We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Andre (Dre.vate) Simpson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Andre (Dre.vate), how do you think about risk?
I look at risk as just another opportunity to prove to yourself. It’s real easy to stay in your comfort zone and just do what’s necessary to survive. But I always felt I had a bigger purpose than the path I was actually on. I took a risk on myself my senior year of college, decided to leave my team and pursue a career in fashion. Finding connections and a great mentor during covid was a blessing, and I can honestly say if I didn’t choose to put myself out there, things could be a lot different.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I can honestly say I’m just proud at myself for just being able to go from being a full time hooper in school to a stylist in 4 months. Like I said before, one risk can honestly change your life and my transition was a quick one, not because it was easy but mainly because I had a vision. I wrote down step by step what I wanted to do in 2020, and got it done. As far as my work, the most exciting work I’ve done was when I styled 36 Mafia, and members of the Tennessee Titans. Just seeing myself grow day by day to meeting legends was crazy. I just want kids to know that it’s never too late to change careers or lock in to something you truly see yourself doing. Just have faith and don’t let anyone steer you away from your goals. Nobody.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you know me, you know I’m always eating good so we’ll be eating good all week! We could stop in Jersey City, NJ first and grab drinks from Ringside lounge. Everybody from the towns know about that spot, definitely a must. Del friscoe, Crab bae, 2muchsauce, are also some of my favorite places to eat. On the weekends, Lagos Lounge in NY is the place to be. Great food, great entertainment, all around fun experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I have to give thanks to God who even allowed me to have the confidence to walk in certain rooms as myself and to leave as myself. My mentors, Dex Rob, and Maz who gave me the space to use my imagination on their clients, just showing me the ropes of how to move in this industry. My family instilled in me at a early age to have passion in everything you do, so I’ll always appreciate them for that. Shoutout to my lady as well, the one who keeps me even-keeled through the ups and downs.

Instagram: dre.vate

Other: Dre.vate on TikTok

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