The Story of Deesse O’Monoir.
Couture Fashion designer, Deesse O’Monoir Isn’t just a Creator, she is a Mother, Wife, and, of course, a #vxmsponsor. Deesse has always had an interest in fashion, but only started pursuing it four years ago. Over time she realized she could provide the IMVU community with high-quality fashion.
Deesse and her husband, Taliban, met over three years ago; they met through a mutual friend who Deesse encouraged to get her and Taliban in the same room. Because, after following each other on Instagram, she realized he portrayed himself as a man she would be interested in. All that was left was to meet him, since that moment they have grown; they now have three children together and are approaching their fourth year together this November, and have plenty of projects, and businesses together.
“I started noticing his style, the way he carried himself and just like how he was handling his business in the industry. Tali seems like my type visually, so I had to make a move before anybody else.”
As Deesse was a strong woman who made the first move with her husband we thought it would be fitting to ask her for her opinion on women making the first move. She said girls have to be clear as there is a big difference between being interested and making the first move and being desperate. She went on to explain she thinks it is okay for a woman to show her interest in someone first, because of that first move you have made could be opening a brand new chapter of your life.
“If you never put yourself out there, in a classy way I might add,
then you'll never know the potential possibilities.”
As previously mentioned, Deesse is a creator that believes in high-quality products. So, we asked her where she got her inspiration from. She explained that she is a Fashion Designer in RL, so she literally gets her inspiration from anywhere, and everywhere. Everything she does gives her motivation as she is always researching current and upcoming trends for her job. In addition, her family is a huge part of her inspiration as they usually bounce ideas off of each other and discuss what great ideas to contribute to IMVU.
“Nothing is off limits when it comes to sourcing for ideas and driving creativity.”
Creators on IMVU have something that is of importance to them; each creator is different. Some value profit, some quality, and some quantity, etc. Deesse thinks all of it is a balance you must maintain to stay afloat. She explains that IMVU shop is very similar to a real-life business as you have to do many things you would like in a company, i.e., promotions, deals, and media. You have to make sure you are keeping your customers happy, while, at the same time, making sure you are producing products that are high quality. You also have to make sure your pricing is correct. For example, if it is a Limited Edition product, the price will be higher. Also, it’s wise to have a balance with the rate of credits on IMVU. For Deesse, she has considered every factor possible and figured out how to maintain the balance between customers, quality, and profits. She advises this is a wise decision for Virtual Entrepreneurs.
“I think all factors of being a creator are equally important,
because you need to maintain all factors to stay afloat.”
Everyone experiences discouragement – no one is immune to this. Deesse admitted being one of her harshest critics. She has beaten herself up multiple times on the quality of her shop, edits, and even went as far as her image. She soon came to the realization she is only human. She is not perfect, and always has room to grow. So, even when people are feeding her harsh, or rude feedback about her work. She will take everything that has been said on board, and use it as an opportunity to grow. That way she is turning negativity, and discouragement into positives, “Also, crying every once and while on Taliban's shoulder!" Deesse Laughed.
Sometimes it's not the community’s negativity that the creators have to worry about, but instead from their fellow creators. She thinks that everyone should stay in their own lane, make what they want, and do what they want. She went on to explain as long as they haven’t been stealing textures and meshes they should be alright. Deesse shared her own experiences, and the lessons she learned from them. She learned that no one truly wins the disagreements especially if they are in public, “I've learned that it doesn't do either side any justice.”
“Some will call me old school for this, but I still admire and love MissC, Baduizm and Justionia work.”
Everyone has goals, and Deesse is no different. Her goals for this year are to reach Tier 6. She would like to also expand into meshes, menswear collections, heads, and skins. All while maintaining her RL goals of finishing school and starting her business. In addition, she mentioned who she admires in the creating business – MissC, Baduizm and Justionia and adds, "When I first discovered them I knew that if I didn't create my own lane that my style of creating would be a reflection of what they provided the IMVU community." To this date, Deesse still brings out one of their pieces once in a while, just to show appreciation and pay homage.
“Big fan of VXM, a lot of talent.”
Deesse has sponsored and worked with many people in her creating career, some being Model Slayhem, and E! Style closet, and of course she is currently a proud #vxmsponsor. Sadly, due to real life obligations, she has been forced to take a short break form IMVU and has been unable to sponsor or work with more people.
Lastly, we asked Deesse for some advice on how people can lead a positive, drama free IMVU life. She gave us the best advice she had; to focus on yourself, and what's most important to you. She then went on to say if you are there following your dreams in your own mode there is no room for negativity unless you yourself allow it in, “I ensure everyone when you’re in another mode than others and your following your dreams, there's no room for outside negativity..unless you let it in.”
Disclaimer: the personal views and opinions written in this post are from the writer and do not always express the professional opinion and views of Verve X Magazine.
Interviewer: Xvd
Photos: Deesse
Writer: Somiar
