Today we’d like to introduce you to Des Mizell.
Hi Des, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been called to create and I’ve always been an avid reader. Growing up, I could normally be found crafting, writing, or reading something.
I sort of accidentally got into journalism in high school – I was supposed to be in a yearbook class, but got switched to the school newspaper last second. I quickly fell in love with Journalism and moved up the ranks, so I pursued it in college at Middle Tennessee State University. In college, I found myself so busy that I could only really read one book per semester, if that. Once I graduated and started my career at Nashville Lifestyles, I found myself able to pursue my passions again outside of academia.
I started my bookish-based brand Dog-eared with Des July 2024, where I share book recs and spotlight authors, bookstores, and makers. Since then I’ve built a strong community of readers not only in Nashville, but across the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course there are bumps in the road – anywhere from overcoming fear of perception and/or rejection to battling the algorithm. In this day and age, anyone can be a creator and it’s easy to feel like a drop in a bucket. However, I think that my background in Journalism and Marketing has benefitted and better-equipped me with the tools that I need to be successful. Additionally, the relationships that have grown from my bookstagram help remind me why I create, and that’s really all that matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a trained journalist and marketing professional creating meaningful content for readers through my brand Dog-Eared with Des. I’m proud of the amazing opportunities that have stemmed from my bookstagram account, as well as the connections that I have made with authors, readers, bookstore owners, and makers across the country.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Whenever I meet new people and they hear that I am from Nashville, their shock always makes me laugh. Its definitely changed a lot over the years! I would say my favorite aspects of the city are that you can always find your people, there is no shortage of creative people, and that you never have to go far to get an iced coffee. My least favorite part of Nashville? Traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dogearedwithdes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogearedwithdes/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dogearedwithdes
