De Johnea Thorpe shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
De Johnea, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
What the First 90 Minutes of My Day Look Like
My day starts early and intentionally. Before I even step out of bed, I take a few quiet moments to breathe, center myself, and think about who I want to be today. It’s a small ritual that sets the tone for everything that follows. Before the distractions of the day begin, I ask myself that one simple question: Who do I want to be today? — calm, focused, successful, and aligned. Gratitude comes next; I like to start the morning by simply being thankful for another chance to create and grow.
After that, I take care of the basics — make my bed, freshen up, and hydrate. Water always comes before coffee; it’s my way of waking up my body and mind. Breakfast follows, and then I head to my studio, usually by 9 a.m.
Before 9, I try to stay completely off my phone — no emails, no calls, no messages. Once I’m in the studio, that’s when I check my calendar, review my priorities for the day and week, and handle important tasks like emails or anything that needs my immediate attention. I like to clear those smaller administrative things first so that when I move into sewing or creative work later, my mind is free and focused.
It’s a routine that keeps me grounded, productive, and aligned — the calm before the creative storm.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Dé Johnea Thorpe — The Vision Behind Dé Johnea Bianca
I’m Dé Johnea Thorpe, the designer and creative force behind Dé Johnea Bianca, a women’s wear brand that celebrates the woman who lives boldly, dresses fearlessly, and owns her presence. My designs are created for the woman who exudes confidence and sensuality in her own authentic way. She doesn’t chase trends—she sets her own rhythm. She moves through life in her lane, unbothered, magnetic, and unapologetically herself.
What makes my brand special is that it’s deeply personal. Dé Johnea Bianca is an extension of who I am—independent, self-taught, and built from passion, perseverance, and purpose. I started my journey at the sewing machine, spending years mastering construction, learning industrial techniques, and understanding the art of garment creation from the inside out. Before design school, I worked in production and alongside other designers, soaking up every detail of the process—from patternmaking to finishing a perfect hem. By the time I formally studied fashion design, that hands-on foundation gave me an edge—it allowed me to merge technical precision with artistic expression.
Today, every piece I create carries that blend of craftsmanship and individuality. My collections are designed for women who want to feel powerful, sensual, and free—women who make statements without saying a word. I’m currently expanding the brand’s presence, continuing to produce limited-edition, small-batch collections that embody slow fashion, intention, and timeless allure.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Who I Was Before the World Told Me Who to Be
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a dreamer with a sewing needle and a head full of ideas. I was that little girl who sat and watched her friend’s mother create magic from fabric scraps—and when she handed me those leftover pieces, something inside me lit up. That spark became the foundation of everything I am today.
As I grew, that same creative fire took shape in different ways. In high school, I still dreamed of fashion, but I found myself doing nails for a while. Working in a salon taught me one of my first lessons about life: a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. You have to step out of your comfort zone and go after what you want. That mindset—of showing up, of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them—carried me from that nail booth to the sewing machine and eventually into the world of fashion design.
The world may try to tell you who you are, but deep down, only you know. My journey has taught me to stay grounded in authenticity—to walk in it, breathe it, and own it. I’ve learned to magnify the positive, learn from the challenges, and keep creating from a place of passion and truth.
So before the world had its say, I was already me: bold, creative, curious, and driven by the belief that I could turn scraps into something beautiful. And that’s still who I am today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Was There Ever a Time You Thought About Giving Up?
Absolutely. I’d be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind. Fashion is not for the faint of heart—it’s tough, unpredictable, and demanding. There are days when I think, “You know what? Maybe I should just pack everything up, put it in storage, get a steady job, and live a simple life.” And honestly, that thought can sound pretty tempting sometimes.
But here’s the truth: even if I walked away, I know I’d still find myself sketching designs, touching fabric, or dreaming about the next collection. That fire doesn’t go out—it’s just part of who I am. So whenever those “I’m done” moments come, I tell myself it’s just a cold. You sneeze a few times, it passes, and the next day you’re back on your feet again.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy—you work harder than anyone could imagine—but there’s freedom in it. It’s the kind of freedom that lets you create, pivot, and evolve on your own terms. I might change my approach from time to time, but giving up? That’s just not in my design.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
What’s a Belief or Project You’re Committed to No Matter How Long It Takes?
The belief I’m most committed to is becoming the best version of myself — and from that, building my fashion house. Those two things work hand in hand. As I grow, so does my brand. My business is a reflection of who I am, the mindset I carry, and the energy I put into the world.
I’m committed to creating a life and a brand that come from genuine happiness — not chasing it externally, but expanding it from within. I’m already happy doing what I love, but that happiness deepens as I evolve, as I learn new lessons, and as I continue building something meaningful.
Fashion, to me, isn’t just about clothes — it’s about consciousness, creativity, and growth. Every challenge, every hurdle, is both a business lesson and a spiritual one. It keeps me grounded, teaches me patience, and reminds me that everything starts in the mind.
So no matter how long it takes, I’m committed to the journey: growing, creating, and becoming — in life and in fashion.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If Immortality Were Real, What Would You Build?
If immortality were real, I’d build something that lasts far beyond trends or time—a creative empire rooted in art, fashion, and community. I’d create a space where people are free to be themselves—where artists, designers, musicians, and makers can come together to create, learn, and grow.
It would be a sanctuary for creativity: part atelier, part classroom, part incubator. A place with open workshops and studios for young people to explore their talents and learn real, hands-on skills—like sewing, tailoring, design, and craftsmanship. Somewhere that honors the artistry of fashion and reminds people why quality and craftsmanship matter.
I imagine it as a self-sustaining ecosystem, where those who benefit from the space pour back into it—funding scholarships, supplying materials, or mentoring the next generation of creators. It’s about giving people the tools, both literally and metaphorically, to build their dreams.
At its heart, it wouldn’t just be about fashion—it would be about purpose, empowerment, and preserving the beauty of human creativity. If I were immortal, I’d dedicate forever to building that legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dejohneabianca.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejohnea_bianca/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/de-johnea-thorpe-64948a56
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dejohneabianca898
Image Credits
Pic of myself Don Scott
Runway pics Ernesto Garcia
