised in Charlotte, NC. At a very early age, I’ve had a huge love for clothing and fashion and after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. I started small and began styling and personal shopping for friends and my business grew from there. I began working with local photographers and models in order to build up my experience and my portfolio and I ended up having my styling work published four times. In 2017, after feeling a bit stagnant, I took a leap of faith and relocated across the country to Los Angeles to follow my dreams of being a celebrity stylist. Haven’t accomplished that goal yet, but I have hit the ground running and made great connections and even figured out how I could do what I love and help others. It’s only up from here!

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. I have struggled with not knowing what my talent or true calling was in life. I have also struggled and still currently struggle with not feeling like I am doing enough and I should work harder. Even comparing myself to others is something that I work on combating because it’s very unhealthy.

My advice to other women/young women starting out is to stay true to who you are even if you don’t know who you are yet. Be genuine. People relate to you more when you are your true self wholeheartedly.

Motivational Podcasts and self-help books really help me get out of my head and my own way when it comes to my struggles. Keeps me motivated and driven to write down and accomplish the goals I set for myself on a daily basis.

Overall, be intentional about your goals, it’s important.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a fashion and lifestyle blogger and I specialize in frugal shopping and wardrobe styling. I would consider myself a frugal shopaholic. I shop all the time, almost daily and most if not always on a budget. One of my all-time favorite stores to shop at is Target. I always share my shopping trips at Target, showing new arrivals and documenting my try-on sessions.

Aside from being a frugal shopaholic, I love to style and put looks together. I love for my clients to feel like their true and authentic self when they wear the looks I have styled for them. I am most proud that I am able to help others through my brand/business and blog, whether it be from suggesting apps to stay productive or showing ways to style items your closet. My goal is to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Yes, I grew up in a single parent home. My mother is a VERY hard worker. Growing up and to this day, my mom has always worked two jobs to support our family. Her work ethic truly inspires me to go harder each and every day. It was my motivation to go to college and graduate with my degree. She was also a very big influence when it came to my move to Los Angeles. I want to be able to take care of my mom so that she won’t ever have to work two jobs ever again. I feel like she sacrificed a lot to make sure we never went without and for that I’ll forever be indebted to her. So, my drive to go after what I want in life is unmatched. I don’t want to live an ordinary life. I believe that all of my goals and aspirations are on the other side of any fear that I may have so that experience definitely keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.WhatWouldDerriaWear.com
• Email: hello@whatwouldderriawear.com
• Instagram: @dlolo
• Other: www.frugalshopaholics.com

Image Credit:
Alexia Clincy, Courtney Callender (Bike photo)

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