Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAngela Napier.
DeAngela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It comes as no surprise to those who know me that my professional background, while extensive, isn’t traditional. I spent my formative years traveling the world with my family as an Army brat. It was the norm to meet new people, experience new things, and embrace change.
After college, I settled down in one of the fastest moving cities in the world, New York City. They say you can call yourself a New Yorker after you have lived there for at least ten years. I was there for 26. While in the big apple, I worked in the music industry (Arista Records, Epic Records, Sony Music), the print industry (Seventeen Magazine, New York Press), and in higher education (Columbia University). My work included writing, producing events, editing, and working as a branding and sales executive. I also found time to sing in a band, produce shows, explore my love of photography, and go back to school to earn my MBA. The beauty of living and working in such a diverse city is that there are no boxes. I believe you truly can explore and experience almost anything if you have ambition and hustle. My time in New York gave me the freedom to explore all my God-given talents. I eventually realized that the invisible thread that ties it all together is that I am a producer.
In 1995 I happened to have been in the right place at the right time. I was working at Epic Records and our number one artist, Michael Jackson, wanted a customized DVD produced for his HIStory Part I box set. At that time, this was new technology and no one in our company yet knew the ins and outs of producing one. My boss sent me for some training and before I knew it, I was receiving my first production credit as Post Production Supervisor on this amazing once in a lifetime project.
That led me to the realization that I could step out on my own and become the entrepreneur I always wanted to be. The Napier Network was founded on the principle of loving what you do. I don’t believe in boxes, limitations, or single streams of income.
Although I consider myself a New Yorker, I started out as a Georgia peach. I was born in Valdosta, GA but moved away at an early age. Life has a way of bringing you full circle and five years ago, I moved back to the South to be closer to my family.
The concept of the Napier Network is fluid. It represents the things that I personally excel at such as producing, photography, editing, organizing and coaching but it has come to also represent a network of creative professionals in New York, Atlanta, Miami, Indianapolis, and Paris, who support and encourage each other and often collaborate on projects together.
The Napier Network is a business accelerator and support network. Our goal for 2020, as our society leans more toward remote working, is to find ways to grow the network Atlanta area. Our motto is LOVE WHAT YOU DO OR GET BUSY DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Entrepreneurship is never a smooth road. It’s crucial to embrace change. Since I started my company, I have had many ups and downs. One of the most challenging times was in 2001 9/11, my business was at its best. But after that, everything drastically changed. People were scared and projects dried up to the point where I had to find full-time work.
Although it took a very long time to get back to working for myself full time, I always kept my virtual doors open and worked on projects when I could.
The Napier Network – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Napier Network is a virtual business entourage and creative network.
Our network of members consists of producers, filmmakers, editors, social media influencers, graphic designers, videographers, photographers, and more.
We don’t believe in boxes, limitations, or single streams of income. Our members believe in constant growth, exploring their talents, and loving what they do.
We work with clients that may need a little or a lot of assistance with a variety of tasks or projects. Perhaps you are dreaming of starting a business, are in business but need help setting up your website, establishing a digital management protocol, or need content created for social media pages. Or perhaps just need someone to brainstorm with or have a regular accountability partner.
For our clients, we are their virtual dream and business entourage. We start each project with the goal of clearing their path so they can focus on the growth of their business.
I am most proud of the fact that the fluidity of our network allows our members to constantly reinvent themselves and know they will be supported along the way. Our clients benefit from working with open-minded individuals who are not afraid to learn new things and master new skills.
What sets us apart from others is that we are not just dreamers, teachers or coaches, we are doers. We can tell you how to do something, show you how to do it, or in most cases even do it for you.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is measured in moments. It’s great to have the big win, the accolades, and awards. However, I’ve learned to check in with myself and others to see how we are doing and feeling on a moment by moment basis. If you can end each day, each task, each project feeling that you have given your all and feel good about what you have done, that is success to me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4922 Bill Gardner Pkway #114
Locust Grove, GA 30248 - Website: www.thenapiernetwork.com
- Phone: 917-397-4449
- Email: info@thenapiernetwork.com
- Instagram: @deangelanapier
- Facebook: @deangelanapier
- Twitter: @deangelanapier
Image Credit:
Profile image by Eddie Flowers. All other images by DeAngela Napier
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