The ladies who participated in the domestic violence program, life choices facilities. Courtesy photo
A number of ladies were treated to a shopping spree during a Charity Event Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Dussé Boutique in Ruston.
“I am very thankful for all the donations, the facilities that helped spread the word and Dussé Boutique for allowing me to be creative and trusting my vision,” said Fiorella Tatum, who wraps up her marketing internship with Dussé Boutique.
Tatum, a graduating senior at Grambling State University, is a native of Sicily Island of Italy. Her double major in computer information systems and marketing helped her pull this event together.
After her first internship with IBM in Monroe, Louisiana, Tatum wanted experience in marketing. The member of the GSU Earl Lester Cole Honors College reached out to Daphne Dorsey, CEO and Creative Director of Dussé Boutique, located on 108 N. Vienna in Ruston Louisiana.
The four-month internship with the boutique allowed me the opportunity to create a positive brand for Dussé Boutique, which included planning one event per month.
“I came up with the “Dussé Boutiques Charity Event” because I am a strong believer in giving back, especially during Christmas time. I love to shop, and of course I shop more during the holidays. Most of us are able to do so, but what about someone who is not able?,” Tatum said.
The event was created before the holidays, to give shoppers an authentic feeling of shopping, a new outfit before Christmas, New Year, needed clothing, and maybe a Christmas gift for a loved one.
Through the event around 15 families were helped.
“To see the thankful faces, while creating a generous image for Dussé Boutique, was a win for me and helped make my internship and vision complete,” Tatum said.
The boutique is owned and operated by Dorsey, a Grambling graduate as well as a staff member in the Department of Education. Dorsey partnered with Dr. Gloria George, also a GSU alum.
Dussé was created not only to bring some of the fiercest fashion around but also to help the community and local charities. Fighting things like human trafficking, Diabetes, Cancer, Empowering women, Raising awareness for abuse and supporting local brands.
“This boutique has always enjoyed the fulfillment of helping people feel and look their best but also created as a way to give back to those in need. This time the support went to Life Choices and Domestic Abuse Resistance Team,” said Dorsey.
“We managed to offer everything that completes an outfit (accessories, shoes, purses, dresses, jeans, jackets. sweaters, t-shirts, blouses, summer, and winter wear) as well as for almost every age group starting from two years – to size 16, including finger food and drinks donated for event day,” she said.
Dorsey said, “We give God ALL the glory and recognition for this business, and it is our hope that with your support Dussé Boutique will make an impact in not just the community but the world. As Luke 6:38 says, ‘Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Making a purchase at Dussé has a deeper meaning because its mission is to give customers the opportunity to give back by shopping from a line of benevolent apparel, accessories and gifts.
Life Choices of North Central Louisiana and Domestic Abuse Resistance Team provided the clientele by agreeing to spread the word and hand out the event flyers. Additional donations came by social media flyers for clothing, and finger foods.
Donations were given by Carrie Williams, April Russel, Sherwanda Boston Cooper, Brooklynn Allison, LaRonica Kennedy, Dr. Shelia Fobbs, Donald Tatum, Fiorella Tatum, Homer Tatum, Latonya Spencer, Mariah Lowe and Lillian Jenkins.
Many of the participants in the event were excited for the opportunity to receive assistance during the holiday season.
“I am amazed how generous you are, I have been truly blessed. Thank you for doing this for us and I appreciate what you have done for me and my girls,” expressed Jean Johnson.
“Thank you so much, it was a blessing,” said Diane Martinez and Naala.
The ladies continued to express words of thank you and God bless.
After graduation on Friday, December 14 Tatum and her children will go home to visit her parents in Italy and most likely start a full-time position at IBM.