Today we’d like to introduce you to Dericka Tillman.
Hi Dericka, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Dericka and I’m originally from the south side of Chicago. In 1997, my mom moved my brother and me to Memphis for a fresh start. For as long as I can remember, I knew I was blessed with a family that operated in unconditional love, support, and service. My grandmother, Jean Carter-Hill, the matriarch of our family lived her life as a dedicated activist in her community Englewood and she believed and taught us that it was our responsibility to help one another in this world.
My mom followed closely in her footsteps by having us serve the seniors from our church’s sick and shut-in list every Saturday. Those were very humbling experiences that built my character and kept me in a constant state of gratitude, making me who I am today.
Last year, my mom gave me a bag of my old things she kept over the years and inside there was an assignment I did in 3rd grade. The question asked, “How do you want to make a difference in this world?” And my answer as an 8-year-old was “I want to spread love and pour love on everything and everyone”. That’s when I realized it was time to share SKN & BLNDS by F&B with the world because that was my opportunity to literally help “spread love on everyone and every thing”. So in July, I launched my website www.fnbthebrand.com. Making 8 year old Dericka very proud.
Now that I’m a mother, it’s my responsibility to instill that same love and intention into my children and I’m just excited to share something so meaningful to me with them and the world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, the road has not been smooth but it’s been steady. One thing I’ve learned so far is that I’m not able to do everything by myself. I need help sometimes and it’s best to let the right people play the role rather than trying to figure it all out on my own. My business partner/husband Tim has been a wonderful addition to my one-man team this year. He brings a lot of his management insight to the business which allows me the freedom and space to focus on solely creating.
Another thing I’ve learned during this season is to remain a learner. When I first launched my site I did so prematurely. I was so focused on sharing my creation I didn’t utilize the tools around me which made me have to step back and refocus. Having the mindset of remaining a learner is allowing me to add the necessary changes my business need to stay in flow in real time. The one thing that’s keeping me grounded during this whole process is God’s promise. I know that my business is anointed so as long as I remain present and positive I will continue to get over these bumps in the road. It won’t be easy but it will be possible and that’s what I look forward to the most.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the creator and CEO of Flawless&Brwn. F&B is a lifestyle brand that encourages people to love and embrace the skin they’re in. We have recently launched our SKN & BLNDS line which consists of our natural body butter, scrubs, oils, wellness tea blends, and tea accessories. All of our products are natural and hand made with love with the intention to provide your skin with the resources and support it needs to reach the ultimate state of Flawlessness. Our products are for any and everyone with skin and safe for your entire family, even infants and expecting mothers.
I specialize in creating products that people can incorporate into their daily routines. Our products are aimed to help boost and support your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Here at F&B we believe that beautiful skin starts within. We pride ourselves in promoting both health and beauty because we want our customers to know they deserve to have both.
The thing I’m most proud of is the impact my products are making in my customers’ lives. My butter, oils, and scrubs have helped multiple people combat skin issues such as sunburn and dry skin in the short time I’ve been in business. My wellness tea blends are helping customers maintain their immune health, especially during this holiday season. I’m also proud and so appreciative of my customers. I’m starting to build a consistent clientele that’s replacing their store-bought, big brands for my products. They’re referring my products to others and buying them for their friends and families. It’s beautiful to see people investing in their health and beauty with my products.
A few things that set my products and brand apart from other brands is the love, intention and passion I have for creating and providing hand made, luxury products. We’re providing our customers with the F&B guarantee that they will have an experience that they can only get when they use our products daily. Another thing that sets us apart is our commitment to spread love to everyone with skin. A proceed of our sales goes to supplying the homeless and needy with tea and body butters year round because we want people to feel good about themselves no matter what state they’re temporarily in.
We have so much in store for our customers and we look forward to growing and introducing more products to our line. Until we’re globally known and on shelves near you, you can find us online at www.fnbthebrand.com.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like most about the city of Memphis is the love and ambition that’s rooted here. Ive been blessed to be experience this love and make real connections with amazing dream-driven individuals. I’ve met people along my journey who have challenged me, motivated me, and encouraged me to be the best version of myself daily and for that I’m grateful. Teaching elementary for the past 7 years made me fall in love with the future leaders of tomorrow. But that time in education also showed me a side of Memphis that needs a lot of love, intention and guidance. I believe this negligence for our people and our culture is my least favorite part about Memphis. As a city, we lack the support and structure needed to properly help the families, youth and young adults and because of it our people are falling in between the margins at a rapid rate. We also lack the necessary resources to thrive here which is why crime is at an all time high and so many people are moving away. Memphis need people to invest in the future but most importantly the present. We need systems in place to support local talent and help launch dreams. I want F&B’s success to not only be mine, but to be an avenue to help our people and communities by providing opportunities and resources to help build dreams.
Pricing:
- 2oz TRVL set – $33
- 8oz SKN – Shea butter body butter $35
- 8oz SKN – Brown sugar body scrub $25
- Wellness BLNDS starting at $10
- Accessories- $7 and higher
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Fnbthebrand.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fnbthebrand?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084841310611&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FnBthebrand
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/bFG7kwNGJvb
