Meet Desiree Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Smith. 

Hi Desiree, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2019 I broke my ankle the same day I got offered a driving position for Wake County. I tried my best not to get the surgery; I even went to another doctor for a second opinion because I really wanted to work this job. I ended up having to get the surgery, which forced me to be out of work for 6-12 weeks. During this time, I was down I could not do anything, so I started to read articles on side hustles. I came across stories about drop shipping. I noticed that there weren’t a lot of people selling children’s clothes, so I purchased a bulk order of baby onesies. That did ok, but I knew it was something else I could do and be happy doing it… So back to the drawing board of reading side hustle articles. I came across this page on Instagram named Tshirtsidehustle which is ran by Stan Banks. The content he provided was a gift and inspired me to start making custom apparel for customers and to create my own clothing brand. I ordered a Cricut machine and a heat press. I began to watch his YouTube videos on how to use the equipment. It didn’t take long to get the hang of things! I began to make custom orders for so many people that I turned my side hustle into a business, which is called No Label Kustoms LLC. This business fueled and funded my clothing brand GOALS-Grateful On All Levels®. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Exciting, yes, but it was definitely not a smooth road. I am a strong believer that anything worth having comes with a fight and its ups and downs, which I feel is the exciting part. I had to change the name of my brand in the middle of it doing so well. This crushed me, but I knew this is what I wanted to do. Coming up with a new name for the brand was not hard, it was having to find a trademark attorney that was in my budget, that was a struggle, along with not producing anything for 9 months until I received an ok that my trademark went through. This was the biggest struggle that I encountered, and to be honest, I’m grateful for it because I have reached even more people when I was forced to change the name. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am still a driver with Wake County (they held my job until I recovered from surgery). I work 10-hour days and continue to run my brand, participate in pop-up shops, and still make custom apparel. I specialize in promoting positive affirmations through garments, whether you purchase GOALS or want something custom-made. Our message is to encourage, uplift, and inspire those who may be in need. I strongly feel that everyone has a testimony, and the best way to tell it is by wearing it. I am known for never giving up and always helping others. I am most proud of being selected to participate in Shaw University’s Aspire Entrepreneur Program, sponsored by Wells Fargo. This was an intensive 16-week course designed to address specific needs and challenges experienced by Black entrepreneurs. Being a leader sets me apart from others. I am not afraid or get discouraged by the word no, or can’t. I have always said if there is a will, then there is a way, and I know I will find it. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I would love people to follow me on Instagram if you are unable to purchase merchandise. That would mean a lot to me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nlkgoals.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratefulonlllevels?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/desi.smith.585

Image Credits
Stan Banks
Nakesha White