We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dadrien Gates. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dadrien, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now I am being called to believe that I can, I will and that yes it is for me. I have been afraid, and pretty much avoided my full potential in the past because it requires a certain level of obedience, and trust. It’s uncomfortable, but I feel at peace.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dadrien Gates, and I am the owner of BROOKES, a luxury fragrance company and DIY candle bar. BROOKES has changed so much and is currently undergoing more changes; in which I believe is great for my brand, because it is constantly evolving. BROOKES carries a luxury, but playful tone throughout our brand and you will see that in our marketing and, the names we choose for our candles. None of our candles have typical names, but instead we play on words that evoke emotions from our customers. For example “Detroit Playa”, “Dapper”, “Laundry Day”, “Hustle”, “and Paloma” are just a few names of our candles. The names we choose takes you somewhere, makes you think of something , and allows our consumers to say “hmm, this reminds me of something.” That’s the feeling we give at BROOKES. Currently, BROOKES is working on a lot of things at once, with releasing new products being at the top of the list. We just released our rechargeable candle lighters. No more rebuying store bought lights that only last a few weeks, we have rechargeable candle lighters in four amazing colors that will give you up to 300 uses on a full charge. We have lighters in the color Onyx Black, Blush Gold, Platinum and Champagne Gold.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This is easy, my Dad. I remember graduating 8th grade thinking I would go to the local High School, and my Dad said absolutely not. At the time that would have been either Southwestern High School in Detroit, MI, or River Rouge High School in River Rouge , MI, and my Dad told me that I would be applying to Renaissance High School in Detroit, MI. At the time I didn’t understand why because Renaissance was on the other side of the city from where we lived. I was so upset because all of my friends would be at the local school, but as I got older I understood that my Dad saw something in me and wanted better for me. I did the essay, got the recommendations and turned in my applications as I waited for a scheduled test date. Renaissance is one of the top 3 schools in Detroit so you had to take a test to get in. Needless to say my 4.0 GPA along with my application stood out amongst others and got me into Renaissance without the need to take the test. I still was not excited to go. I knew no one, I didn’t have not even one friend, but til this day I appreciate my Dad for sending me to Renaissance. I built some of my longest lasting friendship til now at Renaissance, it grew me, built me and shaped me in ways I don’t know if my local school could’ve. While I attended Renaissance I participated in so much as my Dad would always say “You can just go to school, you have to get involved.” I danced, played basketball, joined BPA, was apart of the yearbook committee, and so much more that I didn’t know was shaping me to be the woman that I am today. My Dad always looked me in my eyes and told me “ You’re different, you listen, you’re going to be somebody”. Thanks Dad, I love you!
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of being seen. The fear of being seen held me back, but no longer will. As black women we’re either too loud, too out spoken, too goal driven , too much of “something” and are constantly criticized for what are really attributes to our unique characters. I can be loud, I’m educated, I know how to speak well, I have a Masters degree, I raise two children, I’m in the corporate world, and I run a business. I have “Too” much that I’m proud of to allow myself to continue to not be seen. This is a new journey for me, so it comes with an uneasy territory but I’m here, showing up and ready to see the return it will bring me. With God on my side, I know the return will be great.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Keke Palmer! She just has “it”, what ever it is that woman has it! I just love me some Keke Palmer! Her energy, her fullness, the way she unapologetically embraces herself is just amazing to see! She’s beautiful, funny, talented, loving and truly one of a kind. When I spoke earlier to the previous question about my fear of being seen, she is exactly what I’m taking about. She’s not scared to be herself , and only herself! Keke Palmer is a true example of not being afraid to be seen. I would love to meet her some day, laugh and just have some fun girl talk.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I pray and hope that people will say two things about me. The first is that I was an amazing mother, and the second is that I was a cheerful giver. My daughter, Brooke and son, Lance Jr. are the most important people in the world to me, and everyone knows it. Also, I love to help people in anyway that I can. I would give someone the shirt off my back if they needed it , and I do feel like that is known, and understand about me as well. My Father always raised me to treat others how I would want to be treated, and that echoes in the back of my mind daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookescandle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbrookes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brookecandle
- Other: Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@brookescandles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
