Hidden Gems: Meet DeneenLGarrett, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deneen L Garrett.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deneen L Garrett.

Hi Deneen L, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Deneen L. Garrett, a Podcast Creator & Host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (WOC), an International Women’s Empowerment Speaker and a Dream Life Coach. My podcast is the evolution of a panel I created in 2017 for a LGBTQ+ conference to provide LGBTQ+ Women of Color and Allies a platform to use their voices. At the time, I led corporate strategy for several diverse segments. Speaking was a natural iteration and something my pastor’s wife prophesied 30 years ago. I added “international” after speaking at the Divas of Colour International Women’s Conference in London in March of this year.

I’ve been on an art journey which started in March of 2020 when I acquired my 1st piece of artwork from Houston Artist, Linda Simien Kelly. I spent the next several years acquiring more pieces from Linda as well as several Detroit artists. After connecting with the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club in October of 2023, founded by Henry C. Harper and Harold Braggs, I became more intentional about collecting and knowledgeable about art.

My love of art has now elevated me to an Emerging Art Curator. Thanks to Ruby Pittman who invited me to co-curate/co-sponsor the launch of her business, PAVAIN, in Los Angeles (LA) this past May, I’ve added Bi-Coastal to my title, Bi-Coastal Emerging Art Curator.

I curate transformative experiences, foster meaningful relationships, and broker impactful deals within the art world. With a mission to inspire 100 Black art collectors, promote Detroit artists, and present art in unexpected spaces, I’m dedicated to elevating the cultural landscape and celebrating the richness of Black artistry. My work not only showcases the vibrant talent within the Detroit art community but also seeks to build a more inclusive and diverse art market.

Since April of 2024, I curated two art experiences at Biggby Coffee in Madison Heights, Michigan, Collect Black Art Presents Art by Abstract Artist Anita Sewell and Collect Black Art Presents Art by Abstract Artist Dawud Shabazz as well as co-curated/co-sponsored the PAVAIN Launch Fete in LA, Marina del Rey.  All three were successful in various ways and learning experiences. YOU have to define success for yourself!

This year is about living a Grander Dream Lifestyle. Here are a few highlights:
*Traveled to London, Brussels and Paris
*Invested in my 1st startup; Arlan Hamilton’s Yacht Water
*Attended The Preview of Mickalene Thomas’ All About Love Exhibition
*Was in Times Square to witness my 2nd billboard
*Recognized as a Top International Speaker by Hoinser Media Group
~~~Go to deneenlgarrett.com/about for more.~~~

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been just that, a journey.  I was hesitant to launch my podcast. When I realized why, a fear of being vulnerable, “I Nike’d it and Just did it” by launching, An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color, now Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation on Good Friday of 2020. Along this “panel to podcast” journey, I’ve followed the guidance of and later hired as my marketing coach,Danielle Desir Corbett, a Podcast Genius. I made changes such as switching to a paid platform, Libsyn, which allowed for more comprehensive analytics, received multiple speaking opportunities, Danielle spoke my name in rooms I was not in and, leveled up my show notes which help to booster my writing skills. Writing has always given me pause. With Danielle’s guidance, less so.  While my metrics still are not commiserate with my efforts, they are better and, I have more tools for success. 

Also, although I’ve spoken at many events over the years, I had my 1st paid speaking engagement for a Black History Month event this year at Ford Motor Company. Operating in a state of attracting and manifesting, I’m looking forward to more paid speaking AND, speaking at Your First Million Live and Essence Fest in 2025. While I know the art world is where I’m supposed to be, I also know it’s a journey. My mission is a continuum. There’s so much to learn which I will dedicate time towards starting August 1st. The plan was to “go dark’ on social media to build, connect, and learn. Connections are crucial in selling art as they are in any relationship. I will likely delay this as I’m campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the next President of the United States.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My corporate background includes several years in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and Talent Development. From this, my passion to “elevate the voices of WOC” grew which became the foundation for the work I’d do post-retirement (June 2022). As a Dream Lifestyle coach, I specialize in helping women of color (WOC) who want more out of life live boldly to create a dream life.  I created my 3+ D’s framework; Dream, Decide/Design, Drive to “empower WOC to Live a Dream Lifestyle™” which is also my brand. I offer 1:1 and group coaching sessions.

More on coaching: https://deneenlgarrett.com/coaching%2Fcontact

I speak about living a dream life and D&I. My 3 Signature Talks are How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ , The Power In the Pause and Recognize Your Path and Rise Up!

More on speaking: https://deneenlgarrett.com/speaking

My art mission is to inspire 100 Black Art Collectors, promote Detroit artists, and present art in unexpected places. In my capacity as a Bi-Coastal Art Curator, I curate experiences, foster relationships and broker art deals.  This translates into Pop-ups, Exhibits/Shows, Art Procurement, Artist Representation/Management and Collector Concierge Services.

If this interests you, please reach out to discuss how we can work together to bring more visibility and support to Black artists and their work.

Email: [email protected]

More about art: https://collectblackart.art/

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Relationship Building is key and crucial. We need others to grow. We need others to learn from. We need others to cheer us along the way. We need others to buy from us. We need others to lean on. We truly ARE better together. “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together – African Proverbs”

Keep doing the work, they are always looking.  As a result of the work I do, I was shortlisted for the Icon of the Year and Inspirational Woman awards and recognized as a Top Icon, Top International Speaker and received a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, all global recognitions. I was also invited to participate in a video alongside the Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot to thank Black women.

More about Deneen: https://deneenlgarrett.com/about

Contact Info:

• Website: deneenlgarrett.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/deneensdreamlife
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett
• Youtube: youtube.com/@DeneensDreamLife
• Other: collectblackart.art

Image Credits
Deneen L. Garrett