Some know her as Derika, others know her as DD, but I guarantee, after reading her profile, you’ll want to call her friend! This Nashville entrepreneur tells us how therapy helped her be ‘ok’ with her and allowed her to cultivate the confidence to experience a more enriched life! 

Name, Age: Derika, 32

What do you do, why do you do it?
I’m a typical left-brained person. Very logical, analytical and solution driven. So naturally when I identify a problem, I can’t wait to find a solution and fix it, even the hard stuff. After being bored, almost to death, with corporate America I decided to start a boutique software development company (@madebyamaven) a couple years ago. Now I get to collaborate with talented people from all over the world to create custom software solutions for businesses. It’s pretty dope!

What made you embrace your curves? When did you say, “I’m ok with me?”
I started going to therapy a few years back while mourning the death of a friend. I didn’t realize it then, but this was one of the best decisions I ever made. I didn’t expect to discover that I had subconsciously convinced myself that certain goals were unattainable for me because I was over a certain size. Removing that mental block changed everything, leaving me open to more experiences, more opportunities, more LIFE!

Have you had to deal with mean or backhanded comments from family, friends, and/or strangers? What did you do?
Most of my insecurities about my weight came from comments that were said to me as a child. So, I did the only thing I knew how to do at the time; shrink. I spent a lot of time and money in therapy coming back from some of the shame that was, most likely, unintentionally placed in me when I was compared to my slimmer brother and cousins. This is what society does to anyone that does not fit “the mold.”

What would you tell your YOUNGER curvy self?
Your self-worth is not determined by your size.

When you were asked to do a bathing suit shoot, what was your first reaction?
I was excited because I’ve never done anything like this before. I think answering this questionnaire was the scariest part! lol

What’s your favorite store to shop at and why? (local, online, vintage/thrift, etc)
I don’t really have a favorite. I like unique pieces so I randomly pick up things here and there.

Tell us about one item in your closet you’ll never let go of?
I’m the only girl on both sides of my family so I get a lot of really nice hand me downs from my mom, aunt and grandmother. Everything from my grandmother comes with a story that includes where she was and what she was doing back in the day that makes it priceless. I’ll never part with any of those items.

Describe your favorite summer look?
I love to have my shoulders out so I love the off the shoulder tops and dresses, and swim suits! 😉

What does Nashville need to add to its CURVE APPEAL?
I’d love to see @curvycurlyconscious make a stop in Nashville!

Follow Derika on Instagram under @pettyDD and her business account, @madebyamaven

SHOP for Derika’s Look: Click here to purchase the one piece, black off-the-shoulder swimsuit by Tempt Me Womans. Click here to purchase the tribal print, one-piece cut out suit. Purchase glasses at Sunnyband Sunnies

Shot by T. Denisa Photography