We are thrilled to feature Dejon Dawkins, a dynamic young entrepreneur and one of the newest members of our SME Navigator plan.

Dejon’s inspiring journey from the entertainment and modelling industry to becoming an innovative business leader has captured our attention.

As we continue to work closely with him, we took the opportunity to delve deeper into his story, vision, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

A UK Talent

Q1: Dejon, can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what inspired you to become an entrepreneur at such a young age?

Dejon: I grew up in the Midlands and spent seven years in the entertainment and modelling industry. Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t part of my original plan, but my passion for creating and improving things naturally led me in this direction. I’ve always enjoyed the process of building something from the ground up, and that passion evolved into entrepreneurship.

Q2: What personal qualities do you believe have contributed most to your success so far?

Dejon: Resilience and focus have been key. Staying determined and keeping a clear vision, even when faced with challenges, has been essential to navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Q3: How did you come up with the idea that turned you into the entrepreneur you are today?

Dejon: It all began with my previous business. I identified a labour-intensive process unique to the industry that I wanted to automate. That realisation sparked the idea of commercialising a solution, and that’s what ultimately set me on this path.

Q4: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while developing your idea?

Dejon: One major challenge has been building a talented team, particularly finding engineers who align with the vision and can bring it to life. It takes time and effort to assemble the right people, but having a strong team is critical for success.

Q5: How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Dejon: For me, motivation is what gets you started, but discipline is what keeps you going. I often remind myself of the bigger picture and the impact I want to have. That perspective keeps me focused and driven, even when things get tough.

Q6: What do you hope to achieve with your innovative idea in the next few years?

Dejon: My vision is to create the world’s leading platform in my industry. I want to revolutionise the industry by offering a seamless and efficient way to identify and nurture talent.

Q7: How do you see the modelling industry evolving in the coming years, and what trends are you most excited about?

Dejon: I think we’ll continue to see the lines blur between models and influencers. At the same time, there might be a resurgence of more traditional-looking models on the runway. Personally, I’m excited about the advances in AI and how they’re transforming the industry. It’s a thrilling time to be part of this space.

Q8: Who are your role models or mentors, and how have they influenced your journey?

Dejon: Felix Dennis comes to mind. He led an extraordinary life, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK and later dedicating himself to poetry and planting trees. His story underscores the importance of pursuing passions and giving back, which resonates deeply with me.

Q9: What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?

Dejon: Solve a real problem in the market. Validate your idea early and be prepared to move fast. Entrepreneurship is all about learning and adapting, so don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes along the way.

Q: How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being an entrepreneur?

Dejon: Honestly, balance is an ongoing process. I don’t have it perfectly figured out, but I’m constantly working to find what works for me and adjusting as needed.

Dejon’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and focus required to succeed as a young entrepreneur.

We are committed to supporting visionary leaders like Dejon in refining their ideas and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. If you’re looking for expert guidance to develop your innovation strategy or access funding opportunities, connect with us today.

Let us help you turn your vision into reality.