Ms. Mars has over 25 years’ experience in brand and promotional marketing in addition to minority business development.

She is currently the chief creative officer and chair of Gifted by Dezyn, an innovative and thematic promotional products and services agency, which is also an emerging business partner with the NFL.

The agency services a vast assortment of clients ranging from entertainment to consumer packaging and automotive.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Debra held various positions in brand marketing, consumer promotions and minority business development with General Mills, Coca-Cola and FritoLay corporations.

Ms. Mars has also been featured in various publications including Essence and Black Enterprise magazines.

African-American women entrepreneurs are the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs in the U.S., but have more difficulty and face unique challenges in becoming successful business owners. Lisa and Debra discuss how Debra navigated entrepreneurialism as a woman, how she built her business, the challenges she faced, and how she reached a level of success.

To learn more, visit http://www.giftedbydezyn.com/

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• Recent Episodes

Lisa Williams

Like a Drake song, Lisa C. Williams knows what it is to “start from the bottom,” but now she’s here! Lisa has achieved six-figure success, but personal and family challenges led her to lose momentum and ultimately lose it all. Now, she has triumphed and reset her business by launching Smart Hustle Agency, with the goal to help collaborative minded entrepreneurs work smarter while building wealth!

Recent episodes from Lisa Williams (see all)

• James Frank Austin III – Twiggs County School District Checking in with the Culture - February 28, 2023
• Lisa Bonta Sumii on Black Female Elite Athletes – The Pressure, the Public Eye & Pushing Through - October 14, 2021
• Lauren Carson on Black Girl’s Struggling with Suicide, School and Social Anxiety - October 13, 2021