Today we’d like to introduce you to Dasha Ware.
Hi Dasha , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Some stories don’t begin with a spotlight — they begin with a quiet decision, a risk, or a moment of faith that shifts your entire life. My story starts in 2005, standing in the hallways of Full Sail University with a deep love for music and a big vision to one day lead in this industry—having no idea that the next two decades would carry me into studios, across stages, into boardrooms and universities, and into the lives of hundreds of young creators.
The Beginning: A Door I Didn’t Expect
I graduated from Full Sail with a degree in Recording Arts and transferred to The Art Institute of Atlanta to pursue my bachelor’s in Audio Production. At the time, I imagined myself behind the boards, engineering records that would shape a generation.
But destiny had different plans.
While in school, I applied for an audio engineering internship at Patchwerk Recording Studios — one of the most iconic studios in Atlanta. They didn’t have openings in engineering. The only internship available was in marketing. I didn’t know anything about marketing, but something in my spirit told me to take it.
That one “yes” changed the entire trajectory of my life.
I interned for a full year and quickly became a leader in Patchwerk’s marketing intern department, discovering I had a natural gift for artist development, branding, and understanding the psychology behind creative careers. Somewhere between the late nights, artist rollouts, and the rhythm of the studio, I realized something important: I didn’t just understand the music. I understood the people who made it.
Finding My Voice in Atlanta’s Music Scene
Between 2005 and 2008, I dove deeper into Atlanta’s blossoming music culture. By 2007, I found myself working as marketing manager alongside the pioneers of the snap era — Shawty Lo, Crime Mob, Mac Bre-z, and D4L. What started as simple tasks quickly evolved into real responsibility. Those were the years that taught me hustle, strategy, and the real inner workings of an industry built on passion and pressure.
But one moment changed everything.
The Magazine Pitch That Opened a New Door
While still in school, I created a magazine that blended music and business — a concept ahead of its time. For the first cover, I had a bold vision: Gucci Mane in a suit, representing the professionalism behind the culture. I pitched the idea to his manager at the time, Debra Antney. She loved it.
At the photo shoot, Deb watched how I led, organized, and operated. By the end, she asked me the question that altered my life again:
“Can you come work with me?”
She wanted help developing her new artist — OJ Da Juiceman — and that opportunity pulled me directly into the explosive world of Mizay Entertainment.
Mizay: The Fire That Forged Me
At Mizay, I found myself making history. I worked closely with superstars who would go on to define an era: Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, French Montana, Waka Flocka Flame, and more.
I became Nicki Minaj’s project manager and even supported her during the creation of the “Beam Me Up Scotty” mixtape. Those were years of wearing every hat — project manager, strategist, assistant, coordinator — because when you’re building icons, there’s no such thing as job descriptions.
Those experiences sharpened every skill that would later define my career.
Building My Own Empire
In 2011–2012, after pouring my talent into so many successful brands, I decided it was time to build my own. That’s when I founded The Rising Star Group (RSG Agency (RSGA) — now approaching its 15-year anniversary in March 2026.
We focused on artist development, digital marketing, and taking artists from their early stages to the crossover points in their careers. We became known for our results, and we never had to advertise — clients came solely through referrals and proven success.
In 2023 and again in 2024, RSGA received Honorable Mention for “Best of Georgia – Digital Marketing Firm” by the Georgia Business Journal, and we’re currently nominated for 2025.
A New Chapter: Expanding Into Music Distribution
In 2017, I began exploring music distribution through a strategic partnership with STEM. From 2017 to 2019, we distributed 120+ records and 60+ albums, amassing more than 11 million catalog streams. I worked with artists such as Gucci Mane, Lil Keed, Yella Beezy, Money Man, 2 Chainz, Blac Youngsta, and countless independent talents.
It was a new lane — and one that deepened my influence in the digital era.
When Passion Meets Purpose: Becoming an Educator
In late 2019, I felt called to pour into the next generation. I joined SAE Institute in Atlanta as an instructor, teaching more than 500 students, with over 60% making the Dean’s List. I didn’t just teach; I mentored, guided, and built real-world curriculum for young creators trying to find their voice.
Shortly after, I became Chief Marketing Officer and then Executive Board Member of the National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NCEG), a non-profit tied to Georgia State University. NCEG aims to become the “NCAA of the Music Industry” — a student-led, industry-backed ecosystem for aspiring music creatives.
Leadership Beyond Music
My love for developing talent extended into the sports world. In 2020, I co-founded D&D Management and Consulting, with managing partner, Dean Little, managing musicians and supporting athletes with school placement, talent development, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal negotiations.
In 2023, I expanded my impact globally as an philanthropist as Executive Board Member of the African Women Mobilization Commission, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and children across the diaspora through leadership development, philanthropy, advocacy, cultural programming, and training in the US and Nigeria, Africa.
The Rise of the Author
In 2021, I stepped into the world of publishing with two Amazon best-selling titles:
Smart Artists Don’t Starve
The Smart Artist Release
These books helped independent artists understand how to create, release, and monetize their music effectively.
This journey is only beginning.
Upcoming releases include:
Industry Mindset (2025)
Industry Ready (2025)
Music’s Hidden Heroes Series (2026) — introducing youth ages 10+ to the music industry in a fun, educational way
By 2025 alone, I directed youth programs with Patchwerk Recording Studios that led me to reach over 500+ young creatives ages 9 –27, teaching music, production, business, entrepreneurship, and creative development.
Recognition & Legacy
My work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Highlights include:
Top 5 Social Media Influencers in Atlanta (2014)
Top 100 Branding Expert on Twitter (named by Evan Carmichael, Forbes “World’s Top 40 Social Marketing Talent”)
Founder Rising Star Award nomination (2015)
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2016)
Business Elite “40 Under 40” honoree (2024)
Best of Georgia “Honorable Mention” – Digital Marketing Firm (2023, 2024, nominated 2025)
Each recognition represents a chapter of resilience, innovation, and purpose.
Still Writing the Story
My journey is a testament to this truth:
Sometimes the blessing is in the door you didn’t plan to walk through.
Sometimes the opportunity you didn’t expect becomes the moment that changes your destiny.
And sometimes all you need is one “yes” — and the courage to follow it.
Twenty years later, I’m still here — growing, leading, building, and helping others rise.
And the story?
I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not — and I wouldn’t change a thing. My journey has been anything but smooth, but every challenge shaped me into the woman, leader, and visionary I am today.
Coming into the music industry at 19 years old, I had to learn everything through experience. There was no blueprint, no mentor walking me through the process. I was navigating a male-dominated industry where I had to constantly prove my value, work twice as hard, and earn respect through performance, not titles.
There were moments where I worked for free just to gain experience. There were seasons where I was overlooked, underestimated, and counted out. I had to fight imposter syndrome, learn how to protect my energy, and develop thick skin in environments that weren’t always kind to women — especially young ones.
Financially, the early years were tough. Between school, internships, and building my name, I sacrificed a lot. There were many times I questioned if I should quit, but something in me wouldn’t allow it. Purpose kept pulling me forward.
Another struggle was balancing creativity with survival. The music industry doesn’t come with stability. I had to build that stability myself — brick by brick — through education, relationships, and staying committed to excellence even when no one was watching.
And once I started rising, the challenges changed. Leadership comes with responsibility. Running an agency, building teams, managing clients, teaching students, supporting youth, and developing artists required emotional, mental, and spiritual capacity. I’ve had to rebuild myself many times, evolve constantly, and learn how to lead with both strength and grace.
But perhaps the biggest challenge was learning to trust my own voice. I spent years helping others build their dreams while fighting for the courage to pursue my own. It took time for me to step confidently into my purpose as a leader, educator, and builder of systems.
Through all of it — the long nights, the setbacks, the no’s, the sacrifices, the uncertainties — I discovered my resilience. My struggles didn’t break me. They refined me. They prepared me for the rooms I walk into today and the generations I’m called to impact.
So no, it wasn’t a smooth road. But it was the right road. And every bump, every lesson, every moment of pressure created the foundation I stand on now.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
RSG Agency, subsidiary of The Rising Star Group LLC, is the company I built to develop artists, creatives, and brands from the ground up in 2012, founded in 2006. We specialize in artist development, digital marketing, brand strategy, and music release rollouts, helping creatives turn raw talent into sustainable careers.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just promote artists — we build them. Our approach blends marketing, education, and development, giving our clients both the strategy and the structure they need to grow. We treat artists like startups, focusing on identity, brand positioning, content, and long-term success.
I’m most proud that RSGA has grown 100% through referrals and results. We’ve never run ads — our reputation, impact, and the success of our clients speak for us. Over the years, we’ve expanded into youth programs, collegiate partnerships, consulting, and publishing, while always staying committed to helping people rise through creativity.
RSGA offers:
Artist Development
Digital and Social Media Marketing
Music Rollout Planning
Content and Brand Strategy
Consulting and Creative Coaching
Youth and Collegiate Educational Programs
Above all, I want readers to know this: RSG Agency is where potential becomes purpose. We help artists and creators not just be seen — but be understood, positioned, and ready for the next level.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If I can provide any video link to my work see below: From my curated youth programs (I created the curriculums and taught business and entrepreneurship. (Brought to you by Grow Your World Inc. in collaboration with Patchwerk Recording Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/DQcsQrfj_vA/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRiSb6UADYG/
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rsga.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsga.io
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsgagency/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsgagency
- Twitter: https://x.com/rsga_io
Image Credits
Images credits: Simone R. Kilgore and Dasha Ware Location: Patchwerk Recording Studios Celebrity Guest: Grammy-winning Producer Troy Taylor
