Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Design and Textiles, 2007, WSU Pullman
Owner and CEO The DIfference
Q: How long have you owned The Difference, Inc.?
A: I’ve been owner and CEO for two years, and previously served as director of business development and buyer for four years.
Q: What inspired you to join, then own, The Difference?
A: After studying apparel design at WSU Pullman, I was inspired to work in the styling arena of fashion to help women dress confidently, artfully and use fashion as a tool for daily joy. I’ve been a fashion stylist for 20 years and connected deeply with The Difference Inc.’s core values of connection, personalized service and helping women lead better lives.
Q: Tell us about The Difference’s mission, goals and community involvement.
A: We believe in the power of personal style. The confidence that radiates when you feel comfortable, authentic and joyful in your wardrobe is a force! Our goal is to elevate women and make dressing efficient and effortless through expert styling. We also build community through in-store events and online connection.
We host interns from Cascadia Tech and Vancouver Public Schools to support future fashion and retail talent. We feature local artists during First Friday events, support the vibrancy of downtown through VDA volunteer work, donate to nonprofits and provide clothing for women in transitional housing. Earlier this year, I even dressed as Dolly Parton and sang at a fundraiser for Share—and together, we raised more than $30,000. It was incredibly rewarding to see our community’s generosity!
Q: What has been a favorite or memorable moment in your career as a business owner?
A: There are so many—client and staff interactions fill my days with meaning. If I had to pick one, it would be our very first First Friday event in late 2021. Seeing joyful interactions around art, fashion and connection confirmed how important it is for me to help create spaces where people come together.
Q: What is your favorite thing about WSU or being part of the Cougar community?
A: WSU continues evolving to provide opportunities and build community partnerships. The education is top-tier. Dancing to ’80s music at Valhalla with everyone singing along is also a core memory!
Q: Tell us about the Cougs in your family.
A: I grew up in Pullman, where my mom was a professor for 32 years. I’m the only Coug graduate, though. The rest of my family graduated from Montana Tech.
Q: How long have you lived in the Vancouver area, and what brought you here?
A: I moved to Vancouver in 2007 after graduating college. I was drawn to the trees, mountains, creative scene in Portland and the blend of small-town feel with big-city resources.
Q: Why did you choose WSU?
A: I knew I wanted to study fashion design, and WSU was the perfect fit—plus, I could continue working at Dissmore’s IGA and keep expenses low while getting a fantastic education in my hometown.
Q: What is the most unexpected place you’ve heard a “Go Cougs”?
A: Australia! I ran into a group watching Cougar football while traveling.
Q: What’s the best contact information for alumni to connect with The Difference?
A: Email me at daron@thedifferencepdx.com.
Kudos! Deonier-Clemons was recently recognized as an Accomplished and Under 40 honoree by the Vancouver Business Journal and received the Small Business & Leadership Award from the Greater Vancouver Chamber. At WSU, she earned top honors for her work in apparel design, including Best in Show at the Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show and selection for an international juried textile exhibit.