Today we’d like to introduce you to Donalia “Oh Dolly” Jones.
Hi Donalia “Oh Dolly”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a very talented family of seven children, raised by a single mom who had a passion for music and arts. I was born in the boogie down Bronx and raised in Jersey City NJ, so you know I was raised around nothing but culture, entertainment, and creativity. I was introduced to acting in middle school, my teachers would always call me dramatic, so they showed me how to put my grand personality to use. This led to me participating in plays, short films, talent shows, and a dance group. I even won WBLS Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens Miss Hudson County pageant. I went from being a recurring extra in Orange is the New Black to booking roles on networks like Hulu and VH1. I also have a great ear for music of many genres. I’ve had opportunities to choreograph dances and cast actors for music videos which resulted in finding a newfound love for artist development. Promoting yourself in the entertainment industry isn’t easy. I got tired of going to auditions and not being light enough, skinny enough or not having enough followers on social media to be casted. It felt like I was being casted based on what’s trending instead of my talent. So, I decided I wanted to make a platform that would discover and promote raw talent, entrepreneurs, and passion driven creators. In 2018, I began OhDollyNetworks LLC.
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?
No journey that’s worth it is ever smooth, but a journey that’s passion-driven is worth every struggle. When you grow up in a big family the struggle is REAL! Instead of going to college for film like I wanted to, I went straight to work after high school. I hit some bumps in the road but by the time I turned twenty-five I was doing well for myself. I made decent money at Madison Square Garden, I lived alone, and my acting career had a steady flow. Once the pandemic hit, I lost everything. Losing my job, home, and my relationship of 13 years all in one day, I didn’t even realize I spiraled into a deep depression. Just the thought of starting over after working so hard to get where I was, made me nauseous. The pandemic was and still is a traumatic time for us all, but for some reason I feel like it gave me a chance to restart. The most precious thing it gave me was time. Time to rekindle friendships, I had more time to clear my mind, to heal and be grateful for what I do have. I was blessed with a team full of creatives that inspired and helped me put more focus on OhDollyNetworks, but still I felt like I needed to start over but this time somewhere else. So, I packed all my stuff in my suv and drove to Atlanta.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own a company called OhDollyNetworks. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like, I do the networking for you. OhDollyNetworks is a platform that discovers and promotes raw talent, entrepreneurs, and passion-driven creators. I offer many different services like Brand marketing, guidance consultations, Artist & small business development. I also offer in person one on one interviews and promotional packages that include access to billboards in places like Times Square Manhattan, Atlanta, GA and Hollywood, Florida. I have a catalogue of connections from production teams, Talent, event planners, Black own products & businesses and more. You bring the vision and I make it happen.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
An idea that has never been put on paper is just a figment of your imagination. If you have a passionate idea, write it out and make it plain, it does more justice than you think. Believe in what you’re doing and know that you can make a living off literally anything you put your mind to. Be consistent, if you can give social media, family, and friends your time, give yourself just as much time. Finally, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE HOW! If it is for you, God will make a way for it to happen.
Special thanks to Norma, Darryl, Naya (The Ninja Turtles) Boogie, Hoshi and My Mise for praying for me and keeping me grounded. I love you all so much.
Contact Info:
- Email: OhdollyNetworks@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohdollynetworks/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Ohdollyllc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_bhIbm6e74K0uXMtkbW7A
Image Credits
HoshiJoell PressureonlineMedia
