Meet Dee Smith | Author & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dee Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dee, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is being able to be my authentic self. I am my brand and I talk about the importance of authenticity in my book, The Luxe Life.

Since high school I have always enjoyed wearing and buying fashion and as a boutique owner, connecting with my clients over a rare vintage piece, boutique, or designer item energizes me! Curating items for my business enables me to share who I am and find out more about my customers’ interests and lifestyles, while meeting their personal shopping needs.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sure. I got started by volunteering at a small boutique and working at Nordstrom during my undergraduate years. Nordstrom is where I found my love for upscale shopping. I also share this experience, in detail, in my book!

As mentioned previously I feel that what sets me apart from others is that I absolutely want to provide my clients with an outstanding customer experience. I’ve participated in pop-up trunk shows and vending events since the early 2000s and love to participate in person shopping events. These events evolved into Closet D Luxe and will always be a part of my business.

To date I remain proud of so many things from my health, the unconditional love of my family, authoring my first book during Women’s History Month 2022, and mentoring young girls in the community. All these factors furthers the work of Closet D Luxe and my unique purpose.

Oh, I almost forgot I’m also proud of bidding, winning, and purchasing a designer bag from the personal collection of the late fashion icon Andre Leon Talley at an auction earlier this year.

Nothing worth having comes easy, and to whom much is given much is required. What I want the world to know about my brand is that it is constantly evolving with the goal of empowering women to thrive and be fabulous in their business and personal life!

Additionally, I’m excited to share this season I will be launching my new YouTube channel and lifestyle merchandise to compliment my book!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our family loves a staycation, so I absolutely recommend JW Marriot at L.A. Live. It’s close to everything DTLA has to offer, and you don’t have to travel too far to have a great experience, great food, or stay in and enjoy the amenities of the hotel.

For live music nightly, LA Louisianne, and for activity – a good run at Baldwin Hills Overlook or a great hike at Runyon Canyon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, my support system consists of God and my family, my husband and daughter! They are a huge part of my ongoing success and have learned so much about the details and hard work that go into running my business.

My husband has been there for every idea from the conceptualization of my first boutique storefront in Los Angeles to authoring my first book. Based on my love and admiration for God and my family placing my husband and daughter in my dedication was very heartfelt and allowed me to write about their special gifts in a way that shows the world my unwavering love for and to them!

Website: https://authordeesmith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closetdluxefabfinds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosetDLuxeBoutique

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@closetdluxe