Daily Inspiration: Meet Dericka Jordan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dericka Jordan.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began as a little girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago, watching my mother create self-care routines that weren’t just about skincare—but about presence, peace, and prioritizing herself. I didn’t know it then, but those rituals would shape how I moved through the world, especially when I became a mother.

In 2020, everything changed. Becoming a mom pushed me to be intentional—not just about what I was putting on my skin and my son’s skin but also about creating time for self-care. That’s when the idea of Flawless & Brwn was born.

I started simply searching for organic skincare that could meet our needs. I wanted something gentle enough for a baby but rich enough for a woman navigating postpartum. I couldn’t find it—so I created it. I made my first batch of body butter with no measurements, just feeling and soul. It was spirit-led, and once I perfected the formula, I wrote it down, and shared it with friends and family—and that was the beginning.

In 2021, my husband—who was my fiancé at the time—asked me a question that shifted everything: “What do you want to do with this?” I didn’t have a full plan, but I knew I wanted it to be something global. That conversation challenged me to get serious, to write the vision, and to prepare for something greater. We began building the brand that year, and by August of 2022, I officially launched the website and introduced Flawless & Brwn to the world.

Since then, I’ve been intentional about surrounding myself with other entrepreneurs. I’ve learned the business, and have grown my brand. I’ve partnered with The Oliver Luxury Apartments and Naturally Nurtured Doula Studio, tested wholesale, and participated in multiple vendor events. I hosted a Build Your Own Body Butter class for young girls and was invited to speak at the Pretty in Pink Girls ministry and the Hygiene Chick seminar—opportunities that allowed me to pour into the next generation and show them what’s possible.

I’ve even taught preschoolers as young as three and four how to make body butter. That moment reminded me: it’s not just about the product—it’s about the power in creating, healing, and building something that reflects who you are.

What started as a product has become a brand—born from need, purpose, and prayer. A brand that exists to solve real problems, inspire confidence, promote entrepreneurship, spark creativity, and remind people that healing begins with intention.

I’m still learning. I’m still growing. But I’m rooted in purpose, and I know this journey is bigger than me. This brand is legacy—something I’ve used to bless my family, my community, and generations to come.

And honestly, I’m just getting started.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but I also wouldn’t say it’s been overwhelmingly hard. I think that’s because this journey has never just been about business for me. It’s always felt like a calling.

Back in the spring of 2020, I was still teaching when I clearly heard a voice tell me to detach from everything I was connected to. I didn’t fully understand what that meant, but I listened. Around that same time, I had rededicated my life to God, and every decision I made during that season was rooted in faith. Looking back, I realize that moment was the beginning of something much bigger than I could’ve imagined.

So no, the path hasn’t been perfect—but I’ve had peace in the process. I’ve trusted that God would align the right opportunities, the right people, and the right timing. And that’s exactly what happened. I didn’t have to chase or force anything—what was meant for me showed up right when I needed it.

Of course, there have been challenges. Learning how to run a business from the ground up is no small task—figuring out how to manage inventory, packaging, marketing, finances—it’s been a learning curve. And on top of that, I’ve had to balance being a mother, a wife, a caregiver, and an entrepreneur all at once. That part is real.

But even in the hard moments, I’ve never felt stuck. I’ve always been able to figure it out—or been led to someone who could help. I’ve been blessed with mentors, a supportive circle, and people who have walked this road before me and were willing to share their knowledge so I didn’t have to do it alone.

So while there have definitely been bumps along the way, none of them have knocked me off course. I trust the One leading me—and that’s what gives me the strength to keep going, no matter what.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist and creative, I live at the intersection of my purpose and passion. Everything I do—whether it’s formulating skincare, connecting community members to resources, creating self-care experiences, or consulting fellow entrepreneurs—is rooted in one mission: to help people heal, grow, and evolve.

My work shows up in many forms. From building Flawless & Brwn, my organic skincare line that promotes confidence and healing from the outside in, to serving through nonprofit work where I help individuals take steps toward stability and opportunity, to guiding others as they bring their visions to life—each role I play reflects the same heartbeat: service.

I’m known for being a helper. A connector. A source of encouragement. A teacher. Someone who truly shows up. I find purpose in walking alongside others, whether they’re starting from scratch or searching for what’s next. What I’m most proud of is how I’ve stayed the course—even in the hard seasons. Pursuing purpose with confidence isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that obedience is often tied to someone else’s blessing. That alone keeps me going.

What sets me apart is the way I weave together spirituality, creativity, artistry, and education. My work is not just work—it’s ministry. Everything I do is intentional. Purpose-filled. Lived and led with love. This isn’t just a brand. This is my life. And I’m honored to use it to serve others.

Explore more at www.fnbthebrand.com and enjoy 10% off with code “NashVoyager”—my gift to you for being part of this journey.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, my biggest piece of advice is to start with the community around you.
Explore the organizations in your city. Go to events, check out local initiatives, and get curious about what already exists. Take the time to filter through what feels aligned—some spaces will feed your business needs directly, while others might simply offer meaningful connection. Both are valuable. For me, joining local organizations and showing up to community-centered events was the turning point. It helped me move from just living in my city to truly being part of the city. That shift made all the difference.

As someone who started a business from the ground up, I realized early on that I needed help from the people around me. I needed the city’s support—because the city is where my customers live, work, and show up. When I participate in vendor events or community gatherings, I’m not just selling a product—I’m building relationships. And those relationships, that trust, that visibility within my own city… that has given me room to grow. It gave me time to build my confidence, refine my brand, and learn through trial and error—without shame.

This journey has shown me that networking is really about being present, being open, and being consistent.
You have to be willing to connect, follow up, ask questions, and even be a little bold. I’ve reached out to people through DMs and emails with nothing but respect and genuine curiosity. If I see someone doing something that inspires me, I’m not afraid to make the first move. And the truth is, you can’t afford to let pride get in the way. Be humble enough to ask for help and clear enough about your purpose to know what kind of help you need.

And for me, that clarity has always been rooted in my faith. I pray for alignment. I ask God to send me the right mentors—people who are not only experienced, but spiritually and purposefully aligned with where I’m headed. Every connection isn’t for your journey, even if it looks good on the surface. I’ve learned to wait for the right fit, the right voice, and the right example.

If you’re seeking mentorship, look for someone who’s already doing what you want to do—but at a level you haven’t reached yet.
I’m currently working toward having my own brick and mortar. Some of my mentors already have theirs. That matters to me, because I want to be surrounded by people who stretch me, guide me, and help me see what’s possible. Growth comes from proximity.

So my advice? Tap into your city. Build a name and reputation within your community. Show up. Be prepared. Make room to learn, to mess up, and to try again. Your city can be the training ground that prepares you for the bigger stages—but only if you’re willing to show up fully and do the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fnbthebrand.com
• Instagram: flawlessnbrwn
• Facebook: flawless&brwn
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derickaatillman