Author: Manie Navarro, BSU student
An interview with DeJorCo CEO Deshannah Temple on how her dream became a reality:
Are you from this local area?
I am originally from Boston, but I currently reside in Brockton, MA.
Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business?
When I became a mom working the normal 9-5 was challenging with a newborn. One parent worked mornings and the other parent worked nights. I found myself missing my son terribly. There were moments I wanted to be a part of, moments I wanted to capture. Then one day, while working for a thrift store I thought about how everyone including myself throws away clothes and how those clothes could be sold.
Realizing how much money we throw away constantly.
I decided to start taking donations off of Facebook from my friends and I began to receive beyond the amount of traffic I expected. At first this was amazing, the random sales, and being able to help another family who liked nice brands but could not afford to purchase at retail price. In my eyes it was definitely a win-win. Eventually, it started to slow down and I realized the market for used clothes just like anything else can come and go. So, I decided to start an online boutique for Men & Women, which is called DeJorCo. DeJorCo is the next FashionNova or BooHoo. I imagine DeJorCo being the place everyone goes to even just for socks or glasses if they need them. I want moms to know that it’s okay to take a risk, it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and push yourself beyond your limits.
When did it start? What Year?
My release date was August 5th, 2020.
What was the toughest thing you went through when opening? What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
The toughest thing I went through when opening was inventory. I was very hard on myself on getting more product and it was definitely hard for me to accept not making as much I as I expected I would. Every day I look at my son and I remember exactly why I started all of this to begin with. When it gets stressful and when I’m exhausted, I remember telling him I’m going to give him a big back yard to play in and ultimately my goal is to fulfill that promise.
If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
If I could restart and go back to day one, I would have definitely done more research. The importance of research and knowing the ins and outs of marketing is very important in the online world.
What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
The toughest part about having an online business in 2020 is that everyone is starting a business online. The challenge is making your product stand out. In 2020 there are a million people doing the same thing and as a result, promoting and marketing play a very huge part in it all.
If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first? What makes you stand out?
In all honesty my brand stands out because I have amazing quality items at a very affordable and reasonable price. One of the challenges that comes with motherhood is looking at the price tag twice before you pick it up. When you go to DeJorCo, there is no thinking twice.
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
The current way I bring in customers is by handing out a free item, handing out business cards, and constantly posting on different social media channels.
Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
Personally I would say no, I can’t wait to get a physical location because promotion would not be needed as much. Sometimes all it takes is a car driving by. On social media, your image has to be very appealing before someone clicks. You also pay a lot of money in ads for that same purpose.
Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the
right tools?
If I had the right tools and knew exactly what to do and how to do it, I would be way more successful in having an online boutique.
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
Six months to a year from now I’d like to see my business having consistent traffic. I’d like to make a minimum of $150 per day. I want DeJorCo to become everyone’s go to clothing store.
DeJorCo is an online business based in Brockton, MA.
You can contact them via:
Website: www.DeJorCo.com
Instagram: @DeJorCo