An Interview With Eden Gold
Strategic — They turn anything into money. They come up with trends to capture their potential customers.
In a world rapidly changing through technology, societal norms, and global challenges, a new generation of leaders is emerging. Ambitious young adults are not just aiming for traditional markers of success; they are redefining what it means to be successful. Beyond the corporate ladder and financial milestones, they prioritize impact, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. They are entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and artists who are shaping the future with innovative ideas and actions. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Delphine Nephtalie Dauphin.
Delphine Nephtalie Dauphin is a 14-year-old youth-preneur, high-end Pop-up bakery owner, inspirational speaker, beginner pianist, ballet dancer, philanthropist and 2 times published author. Delphine added author under her little belt when she self-published “I am a kid-trepreneur” a business guideline for kids by a kid at the age of 8. She conducted a 3- part series of business workshops for (FANM) the Haitian Women of Miami Summer camp program. Delphine’s story was picked up by Newsela, a learning platform used by Schools in the Nations. Delphine is a Woman Empowerment Nominee and a Miami Book Fair Presenting Author. She has volunteered by donating her time and talent to several nonprofit organizations. She has participated as a keynote speaker at several kids’ events including the Delta Sigma Theta Children Festival, Urgent Inc., The City of Miramar New Year’s Eve Children Ball Drop, Miami Book Fair, and The Miami Beach 5K Run. Delphine served as School News Broadcaster for Nova Elementary School. She has baked free cupcakes, fed the homeless, collected funds and supplies for underprivileged kids. Delphine has donated to the Haiti and Puerto Rico relief. With all these accomplishments, Delphine has a well-balanced lifestyle and has educationally performed above 95% of her peers through national testing. Delphine was recognized by the City of Miami Gardens issued by Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis. In 2018, Delphine was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by 360 Evolution Academy. At the age of 13 Delphine became a College Freshman. On March 2024, Delphine has won 3 Superior awards by Le Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride for Déclamation, Piece and Chance aux Chansons Compétitions.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about how youth are redefining success, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I always wanted to start a business. What I needed was someone to convince my Mom to let me start because I was only 7 years old. A great Saturday morning my Mom took me to a financial workshop which changed my life for the better. That same day my mother agreed to let me start my own business and Joy’s Yummy Cupcakes by Delphine was born.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
When I was 8 years old I was the guest of honor at an event but upon check in at the VIP Line I was redirected to the kids line by security because the line that I was in was for authors and guest speakers only. Finding it hard to believe that an 8-year-old can be a published author. I made several attempts to assure them that I was in the right place but I was rudely disregarded. Finally, I took my book from my bag and showed them that I was who I stated. Upon checking in the system and my face matching the picture on the book they realized the error of their ways and apologized. They quickly escorted me to the author’s reception hall.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Ambitious — kind — confident
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about how ambitious young adults are redefining success. How would you define success?
Success is the power of what you have done. Your moments that you minimize, the downplay of your accomplishments, your doubted negative label of your craft all contribute to your success. Don’t turn your diamond into a rock. Just shine!
How do you incorporate social responsibility and sustainability into your definition of success?
- Promote Charitable acts (practices) — Being in the position to give is a blessing that can’t be explained. That’s how powerful it is. The kindness you show to others rubs back at every level of your life.
- Brand awareness: Creating a brand that speaks in the heart of your audience goes far beyond the colors. Your brand must reflect who you are personally and professionally.
- Volunteers always get paid when they help in my business.
Can you describe a moment or decision that significantly redirected your path toward leadership?
I went from “the cupcake girl” to DelphineCEO. One of my mentors asked me a very important question when I was about 9 years old and I am so grateful he did. The question was “ What is the plan when the cuteness fades?” I didn’t have an answer for him but I went straight to rebranding. I worked hard to change the idea of being the cute kid who sells cupcakes to a real entrepreneur. I birthed DelphineCEO which becomes the umbrella for everything else I want to share with the world.
What role do mentorship and community play in shaping your approach to leadership and success?
Kenasha & Ernisha & Michael Sellinger
There are 3 people apart from my mother who play a significant role in regards to mentorship.
My very first meeting boardroom meeting was with Ms. Kenosha and Ms. Ernesha. It was so impactful because my business was new and they treated it like it was a multi-million dollar company. They treated me with the utmost respect and paid attention to how I wanted to conduct my business. At that moment I knew I had something worth pursuing.
Mr. Michael Sellinger gave the harsh truth that I didn’t want to hear but truly needed. There were times that I didn’t want to take his calls because I couldn’t handle it. It was a good reality check. I was playing the field. I wanted people to look at me as a real business but didn’t want to follow the preparations needed for the future of my business. He didn’t just check me, he also gave me the tools to succeed. A lot of schooling, a lot of mentoring, I was on his calendar at least once a week.
In what ways do you think your generation’s view of success differs from previous generations?
Previously it was a Cookie-Cutter type of success, solid career.
With Technology, You can be successful by making education primordial, you can be successful by making business a priority, you can be successful by making “a fun time” on and off social media. Before you had to choose but now you don’t have to choose.
Perfect examples: Fantasia, Gary Vee, Charli D’Amelio.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success?”
- They are creators — Before they had to be employees starting from the bottom but now they create and own their jobs.
- CEO — They acquire knowledge from their positions, start making appearances to be known outside of their company which in terms turn to extra pay with no fear of showing their rawness.
- Earth Conscious — They care more about the environment and they voice their opinions.
- Strategic — They turn anything into money. They come up with trends to capture their potential customers.
- Changemakers: They are the fearless leaders in Politics, cancel culture, protests and awareness (mental illness). They are Accountability enforcers.
How do you navigate the challenges of innovation and change while staying true to your values and vision for success?
Morality: Morals must be in check. Personal time of reflection and meditation. Nonconformism. Individualism. Great inner circle who knows who you are and that will check you if you get out of character. That’s why in the bible it states that you must be equally yoked and to me that includes your inner circle.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I am working on that now, and I would like people to stay connected to me to learn more about it. A positive community. Something that resembles my home. There is no negativity in my home. My mother never wants anyone to say anything negative in her home. That’s the way it has always been since I was a baby. And it always feels good to be home, and I am also always ready for the outside world because I know not every place is toxic. Young Leaders Galaxy will be that movement.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Youtube: DelphineCEO
IG/TikTok: DelphineCEO
Facebook: Joysyummycupcakes
LinkedIn: Delphine Nephtalie Dauphin
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
Future Leaders: Delphine Nephtalie Dauphin On How Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.