Black PR Wire Power Profiler on Deidre (Dee Dee) Billingslea

Black PR Wire, Inc. salutes Deidre (Dee Dee) Billingslea as this month's Power Profiler. Dee Dee makes success look effortless. As the president of Sunglass International and owner of Signatures, Etc., this entrepreneur is a model achiever.

Dee Dee, a native of St. Augustine, Florida grew up in a time when racism was a major obstacle for Blacks in the United States. "During the 60's and 70's, St. Augustine was a very segregated town with a lot of racial strife. I had to overcome adversity to succeed," she said.

Dee Dee graduated from Fisk University, a historical black college in Nashville, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. Furthering her education, Dee Dee attended the University of Tennessee and earned a Master's degree in Public Health with concentration in Administration and Planning. From there, she went full force into the medical field, holding impressive managerial positions and becoming the first hospital planner for Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

After 18 years in the healthcare industry, Dee Dee decided it was time to start her own business. She looked into business opportunities that were opening up for minorities at Orlando's new airport. After extensive research and with much determination, Dee Dee was selected to operate a business in the main terminal of the airport. This breakthrough led to the birth of Sunglass International. She has been in business for eight years and operates two Sunglass International stores in Orlando International Airport and one in the main terminal of Tampa International Airport. These stores carry over 40 lines of designer sunglasses and accessories in every price range.

Signatures, Etc., her newest venture, specializes in writing utensils, leather goods and unique figurines and is located in the airside Terminal E in Tampa's airport. "I face many obstacles on a daily basis like dealing with personnel and contractual issues. It is not easy owning a business at an airport, because anyone can bid and take your company - in a snap," says Dee Dee.

Dee Dee is a firm believer in treating others as you would like to be treated, and credits her unwavering faith in God as the primary reason for her success. "I have always dreamed of doing something positive and being respected for it," she says. She also thanks her parents for instilling meaningful values that are tools for daily living.

In addition to her savvy skills as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, Dee Dee is involved in several community service organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., the Links and Girlfriends. She is also a former board member of Valencia Community College and a committed financial supporter to local minority youth programs.

She has used her life experiences to empower women, making a significant difference in our society. So thank you, Mrs. Billingslea for your drive and determination to do something positive and for being an excellent role model for all women!

In closing, Dee Dee extends this message of encouragement: "Rise above discouragement and disappointment and use the obstacles you encounter as stepping stones to overcome adversity. With the help of God, persevere to reach your goals."

To order products from Sunglass International call 407-825-2595 or visit the stores in Orlando and Tampa International Airports. And to order products from Signatures, Etc. call 813-874-2884 or visit the store in Tampa International Airport.