Life & Work with Danielle (Dee) René of Washington, DC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle (Dee) René.

Danielle (Dee), we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sometimes I think I was born with a clipboard in my hand. Mentioning a clipboard probably tells you how long I’ve been doing this work. The clipboard has since evolved into a tablet, but the goal is still the same – crafting intentional experiences worth remembering. I’ve always loved experiences. There’s nothing sweeter, to me, than knowing you’ll get to go somewhere and have a good time with good people. It brings us together. Keeps us grounded. It gives us a moment of relief in a world that can be so hard.

I think we owe each other community. And community means showing up for these moments, these events, and connecting over shared interests and activities.

From senior prom to campus-wide events, employee conferences, to girls’ trips, and birthday parties, creative direction and event production have been sprinkled throughout my career and my personal life.

I started the same way most people start things: you think “someone should plan/organize/do” something, and realize that person should be you. I simply raised my hand to take the lead and haven’t lowered it since.

My career has taken on many forms. As a teacher, to a marketing/comms/ops pro, and now in user experience, every bit of professional experience I’ve had taught me how to interpret what people need, and how to deliver that to them. I find a lot of joy in crafting spaces that keep us tied to what matters most – each other.

Beyond creative direction and event production, I am also a romance writer, screenwriter, and mixed-media artist. I have also sat for my WSET Level 2 wine education certification and am waiting for the results. These storytelling, visual art, and commitment to deeper study of wine play an important part in the type of events I “‘m able to produce.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggle is burnout and the feast-and-famine nature of consulting. This job is taxing on the body and the mind. I’m constantly planning and tweaking systems, preparing for hypothetical issues and coordinating several spinning plates all at the same time. I love the rush, but I am mindful of the energy it takes to keep going as a mighty team of one. Client work ebbs and flows. There are times when finding new clients is challenging, and it can make you doubt your work and your viability in this industry. However, I understand that is the nature of the game. I express gratitude for the feasts and know that famines don’t last forever.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Now, I moonlight as an independent Creative Director outside of my full-time role. I consider myself an alchemist – turning emotions into experiences. Whatever you want your audience to feel, I create the vision for that experience and the strategy to ensure its success.

I host my own events, support Black and Queer womxn who want to bring their ideas to light, and venues that want to attract new customers with elevated experiences. My services continue to grow. I offer basic strategy calls to help you get started, day-of support, and a more hands-on, robust service to help you visualize an idea and execute it from concept through completion.

What am I known for? Creativity, ingenuity, and intentionality. Great decor, venues and a great crowds. Engagement activities. Facilitating conversations. Great strategy and operational planning. Events for Black Lesbian and Queer persons. The use of florals & wine as a signature.

What sets me apart? I approach events with guest interaction in mind. Whether that is a raffle prize you can only earn by talking to someone else, or activity stations or fun photo props, the goal of the event – no matter the theme – is to have guests walk away feeling like they remember not just the event, but the people they shared this experience with as well.

What are you most proud of? Every event that centers Black Lesbian and Queer people. Looking around the room at my community in this safe, intentional space brings me a lot of joy. I am proud that I’ve not only created those myself but also supported other Black Queer women in launching their dream events.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Feeding ducks with my grandfather after we got burgers and fries at this little place outside the city. In retrospect, I’m pretty sure you weren’t supposed to feed the ducks lol. But he’d sit back, watching me, encouraging my curiosity, and laughing at my antics. I’d find it very entertaining to watch the ducks waddle, swim, and grab up the food. He’s gone now. But I still go watch the ducks when I miss him, and sometimes it feels like he’s right there on the bench behind me, cheering me on, still.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daniellerene.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/deerene__
• Other: https://www.threads.com/@deerene__