Chandia DeFrantz

Founder/CEO

Vacaville, California, United StatesDirector10-15 years

Available for FreelanceOpen to New Opportunities

About

I never imagined that a waiting period would change the trajectory of my life. After earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Florida A&M University, an esteemed HBCU, I set my sights on law school. I took the LSAT and eagerly awaited responses from various institutions. To keep my mind occupied during the wait, I accepted an internship with Hope for Women Magazine as a fashion writing intern. What began as a temporary distraction became the catalyst for a life-altering decision. I was accepted into law school and moved to Los Angeles, but I couldn’t shake the passion I had discovered in storytelling, media, and creative direction. I continued working at Hope for Women Magazine while pursuing my legal studies, rising through the ranks to become the Creative Director. It was in this role that I shaped the magazine’s visual and editorial identity, directed high-profile covers, and established partnerships that broadened our reach. That experience opened the door to my next major step—I became the Senior Managing Editor at The Los Angeles Post, where I was entrusted with my own self-titled column, The Dia Diaries. What started as a weekly feature quickly became a globally recognized brand. I built a team of journalists, industry insiders, and creatives, covering exclusive events in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Milan, and Paris. It was storytelling on a global stage, and I embraced every moment of it. Then came the pivot—from editorial to tech. I took on a role as a Senior Copywriter at Walmart Global E-Commerce, crafting compelling copy across diverse categories, from product descriptions and buying guides to seasonal campaigns. Over my eight-year tenure, I honed my ability to blend creativity with commerce, shaping consumer experiences at an unprecedented scale. But life has a way of pushing us toward our true purpose. A company-wide reorganization led to my position being eliminated. At the same time, I was undergoing an emotionally and physically taxing IVF journey in hopes of expanding my family. I faced two devastating losses—one professional, one deeply personal. But resilience is in my DNA. Amid my grief, I poured myself into a new venture—Rodeo & Wilshire, a luxury home décor brand inspired by my love for Parisian aesthetics. What began as a passion project evolved into a thriving business, with my first collection of dessert-inspired candles securing 12 retail placements and an online distribution deal with Walmart.com—a full-circle moment. In just one year, my financial advisor projected that my brand has the potential to grow into a multi-million-dollar enterprise within five years. And I’m just getting started. Through every pivot, challenge, and triumph, my story has been one of reinvention, perseverance, and the power of storytelling—whether through media, branding, or business. I am eager to bring my voice, vision, and creativity to the Cannes Lions Ambassador program and continue shaping narratives that inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impact.

Brands

Walmart Global eCommerce