Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Boone.
Hi Deanna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always considered myself creative, spontaneous, full of life and energy and dedication. That is the core of how I even got started in the marketing and event industry. I was introduced to marketing in high school when I took an entrepreneurship class and had to come up with my own business idea and write a plan on it. The marketing portion was where I honestly had the most fun because of what it provoked out of me. Ironic enough, it was a business within the hospitality and entertainment industry (the industry that encompasses about 40% of my business today). Looking back, I’ve noticed how involved in marketing events and parties I actually was in the midst of my transition from high school to the end of my undergrad years. I now have my B.S. in Marketing from Claflin University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude and my MBA from Villanova University.
My journey wasn’t the easiest. I moved out of my comfort zone to a new city (Philly is now my 2nd home) post-undergrad and I soon realized I was telling myself to stay on a course that I knew deep down wasn’t meant for me. I knew a corporate setting wasn’t something that made me happy. I knew certain industries that I was telling myself to stay in just for stability wasn’t what I needed. The top trait I love about myself is my ability decipher what’s good for my soul & spirit and what isn’t and knowing even the times I don’t listen, that the universe will align in my favor. Those lay-offs, being let go, being told no led me to first begin a side hustle of helping friends start businesses, build online presence, and showcase/market events in the city whilst creating my own events. More of those then forced me to turn my side hustle of helping businesses build the brand, event, presence they deserve into my full-time agency & brand. The power of connections and networking intertwined with my motivated and personable nature TRULY helped make my presence known in Philadelphia.
Kai Branding was born to create memorable brands and presence for small remarkable businesses and events. My why is my family. My reason is my family. My sister was my biggest role model and she transitioned when I was younger. Kai is her middle name and I knew that embodying her energy would lead me to never give up and never play small, hence naming my agency after her.
As for many entrepreneurs, the pandemic hit me hard. In my true fiery nature which is always aligned with my late sister’s fiery energy, giving up wasn’t an option. What did I do? I followed my intuition and moved to another city (Hello, ATL) to do it all over again. “It” exactly being showing up as my highest self and fulfilling my dreams and helping others with fulfilling theirs. I now provide marketing and event services for clients local in ATL while still creating back in my second home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was let go from the opportunity that brought me to a new city four months after moving. I was unemployed for months, but knew what was meant for me, will be for me. That’s it. I landed a new opportunity (that came from a blessing in disguise) which gave me the stability I needed at that time and assisted me when it became time for me to start my side hustle. I transitioned to another company after a couple of years and in the midst of that transition, I noticed my “side hustle” was steadily growing and something in me just knew it was almost that time. Not too long after, I was laid off from the new company and I took that as my opportunity to pour my all into my business.
We’ve been impressed with Kai Brand Management, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
KBM is a marketing consulting and event marketing company that specializes in helping small businesses build the brand and presence they want and deserve. My specialties include business planning, digital marketing consulting, social media marketing & management, event marketing and management, and event curation. I work remote/virtually and also in-person in Atlanta & Philadelphia.
What sets me apart is my use of empathy combined with my expert knowledge of online marketing and relating/engaging with people allows me to strategically build strong brands and memorable events. I want your readers to know that my goal is to showcase the best YOU and provide you and your consumers with an experience that’ll boost confidence, presence, and more.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I can be reached on my social media platforms @kaibrandmanagement/@iam_deeplug or my website at www.kaibrandmanagement.com or my email at info@kaibrandmanagement.com for work and collaboration and support.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@kaibrandmanagement.com
- Website: www.kaibrandmanagement.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaibrandmanagement
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaibrandmanagement
