Today we’d like to introduce you to DC Washington.
DC, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has always been driven by curiosity, creativity, and a desire to solve real-world problems.
I began my career in robotics and advanced manufacturing, where I spent years teaching and training engineers and technicians. Working in technology taught me how to think systematically, but I’ve always had an inventor’s mindset. Whenever I saw a problem, I wanted to build a better solution.
That passion led me to create several LED-based products under my brand, DC’s LEDs®, including my patented sound-activated illuminated guitar strap, LED safety vests, dog harnesses, and other wearable safety products. Today, my products are used by musicians, event staff, security teams, and pet owners who want greater visibility and safety.
Music has always been another major part of my life. I’m a professional bass player, performing with churches and a blues band, and I combine my love of music and innovation whenever I can.
More recently, I’ve expanded into podcasting with The Circuit Podcast with DC, where I interview entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, educators, and other people who wear multiple hats. My goal is to inspire others by sharing the stories behind their success and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Looking ahead, I’m embracing artificial intelligence to help grow my businesses, create better content, and develop new products. I believe we’re entering an era where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship can work together in ways we’ve never seen before, and I’m excited to be part of that future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve experienced my share of setbacks, disappointments, and moments where I questioned whether to keep going.
One of the biggest challenges has been bringing new products to market. Inventing something is only the beginning. Protecting patents, obtaining trademarks, manufacturing quality products, finding reliable suppliers, and convincing customers to try something they’ve never seen before all require persistence and significant investment.
Another challenge has been wearing so many hats. As a small business owner, I’ve often been the inventor, engineer, manufacturer, marketer, salesperson, customer service representative, and bookkeeper all at the same time. Balancing those responsibilities while continuing to innovate hasn’t always been easy.
I’ve also faced personal health challenges that required surgeries and recovery, forcing me to slow down and adjust my priorities. Those experiences reminded me that success isn’t just about working harder—it’s also about taking care of yourself so you can continue pursuing your goals.
Through every obstacle, I’ve learned to adapt rather than quit. Every setback has taught me something valuable, whether it was improving a product, changing a business strategy, or simply becoming more patient. Looking back, those difficult moments helped shape who I am today, and they’ve made every success even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an inventor, engineer, entrepreneur, musician, and podcast host, and my work sits at the intersection of creativity and technology.
As the founder of Stellar System’s LLC, I develop innovative LED products under my trademarked brand, DC’s LEDs®. I specialize in creating products that combine safety, functionality, and visual appeal, including my patented sound-activated LED guitar strap, illuminated safety vests, LED dog harnesses, leashes, collars, and saxophone straps. I enjoy taking an idea from a sketch all the way to a finished product that people can use every day. My products have been used by the Detroit Lions/Ford Field security team and featured at NAMM, and you can see the full line at dcsleds.com.
My background in robotics and advanced manufacturing has also shaped who I am. I still teach robotics and automation today, and that work gave me a passion for helping others understand how technology can solve real-world problems. That passion now extends into artificial intelligence, where I’m exploring new ways to help businesses become more efficient and innovative. I’m also the founder of the Elite Inventors Guild, which supports inventors from underserved communities.
I’m also the host of The Circuit Podcast with DC, where I interview entrepreneurs, inventors, musicians, educators, and community leaders. My mission is to inspire others by sharing the stories, challenges, and successes of people who have built something meaningful. You can find the show on YouTube at @TheCircuitPodcastwithDC.
What I’m most proud of is never giving up on my ideas. Turning inventions into real products, earning U.S. patents and a registered trademark, appearing on America’s Big Deal, receiving the Michigan Manufacturers Achievement Award, and seeing people actually use something I created is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is that I don’t fit into just one category. Most people spend their careers mastering one field. I’ve built a career that combines engineering, manufacturing, music, education, invention, entrepreneurship, and now artificial intelligence. That unique combination allows me to approach problems from multiple perspectives and create solutions that many people wouldn’t think of. I believe innovation happens when you connect worlds that don’t usually come together, and that’s exactly what I’ve tried to do throughout my career.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be careful not to pour all of your money into your projects. Watch what people do, not what they say. Check your accounts regularly, including your website, Amazon, and Walmart listings. And don’t rely completely on AI. Read everything yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dcsleds.com
- Instagram: Guitar_strap
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcsleds1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dcsleds/home/
- Twitter: @washington16187
- TikTok: @derekwashington59
