Inspiring Conversations with Dennise Mizell of ByMIZELL

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennise Mizell. 

Hi Dennise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
To start, I can say that being grateful and keeping the vision is what really brought me here. Without God and the support, I have continuously lifted me up there would be no start. At a young age, I knew I wanted to be a designer and while I didn’t always have the resources, I ALWAYS had the vision and support. It just took some strategy and execution to get me to where I am now. 

After I was gifted a sewing machine for my birthday back in 2014, I began to teach myself how to sew, pattern, and even alter clothing. This was just the beginning and might I add, it was not easy. Countless YouTube videos, trial, and errors, and sleepless nights to head right into my day job all to get the piece finished even when I had not one customer to put anything on. Most of what I did back then was a lot of sacrifices and just laying the blueprint to where I am now and for what’s to come. I didn’t know that then but it’s really showing up for me now. 

After ByMIZELL got its development and a solid foundation for who I wanted the ByMIZELL girl to be that’s when things really started to pick up especially last year during the pandemic. I started to focus on the black woman and I dedicated the brand to providing a great experience for her continuously and that is where we are now. 

From vacations, brunches, date nights, birthdays, and hanging with the gals ByMizell has a full commitment to providing luxury for who we call THE GIRLS. The Girls are it, girls, we’re the talk, the conversation opener, the head-turner, and trendsetter all in one. But we are also the girl who doesn’t really need an occasion (hence the pandemic) to show up as the best version of ourselves. Even down to proposals happening while in the pieces. Imaging becoming a fiancé in a hand-made dress created just for you. Memories will be made and we’re going to look amazing making them. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Easy? No. Worth it? Absolutely. Most of the manual work that I do for the brand isn’t hard for me but what is hard is staying consistent ESPECIALLY when life is happening. There have been multiple occasions where I laid ByMIZELL to the side just to get a grasp on my own mental health of which I completely vouch for if you’re just starting out because things can get very overwhelming. But I’ve also learned that life is going to keep moving regardless of what punches you have to take throughout it so you have to have balance. 

Also, today as business owners we have so many factors to consider to maintain our brands. we honestly have to keep up with the forever fast movement of the internet. So, learning and developing strategies to market and gain reach while building a community that your people feel is a safe place can be very interesting all while doing the behind-the-scenes work that no one knows even goes on. 

I say all this to say, things are meant to get hectic. Especially when it’s something you are absolutely ordained to do. You have to take your breaks when necessary but you also have to keep in the back of your head the reason why you started and who this affecting if you quit now. The mission is always a challenge but definitely one meant for you to complete. Trust me, it’s worth it. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ByMIZELL is a Luxury Ready-to-Wear brand founded by Designer Dennise Mizell. The brand was created simply for women who are empowered to dress well every day and receive every compliment she’s worthy of. Contemporary and full of femininity ByMIZELL is the brand that makes it next level in accenting curves, complimenting skin, and completely capturing the spirit of her essence. 

Truly, I am most proud of the women who take pride in wearing ByMIZELL and the ones who take courage in being who she is, living life, unmoved by society’s ways and standards. It takes a lot to uphold your worth these days when systems are built to bring us down as black women, specifically. But walking in your full essence is what, I, as a designer, want us all to be able to do. So, every creation is built with that in mind because we’re worthy of just that. 

You can keep up with the brand ByMIZELL on Instagram and now TikTok @bymizell. And on our site www.ByMIZELL.com. You’ll definitely be in for a treat and in doing so, take 20% off your next order using code VoyageRaleigh. 

Any big plans? 

As a designer, I’m definitely looking forward to expanding ByMIZELL to become known internationally. I would love to reach women of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. The future is bright and limitless for the ByMIZELL girls. We will continue growing together and sharing experiences to continue to keep each other lifted. I would love a storefront soon, so we shall see how everything plans out. It’s all going to be great, that’s what I do know. 

Pricing:

• EVA DRESS (Best Seller) – $100.00
• YONCE’ DRESS – $90.00
• ZENA (Newest Arrival) – $200

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.bymizell.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/bymizell
• Facebook: Facebook.com/bymizell
• Twitter: Twitter.com/bymizell_
• Other: Tiktok.com/bymizell

Image Credits:
Josh Galloway
Tyler Capel
Dionna Bright