We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than to celebrate a female CEO who started one of Nashville’s earth friendliest companies. Deena Drummond, CEO of Roux Maison, always knew she wanted to be a lawyer. In fact, her first experience writing contracts came at the young age of 6, when she bargained with her little sister using a contract she made up. But as life has it, her career took a new turn when she realized her yoga pants kept getting ruined in the wash. She wanted to know why. After much research and labor, she rolled out her line of eco-friendly laundry detergents under the label of Roux Maison. Roux Maison products are manufactured and distributed in Nashville. With Deena at the helm, she has created products that will save your clothes and save you money. What we love about her products is they smell so heavenly, all without harsh chemicals. It is with great pleasure, we introduce to you one of Nashville’s most savvy CEO’s, Deena Drummond.
Where did you grow up?
Monroe, Louisiana. The heart of the Delta.
When and why did you move to Nashville?
I came to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt. After graduation, I left to go to law school and returned to Nashville after graduation. I’ve been here ever since and I love it.
Please tell us how you became the CEO of Roux Maison?
I started the company about 3 years ago. So, I instantly became everything from the janitor up to the CEO!
Is it difficult convincing retailers about the merits of caring eco-friendly products? Most retailers we deal with already have some level of interest of their own and from their customer base about eco-friendly products. The bigger issue is helping them understand that eco-friendly products can perform at the same levels they are accustomed to with conventional products.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t make things harder than they need to be.
From our understanding, Tennessee gets low scores when it comes to hiring women as CEO’s of companies. Can you share your thoughts with us about your personal experiences climbing the corporate ladder?
One of my earliest memories as a new lawyer was being asked whose secretary I was! Some bias certainly seems to persist. It definitely takes a lot of experience, hard work, perseverance, thick skin and more perseverance.
Do you have any irrational fears?
There are too many to count now that I have a new baby.
What books can be found on your bedside table?
A giant pile of magazines dating back too far to admit and Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Spend time with my husband and my baby.
Event most looking forward to attending in May/June?
A family wedding at the beach.
What is your “must-have” purchase for spring/summer 2012?
Diapers.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Nashville?
I have so many! City House, Margot for brunch, sushi at Sushi Yobi
Favorite vacation spot?
Usually the next one I’m going to visit, but definitely Paris.
Do you have a playlist for a dinner party or a great workout that you can share with our readers?
My husband is usually the DJ and he always makes great, eclectic playlists. Lately, they have all included a lot of 70’s soft rock which seems to really soothe my baby for some weird reason.
Name three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God):
- My dogs, who are family
- Laughter
- Chocolate and red wine – can those count as one?
For more information about Roux Maison laundry products, click here.
Thanks to Ashley Hylbert for her beautiful pictures here each week on the Faces of Nashville. For more on this weeks shoot, see Ashley’s blog at: https://www.ashleyhylbert.com/blog/deena-drummond
