We’re looking forward to introducing you to Drenda Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Drenda , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day starts with prayer. I thank God for my many blessings, read the Bible verse and devotion for the day and ask God what message should I share for the day. What God puts on my heart I post on my social media. I stretch…workout in my home gym then get ready to start my day. It’s important that I start my day by talking with God. This ensures I stay aligned with my purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Drenda Williams is an author, motivational speaker, and nationally recognized domestic violence survivor whose life’s mission is to inspire hope, healing, and resilience. After surviving a life-threatening abusive relationship, she courageously turned her personal trauma into a platform for advocacy, empowerment, and social change.
In 2018, Drenda released her memoir, The Will to Live: Finding the Strength Within to Survive, which chronicles her journey of survival and healing. The book has served as both a lifeline for survivors and a resource for communities seeking to better understand the complexities of domestic violence. Since its release, Drenda has spoken to thousands across the country—including church groups, military personnel, students, and advocacy organizations—delivering messages of courage, forgiveness, and the transformative power of self-love.
Through her company, DJW Solutions, LLC, Drenda created DJW Drinks, a wellness-inspired non-alcoholic beverage line with a mission that extends beyond refreshment. A portion of beverage proceeds are donated annually to domestic violence shelters, ensuring that every purchase supports survivors with safe housing, critical services, and pathways toward recovery. This model reflects her belief that business can be both impactful and purpose-driven.
In addition, Drenda equips communities and organizations with resources to increase advocacy, including awareness campaigns, partnerships with shelters, and educational materials that highlight prevention, intervention, and healing. Her work bridges the gap between survivors and support networks, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the tools they need to break cycles of violence.
Her impact has been recognized on national platforms. In 2024, she was honored as a Lamar Hunt Legacy Seat Honoree by the Kansas City Chiefs, sharing her story with more than 76,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium.
With every speech, product, and campaign, Drenda amplifies the voices of survivors and creates pathways for awareness, healing, and resilience. Her journey is proof that no matter how broken the past, the future can be rebuilt with strength, purpose, and love.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed that I was less than based on my economic status. Of course I don’t believe that now! Every thing I’ve gone through was God has preparing me for where I am now in life.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It teaches you that when you are at your lowest you have so much strength left to fight and change your situation.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see in public is the real me with the exception of I’m actually an introvert. I’m always about growth so I force myself to be social and extroverted to stretch myself.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I don’t regret anything. Every decision, every lesson, every experience I would never change. It got me to this point and I would say I’m the best version of myself today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drendawilliams.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drenda.williams.3
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCu_FdpRrrnf3Y6d88HZFYaQ
- Other: www.djwdrinks.com
www.djwsolutions.com
www.mfalmebeard.com
www.joyllipgloss.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mfalmebeardoil/
https://www.instagram.com/JoyL_Lipgloss/
https://www.instagram.com/djwdrinks.com
Image Credits
Eric Coleman Photography
Steve Francees Photography
