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

Hi DeSheania, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be quite honest, I started The Boujee Auntie Brand at a time when the world was sitting still, in solitude. I began this brand working from home in the heart of the Pandemic(Spring 2021). I was working virtually 8-10 hour days in my corporate career while also virtually serving the community within social and civic organizations; I give my dedication and time to. I had  recently experienced the loss of a dear relative so between zoom fatigue and grieving, I needed an outlet. I am an introverted extrovert and have realized that I love being with family and friends yet when the pandemic took that away I had to adjust in my own way of not being able to see my core group as I did before.

I needed to find my joy back so on March 26th, 2021, I created a lifestyle brand; The Boujee Auntie. The Boujee Auntie is a lifestyle collective that started with 5 of my personal friends and has now grown to an astounding 11K+ Professional Black Women Worldwide between the ages of 22 to 81 who have embodied the new normal” Black Luxury” .

Would you say it’s been a smooth road and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t give up! This is what I tell myself everyday when I look in the mirror. Before I go out and conquer the world outside my home or even on social media; I can’t give up. It is true, we are our biggest critics but, it is only because we become our own competition. Striving to do more and be better than the day before.

I have had to overcome many challenges for the Boujee Auntie Brand such as continuously outsourcing to create partnerships locally. It starts at home base so reaching out to many companies has been discouraging at times but, for every “NO” there is always a “YES”. I hold monthly meetups worldwide; researching venues has also been very challenging with some locations. A lot of venues  either  are not able to accomodate capacity levels or venues have closed permanently. Holding social gatherings is always a think tank session that is thoroughly planned in advance to execute a flawless experience for all who attend. The main lesson in all of this is Balance. Balance is so important to me and to be honest you can not pour into a vessel from an empty cup. I pride myself in doing one self care activity every week. It can be purchasing my favorite Meal at Taco guild to getting a Facial at Counter Culture Esthetics, sitting on my couch reading a good book in complete PEACE or Brunch with my BFFs at Maple & Ash. Balance keeps me centered.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The platform of the Boujee Auntie Brand is to craft and curate content with Luxury Brands & Experiences both Black owned as well as mainstream.
I want the world to know that with Forward thinking, Social Presence, and Representation;  those are only the cusp of what society has defined as acceptable.

Representation matters whether it’s within the communities we serve, the workspaces that employ us, or the Luxuries we like to indulge.

The core value of my brand is to help Black women continue to thrive at our own level despite what society portrays ,despite what age we are, and despite what success or luxury is traditionally viewed as.

I am most proud that my brand has built itself with so many members in one single year. 365 days is short depending on how you look at it but, my days are long and fulfilling.
I am most excited about the Future of the Boujee Auntie Brand. The people I will meet, the experiences I will embark upon but, the love through this virtual sisterhood that is  everlasting and can not be erased.


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?
If my BFF is visiting we are absolutely leaving my house to do a staycation (Lol). Headed to the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at the Montelucia for the weekend.

Enjoying a quick bite at Sugar Jam followed by a Suite at Footprint Center watching the Phoenix Suns battle it out. Saturday would be an all day Joya Spa and Cabana poolside experience w/ Brunch onsite from Joya Terrace followed by shopping at Kierland Commons. You can’t have a party with one friend so I’m inviting them all. Dinner definitely at Ocean 44 followed by dancing at The Blue Martini. Sunday Meditation or Aerial yoga followed by Sunrise Horseback Riding. Ending the day with Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion. YES to Mimosas and YES to the amazing Prime Rib.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All credit belongs to GOD. He gave me this vision.

My mother Bevie, My grandmother, and ALL of my  ORIGINAL Boujee Aunties.

All of my  life my mother has always reminded me to be of good cheer; To speak over myself , and to represent myself with dignity and pride. My mother has been a direct reflection of my success.

I also would like to thank my bffs’ who continuously help me EVERYDAY with the Brand. I can not take credit for this alone without them because; they too have fed into my vision. Even to the point of  me irritating them (LOL)with late night texts and early calls.  I will always be grateful to them for the endless aid of executing events, creating and shipping products, as well as the ongoing fun of content creation. I thank you my beautiful friends  for your true love, genuine support, and encouragement even when I didn’t believe it could happen.

Lastly, The P & G Girls My determination, My commitment, and my dedication to  be of service to all mankind.

Website: www.theboujeeauntie.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Black Boujee Women Who Just love Being Boujee

Image Credits
Credit by: Massiel Lewis

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