Detroit-bred Fauna “Ms. Detroit” Burks has a lot to be thankful for nowadays: family, friends, a flourishing business and freedom top her list. But Burks wasn’t always blessed to have her freedom. She became a successful “D” girl, selling drugs and living the fast life, at a very young age. She lived the life most people only dream of. Money, cars, and expensive clothes were the norm for her in her teenage years. She made her first million at the age of 19 and didn’t stop there. She felt invincible until the unthinkable happened when she was sentenced to 18 months in prison and had to serve prison time for drug conspiracy. After serving time, she turned her life completely around and is now a lawful business owner, author and entrepreneur who loves to give back to her community.
Rolling out sat down exclusively with Burks to get the details on how she overcame prison and the fast life and flipped her life into a Beautiful Hustle. Burks also discusses her newest venture, Glow Women’s Clothing, and shares success secrets that helped her maneuver both in her former life as well as in her current life. Burks is truly an inspirational woman who overcame tragedy in order to get to triumph. She tells her story in hopes that it inspires and helps others. Read below to find out what Burks now stands for, what she thinks her gift to the world is, and also the strategies she continues to use to remain successful in life.
Tell us about yourself. Who is Fauna Burks?
Generally, I am a woman who loves God, family, fashion and fun. I am a God-fearing, devoted mother, daughter, sister, businesswoman, author, girlfriend and friend. Motherhood is the most important role in my life. I come from a close-knit family and I want to instill the importance of family and togetherness in my children. My greatest hope is to be the best mother to my children that I can be. No, I did not initially choose the traditional route of life but I am long removed from those days that created my “D” girl reputation. Yes, my hustler heart still beats in my body but I stand for much more because now I have so much more to live for. I stand for respect, truth and loyalty.
You have a unique success story that wasn’t always glamorous. You’ve gone through some trials and tribulations; you dropped out of high school in 12th grade and eventually ended up serving time for drug conspiracy. Tell us about your success journey and how you got to where you are today.
My mentality has always been unconventional which only matured when my body did. We all go through the period when a young adult wants to pick their own path and become rebellious. Now, imagine driving the hottest cars and being sought after by the hottest stars. Not to mention I dropped out of school in the 12th grade and made my first million by the time I turned 19. I was on a roll and despite the hate, the rumors and several near-death experiences I went from famous to infamous in a few short years. Life has a funny way of turning things around. The fast life fast forwarded and I was a new mother and facing prison time for drug conspiracy. No money and no connections could get me out of this nightmare. Reality hit when I was forced to leave behind a daughter who was barely 1 year old. That is when I realized the street glory became the determining factor for my reality. I was going to have to leave my baby and go to prison. My entire grind changed. I wanted to finish school for myself and for my daughter and I did. It was in prison that I was able to reflect on my life and the choices I made. [I had] enough reflections and journal entries for two books. [I completed] the first memoir titled, Beautiful Hustle: Confessions of a D Girl. It’s available at GLOW boutique and online beautifulhustlethebook.com
Tell us about your book. What’s going on with it now? What’s the one takeaway you would like people to glean from it?
My first book, Beautiful Hustle: Confessions of a D Girl is my story. By no means was this book created to “highlight” the fast life, but it is my life, my reflections, thoughts and experiences. Most importantly, through all the chapters you see growth and by book three my hope is for the story to come full circle and show my development as a woman, mother and business owner. The one takeaway I would like every reader to walk away with is that your past doesn’t determine your future!
The sizzle reel for your book looks hot! Is there more in store, such as a full-length movie?
Thanks a lot! The second book is in the final stages and book three will follow. I would love to expand the reel into a movie to encompass all three books.
Tell us about Glow Women’s Clothing. What was the inspiration for it?
Anybody that “knows” me “knows” that the “F” in my name is for fashion. I have always had an outgoing personality which spills out in the pieces I choose to wear. My love for fashion was the inspiration for this business venture. I don’t like anything boring. I like colors, patterns and anything unique. That’s just who I am and that is what Glow Clothing Store is.
Describe Glow’s social media strategy for promoting your business.
Social media is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to businesses today because social media platforms allow you to engage with customers directly. In knowing this, I started by creating real connections with my audience. If people enjoy your content they will continue to visit. Posting high quality and limited pieces are a must and constantly engaging my current audience while trying to gain more customers from my target audience.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
Positivity: always present yourself in a positive manner. Integrity: always put honor before dollars and live by your convictions. Strong: stay strong mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
Describe how you set goals and evaluate your success?
Know who you want to be, know where you want to go, make a plan to reach both of them and work hard at it daily. I evaluate my success by any form of growth and actually accomplishing my goals and then setting more to reach.
Tell us about some of the work you do in the community.
I am a member of the Let’s Go Group which is a non-profit organization. We provide community outreach for the city of Detroit. Our initiatives include providing food and clothing to the less fortunate.
What is your gift to the world?
My gift to the world is the fact that I am living proof it is possible to overcome life’s obstacles, even those we create for ourselves. Despite what “your” change is, I am proof that no matter what the situation — all things are possible. Prayer and determination will get your life on the right track when everything seems impossible.
Where can our readers find you?
Glow Clothing 18212 W. 10 Mile, Southfield, Michigan, or at www.glowclothingstore.com
Where can our readers find you on social media?
Faunamsdetroit, GlowUpClothing
