Embark on a journey with me, Deanna Mason, the resilient force steering Keona Evolve. Born in Florida and raised in New York since 3 years old, shaped by a single mom, unfolded a narrative of sacrifices and triumphs. Growing up without a stable father figure left a void, a void that later propelled me towards a quest for fulfillment.
Despite not facing a rough childhood, I often grappled with a sense of not fully belonging. Not being the super popular type, I found solace in my ability to connect with everyone. It was in middle school that I stumbled upon an Essence magazine, igniting my passion for fashion. The exquisite clothes portrayed within those pages transported me into a realm of luxury and endless possibilities.
In 8th grade, the name "Keona" materialized as the embodiment of "God's gracious gifts," a perfect fit for my envisioned fashion line. My self-taught journey involved tracing model silhouettes until I could freehand my own creations. This became a private hobby throughout middle and high school.
A turning point came in 12th grade when I discovered a fashion design class, opening my eyes to the vast potential within the industry. However, self-doubt crept in when comparing myself to peers, hindering me from submitting a portfolio for fashion school. Despite these challenges, my passion for fashion persevered.
Fast forward to three years later, I found myself working with the CEO of a startup PR company in New York City. The exposure to the vibrant fashion life, attending fashion weeks, and contributing to model castings and shoots sparked my creativity. My illustrations improved, and I began envisioning the grandeur of my future fashion shows, always with a focus on creating immersive experiences.
Becoming the youngest partner in a model competition organization, I ran Jersey City for a year and a half, accumulating invaluable experience and knowledge. Throughout this journey, I never received financial compensation for my contributions to the fashion world.
In 2018, the dynamics of my life shifted when I became a single mom. The weight of depression dimmed my once vibrant passion for fashion. It wasn't until I stumbled upon an organization filled with young entrepreneurs passionate about personal development that my light reignited. Witnessing their goals, business ideas, and diverse lifestyles reignited my belief that if they could achieve their dreams, so could I.
This rekindled passion led to the launch of Keona Evolve after 2.5 years of personal development. The journey has been transformative, and now, Keona Evolve is poised to continue its mission, driven by a profound belief in community and the transformative power of personal development.
I would love to hear your story & if you resonate with any challenges when going through a personal development journey!