deidra deandra – Deidra Deandra

The House, The Journey

Steven Sexton & Family Launch THE HOUSE in Rogers, Arkansas

steven-sexton-in-belize I met Steven Sexton in September 2012. He came to Belize with his Be The One Ministries Team to host a Be The One Youth Conference. My friend and I had been preparing for his arrival for months, making sure every detail of the conference was “perfect.” She would warn me about Steven and I kept thinking, “He can’t be that bad.” Well boy was I in for a surprise. If you know Steven, CAN I GET AN AMEN?! Steven invited me to attend Leaders Academy, but after getting to work with him you could imagine my gut response was “Nope!” Turns out, I did attend Leaders Academy the following year (and loved every minute of it!) and got to work with Steven in many occasions; and well, you can’t help but love the guy. 😀

Steven and his family recently moved to Rogers, Arkansas to launch “The House,” a church built on the foundation of Psalm 92:13. I, along with many others, will travel to Rogers to support Steven and his family in this new stage. As I thought about this new stage, I looked back at the photos from the conference in Belize. While browsing, I came across the first design I had created for him. Then I looked at some of the more recent designs; it was great to see how my talent had developed.

Steven was one of the toughest people to design for and our conversations often went like this:

Steven: “Hey D, I need this done.”
Deidra: “Sure! Do you have an idea in mind?”
Steven: “No, just come up with something.”
Deidra: “Ok great!”

Then I would spend hours thinking of a design and when I thought it was great, I would send to Steven and he would say: “I don’t like it, what I was thinking was more like…” I would breathe and move on to start on that idea he never had. While Steven was hard to work with at times, those many “Nos” have helped to improve my talent; it could always be better. Below are a few pieces I’ve designed for Steven, Be The One Ministries and The House. I’m so excited to see all the Sexton’s will do in Rogers as they continue to submit to the will of God.

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Left – 2012: First Flyer Design for Steven / Right – 2015: Last Flyer Design for Steven

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Be The One Conference 2014 Texarkana, 2014 Fayetteville, 2016 Texarkana

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Be The One Men’s Missions to Belize 2014 & 2015

Be The One Ministries DVDs

Bring Steven to your Church (you really should!)

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Be The One Ministries The 31 Campaign

Be The One Ministries Outreach

First Design for The House – Did you get one of these magnets?

Social Media Graphics for The House

The House Business Cards

It’s always cool to see my designs come to life – Standing Banners

The House Countdown to The Launch on February 14, 2016

The House Banner Sign

See you in The House on Sunday, February 14, 2016

Belize Receives Queen’s Young Leaders Award

We are happy to announce that our Creative Director, Deidra Smith, has received The Queen’s Young Leaders Award for Belize. She has received this award for her work with youth and education in Belize. Below is a piece by Cayo Christian Academy where she has the scholarship program for which she received the award.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is celebrating the announcement of 60 Queen’s Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth!

DEIDRA SMITH RECEIVES THE QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS AWARD

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 – We celebrate in Belize as Entrepreneur and Youth Advocate, Deidra Smith is set to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award. This honorable award exists to discover, celebrate and support exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth, leaving a lasting legacy for Her Majesty The Queen. Deidra will spend a week in the United Kingdom where she will receive her award at Buckingham Palace from Her Majesty The Queen. Deidra will also receive a tailored package of training, mentoring and networking from Cambridge University.

“I am honored to represent my country as the recipient of The Queen’s Young Leaders Award,” says Deidra, “I am hoping that this would inspire others to actively give of their time and resources to support the youth of our nation. The access to these resources will only elevate the work I do in Belize and I’m thankful for this recognition.”

cca-school-song-launch-2 In 2012, Deidra founded a scholarship program in the community that is home to Cayo Christian Academy to support young people to pursue higher education. Two students received scholarships for their high school education. Both received scholarships for their Academic Excellence and one recipient would not have been financially able to pursue higher education without this opportunity. Deidra took the commitment beyond financial provision and was very active with the student body. She started several clubs on campus and spearheaded the production of our school song. Her love for the students resulted in an invitation from us to join our Board of Directors and since she’s been on our team, she has impacted our institution greatly. We are proud of Deidra and her accomplishments. Her support for youth goes far beyond our school this award is well deserved! Congrats Deidra!

Queen's Young Leaders - Deidra Deandra Deidra lives a life of purpose and chooses daily to be intentional in how she spends her time, wanting to leave a legacy that will inspire others to dream beyond their wildest imagination. Her passion is working with the youth and seeing them mature to be individuals who live a life of positive impact. She serves on over 10 teams in Belize and the United States and is often called on to speak encouraging messages to youth. She is a visionary and has founded her own company, Deidra Deandra, where she is the Manager and Creative Director. Deidra co-founded ID SEVEN in 2011, an organization dedicated to supporting the youth of Belize. Her word of advice, “The world is watching. That shouldn’t be a scary thought! It’s our chance to be examples that people will want to follow (Debbie Tillett).”

When asked if she had any final words, Deidra excitedly responded, “Go intentionally spend a few hours with a young person. Impart a little and watch how they inspire you.”

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For More Information Contact Deidra Here

Notes to Editors
Deidra Smith on Social Media
Twitter: @deidradeandra
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deidradeandra

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme
www.queensyoungleaders.com

5 Small Business Tips!

5 Small Business Tips from Business Plan Presentations at The University of Belize

The University of Belize’s Bachelors students presented their Business Plans today. Six groups had worked with existing businesses in the community to assess their current status and make recommendations to help the businesses grow in the market through marketing plans and financial advice.

I was invited to be a guest judge for the areas of brand development, promotions and marketing. It was a fun experience for my company getting to help these students learn from an existing small business. It was also a learning experience for me as some of the businesses the students assessed have been in the industry for 15+ years. I especially loved all the treats they shared. (:

I was particularly impressed with a group who chose to develop a start-up. They introduced to the Belizean Market, Clover Dressings. Clover Dressings produces Caesar and Sweet Mustard Dressings. Both have no preservatives and through their current research will last about 10 months when refrigerated. Though I guarantee you won’t keep them that long; they are very tasty. I especially like the Caesar as it has extra cheese! If you’re wanting to see this product on the grocery store shelves, start supporting the business by ordering on their Facebook.

Here are 5 Small Business Tips I put together based on the presentations:

1. Facebook is the top marketing method in Belize to reach customers especially in the food industry (based on surveys by the students)
2. Fast food delivery is a rapidly growing niche in Belmopan.
3. Keep good track of your accounts. It is necessary especially as your business grows and wishes to seek funding. Get training if needed.
4. Develop a good brand from the start. You want to look good to the public. Deidra Deandra would be happy to help you develop your brand.
5. Be careful not to intermingle personal expenses with that of the business. A great way to avoid this is to pay yourself a salary.

More Photos on Facebook.
Testimonials of Deidra Deandra, a Belize Graphic Design Company.

10 New Belizean Businesses from Belize’s National University

New Belizean Businesses from the University of Belize

November 16, 2015–Today was such a fun and exciting day as I got to be a judge for the University of Belize’s Marketing Expo. Ten groups had worked to develop products to introduce to the Belizean market. They created the products, developed branding and packaging, and financed and marketed them.

Among the products were glow in the dark, eco-friendly lava lamps; yellow tomato ketchup, fruit juices, jams (including a delicious tomato jam, who would have thought?), wooden bottle holders, coconut oil, face scrubs and barbecue sauce. The response from the public was great and one of the businesses even sold out! Professor Audrey Pascasio said she was very proud of the effort her students put into their businesses and the feedback from the public.

It was so great seeing the next people the enter the workforce creating new Belizean businesses. I encouraged them to not let it be just another project but to actually follow through with their businesses. If they do, you should be seeing a whole new variety of “Made in Belize” products on grocery store shelves. Be sure to buy them!

University of Belize’s Mission Statement
The University of Belize is a national, autonomous and multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for national development. As a catalyst of change it provides relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit and accountability.

See Photos of these New Belizean Businesses on Facebook.

TV: Divaz Next Door – Be Intentional

Divaz Next Door with Andrea & Alida

Over the past months, I’ve been praying for opportunities to share and influence others using my testimony and life experiences. Today I got to share on a local show in Belize called Divaz Next Door. Divaz Next Door is a live show that discusses various topics targeted at “women and the men who love them.” It airs every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. on Plus Television (based in the Capital City – Belmopan).

It was such a joy to be a guest on today’s show! We talked about being intentional about life, no matter what negatives may have happened to you. I got the opportunity to share a bit of my testimony, something I’ve not done outside of a private group. I touched a bit on life after being in a traffic accident and also discussed the effects of being raised by a single parent. God has really turned my situation around from a life of low self-esteem and a pity-me mindset to living beyond my circumstances and focusing on the legacy I want to leave. I’m ever so thankful for this opportunity to join these two inspirational ladies on Divaz Next Door and I’m excited to join them again later this month. Check out the recording of the show below.

Divaz Next Door Belize - Deidra Deandra

Related Topics: TV: Let’s Talk About “The M Word”

Celebrate with Graphic Designer Deidra Deandra

Celebrate with Graphic Designer Deidra Deandra!

Deidra Deandra is celebrating our first year of successful business in Belize! Located in the capital city (Belmopan) Deidra Deandra – a Belize Graphic Design Company – has offered creative graphic design services to locals for the past year. We have grown in our short lifetime to reach international markets and receive business from various customers in the US.

This coming year, we are preparing to expand our services to develop a print branch. Through this new service, we hope to partner with many more organizations to help take your ideas from the initial design stage to the final tangible product. This is a big step for us and we invite you to stay connected as we grow to better serve you.

To celebrate (yes!!!) we are having a special giveaway! You can win a Photo Shoot with Belmopan’s Best – Monica Gallardo Photography! Deidra Deandra has partnered with this well known photographer to give you the chance to win a session in Belmopan, Belize. (It gets better!) Bring along your family or a group of friends to share in this session with you! After all, photos are always better with a few more happy faces in them!

HOW IT WORKS

It’s real simple (Really!). Below you will find 3 ways to enter the contest. For each completed, you receive a chance to win! Complete 3 and get your name in there 3 TIMES!

HOW TO ENTER

1. Like our Facebook Page.
2. Share this post!
3. Subscribe to our Mailing List [and be the first to grab specials and discounts].

TO QUALIFY YOU MUST BE

1. 18 years or older (or accompanied by someone 18 or older to claim prize).
2. A Resident of Belize.

Read some of our reviews and consider us for your next project.

Give Joyfully!

Last week a story on my Facebook feed caught my attention and I’m so glad I took the time to read it. A friend from my church posted a testimony of how God is working in her life and I asked her to share as an encouragement to followers on my blog. She writes…

Give-Joyfully-deidradeandra “So, I have to brag on GOD…
About 8 months ago I found a piece of property out by family/church. I started praying over it every time I drove by and claiming it as mine. Well, a couple months ago, God SUPERNATURALLY provided the money for a down payment (awesome!) and I began the buying process. We agreed on a price and after it was surveyed 3 acres became 4 1/2 at no additional cost to me (super awesome!). I had my closing cost money saved up and ready to go then God told me to give that exact amount to a specific person. I did so joyfully and without hesitation. Today I went to sign paperwork and the seller leans over to the lawyer and says “Ya know what, just waive the closing cost on this one.” !!!!!
I mean, is God not awesome!!! HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL TO ME AND ALWAYS PROVIDED!
Now, I’m just waiting on a buyer for my house and I know His timing is always perfect.‬”

So my friends, I encourage you to be joyful in those times when He tells you to make a sacrifice, give your last, do without… He is always working in the background, your blessing might be right around the corner; so don’t miss out on the blessings God wants to pour out in your life!

Do Something You Don’t Enjoy

I DON’T LIKE AMUSEMENT PARKS

I don’t like roller coasters. I don’t like spinning rides. I don’t like falling rides. This weekend I went to Magic Springs. I don’t like amusement parks.

One of the girls in our youth group invited me and another youth leader to go with her and a group of her friends this weekend to celebrate her 16th birthday. I don’t like amusement parks. Out of my mouth popped an excited “Yes!” but I don’t like amusement parks.

IT WAS SUCH A GREAT TIME! I watched them go on a few and joined in on some of the activities. I don’t like amusement parks, but I sure do love young people. We stood in one line for 2+ hours and it was the greatest time! magic-springs It wasn’t deep Bible talks, but it was real life moments. By the end of the day we were having little one-on-one moments with a few of them and really got the chance to advise them on different situations. Josh Barnett said once as we prepared for a High Point Summer Camp, “If they’re not laughing with you at the beginning of the week, they won’t be crying with you at the end of it.” I watched this play out in just one day. We laughed all day but in them having fun with us, they opened up to us more.

Don’t be waiting around to be a leader at a youth conference, or to catch a young person after a powerful youth group service. Do what they do; be where they’re at! Ezekiel 3:15 says, “I sat where they sat.” I don’t like amusement parks.

What happens when I’m up at 2AM!

Don’t you just love those moments when you’re up in the wee hours of the morning and can’t sleep? Yeah?? NO!!! Usually when I’m up at that time, it’s because A BILLION AND ONE thoughts are running through my brain (ladies do you get where I’m comin’ from!). Well I had one of those nights a while back and A BILLION AND ONE ideas came to me, some awesome, some okay and some well.. just no! #dumb

Well one of the results of that night sits below… literally! Yup, it’s me sitting in my logo. You may think it’s awesome, you may think it’s ok or you may say well… no. LOL! Whatever it is, this is just to give you a peek at what goes on in my head sometimes… not all the time! I promise. 😉

P.S. – I find that it helps if you quickly jot down the ideas you had or things on your to do list so you’re not worried if you’ll forget them in the morning. That way, you might actually get some sleep.

Have a great day and an awesome night’s rest! 😉

Word Over Work

WORK WORK WORK

I woke up early this morning, prayed, rolled over 1 or 2 times, then took a shower. I got dressed and plopped behind my little makeshift desk in my room, ready to get to work. Then my notifications went off reminding me of my various morning devotions. So I let go of the mouse and started to read. I felt immediate guilt.

SNIPPET // Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, August 29:
DEMONSTRATE your trust in Me by sitting quietly in My Presence. PUT ASIDE all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred TIME TOGETHER strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more.

WAIT

Waiting Before Working – An Act of Faith
I’ve been doing and doing, “working after working” (you know what I mean?) to build Deidra Deandra. That little reminder in my devotion this morning was right on time. It’s not anything I don’t know; I just got caught up in my own strength. I’ve been slacking in my time with Him and had to give myself a check this morning. All the wisdom I need for not only my business, but my life, to write blogs that are real (and not just “another blog”) come from Him and to keep it that way I need to spend more time in His word. Waiting before working and putting Him first in your day is a crucial step to a successful day.

I wrote a piece on plans yesterday filled with Proverbs and today I end with another one, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).” My message to you: Stop relying on your own wisdom and strength to get things done. FIRST, Commit WHATEVER you do to Him.