About the Founder
danielle render, founder of dvn
Hey, I’m Dani — the founder of DVN.
Thank you for taking a moment to dive into my world. It means the world to know you’re interested in not just DVN, but the story behind it: my story. Starting DVN in 2017 wasn’t just about creating a brand; it was about redefining what high-quality, custom garments mean in the Greek apparel space. Fun fact, I actually started the concept DVN in 2011, as Divine Creations, when I was in high school. It's pretty wild to me that it's evolved into what it is today. Nonetheless, feel free to read on and learn more about my story, and how DVN became what you know it to be.
About my life
"Growing up in Cleveland, OH, life was anything but predictable. Raised by a single mom, I was often navigating a world where you have to work your butt off for everything, all the while keeping my head full of dreams. Dreaming was my escape, along with writing, singing, and drawing. Diagnosed with ADHD at 27, I now see my childhood as marked by a love for art and music, though practicality often took precedence. I was always encouraged to follow this system: "Go to school, get goods grades, so you can go to college, get a good job, and make good money." In that order. So as I was heavily nudged towards STEM with a mind many teachers declared "special" or "gifted," I went for it, always up for the challenge — and a part of me was always in there, doodling away, lost in a world of creativity."
"At Purdue University, my passion for design and leadership found themselves to be my getaways. Designing flyers for D9 chapter events (way before I pledged Delta in Fall '15) was one of my creative outlets in the midst of overly-demanding Engineering courses at a Top 10 Engineering College. Despite academic pressure, being part of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and joining the Zeta Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., gave me a place of belonging and a platform for making a difference. I eventually became the Region IV Chairperson of NSBE and Vice President of Zeta Theta. I'd have to write a novel to share my involvements on campus — but through my leadership, I was awarded a service award, allowing my name to be on a plaque in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. Mama, I made it! So, Purdue was where I graduated with a degree in Multidisciplinary Engineering and Organizational Leadership, but most importantly, it’s where I discovered the passion for seeing concepts go from ideation to creation, and gained the tools to make it happen."
"Post-college, I jumped into the corporate world at a consulting firm. Yet, when the workday ended, it was Divine Creations Clothing Co. (the early version of DVN Co.) that captured my heart. It started as a side hustle, but God had bigger plans. After a car accident in 2018, I found myself at a crossroads: what I wanted to do vs. what God had planned for me. This led to a period of reflection and eventually, a leap of faith into DVN full-time in April 2019. I walked away from my career with GOOD benefits because I realized that DVN was more than just a side-hustle; it was a calling."
today & tomorrow
Building DVN
"Today, DVN sets new standards in Greek apparel and custom apparel. We design, cut, and sew everything you see from us. Our factory in Pakistan enables us to craft visions from scratch, something I’m incredibly proud of. We’re not just selling clothes, and this is something I want people to hear my heart on; we’re setting new standards, pushing boundaries, and showing what it means to combine quality with heart and faith. I truly believe I'm called to this. My dream is for DVN to become a staple in your wardrobe, standing proudly alongside mainstream fashion brands. DVN is more than greekwear, and it's my hope that soon enough, we become a household name in streetwear.
Looking ahead, I envision DVN establishing a platform for up-and-coming designers and entrepreneurs, and becoming a hub where fashion dreams turn into tangible realities."
A Journey Rooted in Art
Every step of my journey, from this early exposure to art, community, and culture at Karamu House to founding DVN, has been an unfolding tapestry of creativity, passion, and purpose.
Never stop dreaming
Thank you for your support!
In closing, my journey is a story of discovery, rediscovery, figuring things out as I go, and a whole lot of faith. I believe God is the original Creative, and it's been a wild journey, after everything, to end up in a creative space where I hold the reins. So my commitment to you, to myself, and to God is to keep creating, and always create because of the love of it.
I share this openly because somewhere down the line, I stopped creating. In fact, I stopped believing in myself because having a business isn't the picture I imagined, or was taught, for what success in my life would look like. It took a whole lot of prayer, therapy, and self-discovery to find myself back here with a renewed passion for this. In fact, I told God: "If you want me to do this, you're going to have to reinvigorate my fire, because I don't want to do it anymore." And sure enough, He did.
From my experiences, I'd like to leave you with some encouragement, friend: Each of us are on a journey, building something from the ground up. As cliché as it sounds, stay true to who you are—do this by remembering why you do what you do, why it excited you in the beginning, and never let outside factors (people or situations) make you stop or change how or why you do what you do. What you are meant to bring into the world can only be done by you, no matter who else is doing it. So stay true to you by knowing you are special, you are crafted, and you are a Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
Along the way, our paths will require falling in love with what we do over and over again (because sometimes you’ll fall out it, but some time after you’ll remember why you do what you do). Therefore, I say this to you: Keep on going. Keep on creating. Keep on being the best you that you can be, ONE DAY AT A TIME. Remember, best is subjective, not objective, my friend. You are the only one that can truly determine how much you have to give on any given day, at any given time. And if whatever you have is your best, regardless of what society or friends or family might tell you or "encourage" you, it's enough. Be kind to yourself, and always show yourself grace. You got this.
No matter what, never stop dreaming. It's not crazy. It's not impossible.
Thank you for coming along on this ride with me. Your support means everything.
If you’re new here, welcome to DVN.
Love and Light,
Dani
Bespoke Custom garments
Cut and Sewn by Artisans