Today we’d like to introduce you to Donesha Winters.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the oldest of 5 and also a first-generation college student, as my parents did not even finish high-school. I received my undergraduate degree in Business Management at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014, and I received my Masters of Business Administration from Texas Southern University in 2017.
I first became interested in personal management back in undergrad in 2012 when I realized that I knew so many talented people who lacked recognition. I knew that I wanted to be in the best position possible to provide opportunities and mold those who may not have the connections nor know which path to take. I got the idea for my company in 2015, but I was just starting graduate school so I knew I wouldn’t have the time to put in the work needed.
I started to practice managing brands with my creative friends while in school to see if this is something I can do and if I am passionate about it. Once I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do, I completely rebranded myself for two years before launching my company to the world in January 2018.
Since the launch of my company, I have had over 50 different short-term and long-term clients. To enhance my brand, even more, I created and designed merchandise for aspiring and current CEO and entrepreneurs called, “Be C.E.O Collective” whose purpose is to encourage creatives to remain Confident, Educated, and Outspoken during their journey, in which, I launched in March 2018.
Since then, I have sold almost 100 items around the U.S. After graduate school in May 2017, I received an opportunity to intern in Los Angeles, CA for the summer of 2017. I applied to a program called “HBCU’s in LA” back in October 2016 which provides an opportunity for HBCU students who want to work in the Entertainment industry.
They offered free housing and also the internships were paid, so it was perfect! I was 1 of 9 chosen out of over 750 applicants to intern for very reputable companies in Hollywood. I was chosen to work specifically at a Public Relations agency in Hollywood called ID Public Relations. I was interning for a little over a month and was offered a full-time position as Assistant to the CEO/Founder of the company so of course, I decided to stay. I worked with high-profile clients such as Serena Williams, Ben Stiller, Janelle Monae, etc.
After working there for some time, I got a job at Turner Broadcasting working specifically for TNT and TBS in their PR department. I decided to move back to Houston in August 2018 once I realized that my business was growing and the majority of my clientele resided in Houston. I care about my business more than anything, so I left LA behind to really focus on my clients and brands 100%.
Since then, business has been amazing. I have been getting more reputable clients and opportunities and even had one of my artist open up for 2 Chainz, Yella Beezy and Lil within my first month moving back.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road especially since I have been taking care of myself financially since I was 17 years old. I cannot call on my parents for when I do have money and also being the oldest of 5 is automatic pressure to do good and serve as a role model to my younger siblings. I have been homeless at least three times in undergraduate and lost jobs and opportunities due to personal and family issues.
I do tend to use my downfalls as motivation to grind harder and be the best businesswoman I can be. Also, knowing that my family do not have much, I have had to sacrifice many things to make sure they are good, but I definitely do not regret it as it has molded me into the strong, independent and passionate woman I am today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Don Mgmt story. Tell us more about the business.
The Don Mgmt is an Entertainment and Media boutique management firm representing Artists, Brands and Social Influencers with a specialization in digital branding. My digital branding services includes: Brand Analysis, Social Media Marketing Plans, Social Media Content Calendars, Content Creation, Website Creation, Business Plans and Media Relations.
I am most proud that my business has not even been open for one year and the amount of clients and business I have received has been way more than expected and once I created the merchandise, the amount of support has been overwhelming. I have done so much in so little time, and most of the time I do not realize it and always think I should and can do more.
I am learning to enjoy the now and reflect on how far I have come. I think my passion and drive sets me apart. I consider myself a savage because anything I want, I get at any means; I never let myself down. I deal with my downfalls differently by not letting them affect me and viewing them as motivation to go harder and keep pushing.
I am very spiritual and truly believe that God is directing my steps and I am just following his lead.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe my industry is one that will never die, but it definitely is changing. When I worked at ID Public Relations, Hollywood was experiencing a major shift due to all the sexual assault allegations and the #MeToo movement. I do believe Hollywood is getting to the point of correctly recognizing the importance and benefit of diversity.
Diversity shall soon become normalized and not even considered a term and more women will hold executive leader roles. Also, with the enhancement of social media, the branding opportunities have become endless.
Pricing:
- Be CEO Collective Shirt: starting at $20
- Be CEO Collective Mug: $10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedonmgmt.com
- Email: donesha@thedonmgmt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donesha_j/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thedonmgmt/
Image Credit:
Mia Mitchell
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