Meet Danielle Rountree of Glamorous Gemz in East Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Rountree.

Danielle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am the CEO/Founder of Glamorous Gemz Inc. A youth mentoring program for young ladies 10-18 years of age. Aside from mentoring, I am a full-time mother of two, student, entrepreneur and employee. I will graduate this year with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration concentration in Project Management. In addition to Glamorous Gemz, I own another business by the name of Oh So Glamorous LLC which provides baskets and custom balloons for all special occasions. I grew up in a single family household in Virginia before moving to Atlanta at the age of six. When I was younger, I would always question why my mother had to raise me alone. With my mother being a single parent and working multiple jobs we moved around quite frequently. Regardless of what I experienced in life, I always wanted to help others feel good about themselves. I was the young lady that would do whatever I could to make someone else smile. Not having a father present left a huge void in my heart, resulting in me searching for love in all the wrong places.

Yes at the age of seventeen I became a statistic, pregnant out of wedlock, a child having a child. Giving birth at an early age brought on the desire of helping others with fewer resources succeed and accomplish their goals. Although I was eighteen when I had my daughter I was not going to let that prevent me from revealing my true purpose and passion in helping others. I longed to find a way to assist people, but more importantly, stop another young lady from trotting down the same path.

Which brings me to where I am today after consistent prayer; God granted me the vision to see my purpose. October 3, 2017, my purpose was fulfilled, Glamorous Gemz was founded. I’d become Danielle Rountree, the motivational speaker with my very own Non-Profit Organization. There weren’t any similar organizations when I was younger. I decided I would be the role model I once longed for. Female empowerment should be at an all-time high because self-esteem is at an all-time low. The passion for leading opposing to following is lukewarm. Children are easily influenced, and impressionable. It is my job as the leading mentor, to show young ladies their true self-worth. It’s been a life dream to create an organization of empowerment, reassurance, and self-recognition. I pride myself on being the Leading Gem that exudes positivity and encouragement. My mentees will be a reflection of the organization. The original goal was limited to only ten young ladies. We’ve since then doubled the number of participants. We currently have twenty-five active Gemz. With my daughters Anaya and Aaliya being the original Gemz, and most motivating factor. The Gemz are on the rise. I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for us! Let’s create the change; we want to see!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not been smooth at all, especially growing up in a broken home. Raising my first born with no experience in motherhood at all was very challenging. I am beyond thankful that my children’s father did not abandon his responsibilities, like most young men. As a teenage mother, I had to find my way and find it fast. I returned back to work when my daughter was only five weeks old, one of the scariest things I’ve experienced outside of labor. Later on, I discovered that as a mother there is not much room for error. I had to move strategically because I am now completely responsible for this new life. My maternal instincts cut on immediately.

Furthermore, not having a male role model in my life made me question the intent of all men. I did not realize the true value of self-love until about twenty-three years old when I had my second daughter (I know it took me a while right). I was older and more established when she was born I knew my purpose had to be fulfilled. I do not regret anything that has happened in my life. My obstacles/challenges made me into the person I am today, and I am not ashamed of my story; This is ME!

Please tell us about Glamorous Gemz Inc. story.
Glamorous Gemz (GG) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2017, whose focus is to mentor young ladies by offering guidance, motivation, and opportunities that will help them to reach their full potential. Glamorous Gemz is designed to close the opportunity gap by providing teen girls with resources to expand their opportunities and experiences. We want to introduce diversity in ethnic backgrounds, different social status, and avenues of life choices that may or may not have been introduced to our girls.

Our mission: To uplift, polish, and praise our female adolescents. To positively shape them into highly prized, and well-beloved Gems.

Our Vision: To encourage our young ladies to believe in themselves and strive for greatness. Every female was born to shine; it’s our job to make sure the light never dims.

Our Goal: To provide excellent academic, emotional mentor support where we hope to assist with empowerment and utilizing daily life skills and lessons.

Our Focus Areas
• Academics
• Empowerment
• Self-Love
• Life Skills

I am most proud of the impact the organization is making on our youth. Every time I hear one of the young ladies say they enjoy the program my heart melts. Not only does their voice mean a lot their actions prove that they are actually gaining knowledge and new insights about life. Glamorous Gemz sets the tone because we actually follow through on the commitments we make for these young ladies. A lot of organizations are just based on numbers or the clout from being a mentor program. At Glamorous Gemz we want to make sure all generational cycles are not repeated, and we want to make sure these girls are leading by example. They do not have to follow in the footsteps of anyone else they are entitled to be themselves.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
To be honest, I do not believe in luck. I believe in faith, grace, and blessings. I believe in Gods timing. God has a plan for all of us, and we will encounter good times along with bad times. However, life is what you make it. Some people tend to dwell in the past, where negatively lives. I prefer to speak life into situations, pray, and spread positivity. There is no such thing as bad luck. It just may not be your time! Detox the negative thoughts, surround yourself with motivated people, and pray daily. Be so consumed into positive things thinking that you laugh at the term “bad luck.” For you know, Luck is for the Irish. Faith, Determination, and Persistence are the main ingredients of an influential entrepreneur. My brand has been seasoned to perfection! Bon Appetite’.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Glamorousgemz.org
• Phone: 770-847-6748
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @glamorousgemz
• Facebook: Glamorous Gemz Inc.

Image Credit:
Shani Adia, Crystal Hughes Photography

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