Dorothy Deng is the founder of the Los Angeles-based jewelry brand Flaire & Co. She spoke about being an entrepreneur in the digital age.
A minority business owner, Deng is a graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Her company is known for its hypoallergenic waterproof jewelry.
How does it feel to be an entrepreneur in the digital age?
Being an entrepreneur in the digital age is more challenging than ever. The digital space evolves at an unprecedented pace, making it crucial to stay adaptable and open to new ideas and concepts.
While it’s demanding, it’s also incredibly rewarding to leverage these rapid changes to innovate and connect with a global audience.
What do you love most about jewelry?
What I love most about jewelry is that it’s both a creative outlet for me and a wearable piece of art.
Jewelry is something people can showcase every day to express their unique style and personality. It’s deeply personal, and I find it fulfilling to create pieces that help people feel confident and beautiful.
What motivates you each day?
My motivation stems from my desire to make a positive impact, as cliché as that might sound.
While the idea of changing the world through jewelry might seem funny, I take pride in knowing that my brand, Flaire, is making a difference by providing access to high-quality jewelry that helps people look and feel amazing.
I believe everyone deserves to feel confident, and that’s what drives me every day.
What do your plans for the future include?
We have so many exciting plans for the future! We’re working on launching a pop-up store in NYC and participating in fashion weeks around the world.
Additionally, we have some incredible collaborations in the pipeline. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I can’t wait to share more as these plans come to life.
What is your advice for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?
My best advice is to avoid chasing perfection, it’s the worst enemy of starting a business. Instead of planning every single detail upfront, dive in once you’ve validated your idea and learn as you go.
Action is the key to growth, and you’ll figure things out along the way.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
One defining moment was launching Flaire and seeing how it resonated with people. It was a validation of my vision and hard work.
Another pivotal moment was overcoming self-doubt and learning to trust my instincts. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience and believing in myself, which has shaped who I am as an entrepreneur today.
What is the best advice that you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to stop overthinking. Overthinking leads to self-doubt, and an entrepreneur who lacks confidence in themselves will struggle to succeed.
This advice has helped me trust my decisions and take bold steps forward, even when the path isn’t entirely clear.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success, to me, is about being proud of what I’ve accomplished and using my achievements to make a meaningful impact on my community.
Whether it’s donating to non-profits, hosting community events, or simply putting a smile on someone’s face, success is about creating positive change and leaving a lasting legacy.
To learn more about Dorothy Deng, follow her on Instagram.
