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DeOndra Morris
By Naomi K. Bonman
Louisiana native DeOndra Morris is the creative director, visionary, and designer behind the line of handbags under DeOndra Jeree. At 22-years-old, Ms. Morris is closing the gap that she has
One of the DeOndra Jeree handbags
witnessed within the marketplace by ensuring that her line of bags provides exactly what the average women is looking for, which is practicability, affordability, and a bag that is stylish that can be transitioned from day-to-night and work-to-weekend.
Morris knew that she wanted to be a designer after watching America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway as a little girl. Back then she would say to herself that she was going to be a big designer one day and have her own fashion brand. And she continued to make that dream a reality.
In addition to those shows, the rising designer has kept her grandmother’s words dear to her heart. Her grandmother has inspired her to keep pushing towards success by “keeping God first and she will have great success and that no matter what may come across her path, good or bad, she should always remain focused and humble and to keep her eye on the prize.”
Once she realized what she wanted to do she let go of all fears and moved to the fashion capital of the world after college–New York. Upon arrival in the Big Apple she immediately got her grind and hustle and landed her first internship with Shecky’s, a fashion and beauty company. From there she went on to intern at the Handbag Designer Awards where she was not only able to attend the awards, but work with the bags as well.
“I learned a lot from working at those two places, but I had also done my research before starting my own fashion line,” Morris said. “I did the business part first, such as getting it incorporated, etc. Then I started the design process.”
DeOndra Jeree is now a full fleshed company that caters to fashion savvy women ages 25 and older. Each hand bag is transitioned to where it can be used from day-to-night and work-to-weekend. As the line continues to grow, Morris would love to have a variety of handbags in different styles and colors and to be picked up in major retailers, such as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue.
To view more of DeOndra Jeree handbags, please visit www.DeOndraJeree.com.
