Meet Deterrius (Diamond) Washington | Owner & Founder of Dassit Dressing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deterrius (Diamond) Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deterrius (Diamond), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business is one of faith. At the age of 19, I was living on my own and the holidays were approaching. Dressing has always been one of my favorite dishes growing up, but now that I was grown, I had to learn to make it on my own. I constantly made dressing year-round due to balancing my busy work schedule and school. Whenever I would make dressing, I would post photos on Facebook and friends would always ask that I saved them some. Fast-forward to the year 2020, I decided to make a pan for a team potluck we had at work. As everyone was eating, one lady in particular asked “Who made this dressing?” I informed her that I had and she immediately responded, “No…. your mom or auntie had to have made this.” I smiled and informed her that my family is from Arkansas and that I had been making dressing for years.

That moment made me think that I could achieve what I once thought was impossible….starting my own business. I knew that it would take time and much needed dedication. My only fear was wondering if every customer would like and enjoy it as much as I do. So, on August 11, 2020, I made a post on Facebook inquiring on how many people would be interested in me starting a business to sell dressing. The amount of love shown really helped to boost my confidence and further motivated me to create the one of a kind business, now known as Dassit Dressing By Diamond.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Along with running my business, I also work full-time in the healthcare industry as a Sr. Credentialing Coordinator. I’ve worked in healthcare for about 12 1/2 years now. Growing up, I knew that I wanted a fulfilling job where I could help others. The thing I love the most is bringing a smile to the face of others and helping those in need. To be honest, my life has not been the easiest. I always told myself that I came into this world with two strikes against me…. I’m black and gay. Growing up, I was bullied….not only for being gay but for being smart. It wasn’t until I got older that I told myself that I would stop dumbing down my accomplishments just to make others feel better. I’m very proud of the individual I’ve become because honestly, I could have given up years ago. Between the bullying and not having peace at home….my life could have taken a turn for the worst. Instead, I can now proudly say that I’m a successful business owner (that’s still learning and growing), Author, Poet and Freedom Life Coach

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I’ve actually had my best friend visit Dallas a few times, but I would say if it’s a week long trip, there’s definitely key spots that we must visit! I think everyone who knows me knows that I love Mexican food, so we would probably start our mornings off with delicious breakfast tacos from Chiloso Mexican Bistro. Then we would go to various malls and shop til we dropped lol. For lunch we would have Gloria’s Latin Cuisine where we’ll more than likely drink and gossip. Throughout the week, we would probably visit some art museums and talk a walk through downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum. The scenery is so beautiful and there’s always something to do/see. For a little fun, I’d probably take my best friend to the place that I consider a “playground for adults”….. Andretti Indoor Karting in The Colony. They have laser tag, bowling, go-karts and all. I’ve been here before and turned into a big kid all over again.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I whole-heartedly believe that my success truly comes from God, the Creator Himself. I’m able to display and present my passion with each recipe I create. Along the way, there have also been individuals who have constantly motivated and encouraged me even when I didn’t feel I had the strength to continue on. One of those individuals is my best friend since 8th grade, Monica Reed. I pretty much run ideas and creative thoughts by her just to get a feel of how I should go about shaping and displaying my business. From each recipe and their unique names, Monica deserves just as much recognition as I do as she’s always been supportive of my goals and dreams. I thank her for that.

Also, I would like to acknowledge the individuals who promoted, supported, and encouraged me more than I did myself at one time. My father, David, my grandmother, Ms. Lena Ingraham, my aunt Shirley, and my friends Fred, Kelvin, Talonda (TeeJay), and Ty Wright (whom is actually responsible for the name of my business…I don’t think I ever told her that tho lol). Last but not least, a BIG THANK YOU to my loyal customers who continue to keep me motivated year round and also spread the word on just how delicious Dassit Dressing really is!

Website: www.dassitdressing.com

Instagram: @dassitdressing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondDassitDressing