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Meet Alis Monét DeJohn of Own Your Nature, Key 2 The Puzzle Ent, and Nickel City Baby

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Alis Monét DeJohn.

Alis Monét, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Phoenix in February of 2018, after Hurricane Harvey. I am a Mississippi native and had spent two years in Houston, TX finding my way as a young, professional adult. When I arrived in Phoenix, I experienced a long, arduous period of adjustment.

I certainly wasn’t in “Kansas” anymore, but I knew that I was in the right place. I could feel it in my spirit. From my arrival to about early summer, I spent my time networking and learning the city. I lived in Mesa at the moment, so everything was a bit of a drive away, but I was determined to sow my roots here, meeting members of what I call my Tribe along the way.

In September, I successfully coordinated my own event entitled “CommUNITY Minded Volume I” which is where I held space for local artists (painters, poets, MCs, etc.) alongside my business partner DeVunti’ ” DJ DMickXx” Mickey of Goldenwave Productions. I was pleased with my ability to bring people from all walks of life together and knew that I wanted to connect further with the culture here.

Moving forward, I continued to network and met a young lady known as Miss Opportunity around The Valley. It was through this connection that I became the project manager for Key 2 The Puzzle Entertainment, which is a production company that houses Rep Ya City Magazine. And finally, store manager of Nickel City Baby Boutique.

I have been totally honored to hold the position of the store’s new brand manager since mid-December. Owners Cynthia and James Scott have welcomed me into their family, and we have been enjoying watching the brand grow tremendously together as a team. I have a position with purpose here! All of our prices end in $0.55, which is used to clothe women leaving prison, rehab, and/or battered situations.

Now that I have been here for a year, balance has become my focus. I arrived with the goal to extend my network, expand my businesses, find myself, and grow with the love of my life. It is not always smooth sailing, but I am most certainly enjoying the ride!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not! I endured but conquered many struggles including financial, professional, geographical and even cultural. I am a Southern Belle, and I never dreamed of living on the West Coast. I learned to control what I could and remained faithful that I would succeed. I never take no as an answer.

Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am a chameleon! I research and study my environment to the degree in which failure just simply isn’t an option. My background is in public relations, though I enjoy a plethora of things. I am a poetess, speaker, and future owner of a holistic business consulting firm. I am most proud of my ability to not only create concepts but execute those of others with ease. I see the vision, and it just clicks for me. I also take pride in my free spirit and persevering demeanor.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Becoming the manager of NCB, and helping women in my community daily. Previous positions have always made me feel like a number, and I don’t experience that with my current team.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
WYNiche, Bestvoy Images, Trace Garrett, Articulate Photography, Poetic Soul

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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