Today we’d like to introduce you to Deara Matthews
Hi Deara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Deara Matthews. I’m a 19 year old college student, who has also been running my small business for 2 years now. I graduated high school in May of 2023, without a plan of where I was heading or where I wanted to go. I thought I had my life planned out until I approached the end of senior year and realized, “this is where life starts to happen.” My initial plan throughout most of my life was to go into the nursing field. I later realized that it wasn’t my passion and that I wouldn’t be doing it because that’s what I truly wanted. I went through many options in my head, but eventually decided on community college, so that I would be doing something that would still be benefiting me, while going on this journey of figuring out what I wanted in life.
March, of 2023 is when I decided to take on the task of learning how to make tufted rugs. I’ve always been a DIY girlie and someone who loves to pick up new hobbies. I also thought that it was something different from what I would normally see. Tufted rugs are not cheap, so I decided to learn how to make them myself. I eventually started selling to family and friends, trying to get my work out there and practice. After some time, I came to the realization that this would be something that I could take more seriously and grown in. I am still learning about the business world and have many plans for expansion and to gain unimaginable renown for my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, it has in fact been really difficult. Rocky roads are the start of all things great. It’s a challenge attempting to juggle school, business, and work; all while facing mental health issues. When I started I had just loss my grandmother almost 2 years before going into the art. With life unforeseen events, I became distracted and it resulted in me not putting my time and effort into my business for months. Also, lacking the knowledge and experience of the business industry makes it a little more challenging because I jumped straight into it. I’m constantly open to learning more about the field of business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create tufted rugs and resin wall/table art. My art involves various mediums, such as, wood, yarn, cloth, paint, etc. It requires a lot of time and practice to be perfected, just as any piece art/craft would. I take any pictures/designs my customers want and transform them into a piece of art.
I am most proud of the passion I have to commit my time into something that I enjoy and being allowed to not only bring myself joy, but to also bring that to others.
What distinguishes me from others is that I produce products that prioritizes individuality. I give my customers the room to be as creative as they want, allowing them to express themselves. There are almost no limits on what I can do. As far as the items that I create, I am quite affordable compared to those who are in the same craft as I am.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5-10 years, I will have opened at least 2 stores. Expansion is my overall long term goal that I am working up to everyday. I feel that everything I want plays a part in expansion. I plan to have my work worldwide, introduce more products, be a big part of my community, and many more accomplishments that will come along. It’s everything expansion and growth when it comes to not only my business, but ME as a person. People will know my art and also the face behind it. Being an advocate and help to my city is also a priority when it comes to mental health, giving back, and being a help to the black community; because it’s needed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbratcustoms/profilecard/?igsh=MXZnaGlnaXQ0aDg5ZQ==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RugBratCustoms?
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dearamarshae?si=BzpbqByjMfw0V_kx
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbratcustoms?_t=ZT-8tTneV5WKGA&_r=1
