Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Reid.
Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After being in the marketing and advertising industry for almost 15 years, I launched DR and Associates, Marketing and Communications Agency. Although I had always dabbled in part-time entrepreneurship, I knew that there was more in store for me to make a greater impact. We recently celebrated our second year in business as a full-service agency, and since our founding have been able to help more than 300 entrepreneurs and brands with everything dealing with marketing from brand and website development to marketing campaign strategy, implementation and management. Personally, I have come out of my shell and stepped from behind the curtains to make a greater impact, not afraid to tell my story to impact someone else’s business or personal life. Standing apart from the competition, I’ve been tapped to work on marketing projects for some of the world’s largest brands and also to provide insight and trainings at various industry conferences to world leaders which allows me to continue to expand my brand to business leaders while still serving small business owners.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! My favorite quote is, “it’s not luck, it’s hard work!” As an entrepreneur, especially as a woman of color, I’ve experienced both bias and racism from many in my industry since it is primarily white male-dominated. Even though I have more experience than many other agency leaders and many internal business leaders, I still experience the same lack of consideration and credit as black creatives that are usually are overlooked for many projects and/or have our work taken and used without permission. You have many firms that state they are diverse and specialize in diversity marketing but don’t have a diverse staff. You also have brands that say that they want to utilize diverse creatives but don’t consider smaller firms such as mine. Regardless of the “no’s” that I have received, I keep pushing forward because I know that the RIGHT client will see the value in my firm and the quality of service that I provide.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I founded DR and Associates after hitting the glass ceiling in my career as a senior manager. I knew that I could make a greater impact with my skills and experience, knowing that there are not many out there in my field with the experience that I hold. We are an award-winning marketing and communications agency that serves clients both in the US and abroad. With over 50 years of experience on hand, we serve clients ranging from entrepreneurs as a direct resource to Fortune 500 and corporations as a trusted partner and agency of record. Unlike some other “experts” that have popped up in the industry, we don’t believe in selling our clients products or services that won’t provide a return on investment, and also pride ourselves on providing REAL RESULTS FOR REAL PEOPLE. Our ultimate goal is the success of our clients whether if they are looking to only create an additional stream of income through part-time entrepreneurship or are looking to increase their overall profits to grow a successful brand that can make an impact with consumers.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t call it luck at all, I would say it’s surrounding myself with the right people and turning losses into lessons. I’ve had people who have done wrong to me, both professionally and personally, and it just made me more aware and exclusive. It made me move differently in situations and to not budge on my policies or price. I’ve been in the right places and learned to surround myself with people who truly value and appreciate me.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@drandassociates.com
- Website: www.drandassociates.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdaniellereid and www.instagram.com/drandassociates
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamdaniellereid and www.facebook.com/drandassociates
Image Credits:
Photo Credits: Bodied by Bre (first photo of client Royce Morgan)
