Desi Dollas
The new year wouldn’t be complete without the beautiful, aspiring stories from our Femme Fatale’s. Gracing our site with her blonde curly-sue locks and undeniable blandiloquence, Desiree ‘Desi Dollas’ Finley gets up close and personal about her clothing brand, artist management and other surprising gigs she has forthcoming this year. Definitely a woman to be reckoned with — this one’s a treat!
Whichever you please suga, they’re one in the same.
I am an entrepreneur originally from the bay area. I started as a graphic design artist and landed in the music industry. In 2007, my business partner and I launched Weekend Warriors, a streetwear line for the ladies with a lipstick murder attitude. Through our “movement”, I was given the opportunity to display my passion for consulting (within fashion and music) and my love for music. A year ago I became a manager to up and coming artists: Stevie Crooks, Ta’East and producer Cairo Mayeson. I have been working my way through the major record industry and am reaching for the top. Aside from music, I am continuously consulting brands. I am set to launch two new brands this year in which I am the creative director for each.
The relaunch was amazing! The lookbook by Michael Morales absolutely killed! I am very pleased. Though the blogging section has slipped as of lately, the clothing is being pushed within boutiques across the world. It’s been a constant blessing. The blog will be back in action soon enough.
Possibly that it’s coming from real women. Our attitude and branding is what every woman can relate to. Our mission statement is of a different kind.
Advantages? Yes but no. I can see that someone may favor to do business with me at first due to my curly hair or hips. But I believe I have made some noise and now people respect me as a business person over a woman.
The process of creation and learning. Learning not only the ins and outs of the industry, but learning about others. I love being stuck in a studio for hours and exchanging stories. It’s definitely helped me grow as a person.
It freaks me out! Honestly. There’s so much pressure on me… I hope to never fail anyone.
“Style” is translated into “feel good”. I can wake up feeling absolutely “blah!” in the morning and it’s going to come across in the day’s outfit. Sometimes I’ll put on that dress or new shoes and feel good… great… amazing. It’s always a representation as to who you are… or at least it should be. There are a few pieces I constantly wear that I believe show exactly who I am.
I have two different earlobes.
I’m going to go with Bleu de Chanel.
I know this is corny but I love spending time with my loved ones and cooking. My time is stretched thin these days and those are two things I love with all my might but don’t have much time to do.
You know this question isn’t fair right? I’ll leave you with this…
“I’m at the hip-hop show head-bopping in the back
Smoking anything that’ll burn
During intermission, I’m in the club bathroom
Held up in a stall praying in earnest for Jeff Buckley’s return
(Thank heaven for you, thank heaven for you, thank heaven for you)
I’m a studio rat, designer geared, Toronto kid, Hollywood brat
Bad gal, war child, bookworm, Sierra Leone activist cat
I’m a wikked little gal
Who don’t take no back chat
Unless it’s in the dark
I might be in the attics now
But a mother fucker just moved out of Regent Park” – Esthero
There are so many! The two that stick out to me the most would be VH1′s Save The Music Foundation and Kanye West. Before I began my career in fashion I was an intervention specialist to junior high students. I’ve always had a passion for children, especially for those that may be “underprivileged”. What better way to combine my career and love right? And Kanye because he’s Kanye! He seems like someone I can learn from musically and personally. I admire his hardships… and lack thereof. Haha.
The biggest motivation has to be providing for my family back home. Aside from my mother, Lyor Cohen is a major inspiration within my life. My friends are quite amazing as well. It always feels good to catch up with them and hear the excitement within their voices as they convey their recent ventures.
Every day there’s something that needs to be done. I’ve started something I can’t possibly quit. People are depending on me…
I don’t know that I’ve reached it quite yet. Knowing me, I probably will feel as though I’ve never reached it.
Desi’s Blog – Ebonic Soliloquies
www.twitter.com/desidollas
www.weekendwarriorsclothing.com
Photography provided by Topshelfjunior.com
