Today we’d like to introduce you to Davon Bagley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in the entertainment industry my senior year in undergrad at Bethune-Cookman College as an intern at Walt Disney’s World’s Magic Kingdom. Being in that position afforded me the opportunity to transition into a part-time job as security at BET Soundstage in Downtown Disney. I always knew that I wanted to work in entertainment as a teenager and I used to tell my friends that one day I would work with famous people. I wasn’t sure how I would get there but that was my dream. Who knew that “The Happiest Place on Earth,” was my ticket to my dream coming true?
I remember like it was yesterday, BET was coming back to Daytona Beach for their yearly spring break show, “Spring Bling” and they were looking for a Production Assistant for their hit show “Hits from the Streets.” I got a call from one of my colleagues at BET Soundstage who knew the Producer that was searching and she recommended me to him. I remember literally busting my behind to make a lasting impression on the team and standing in 100+ degree weather holding signs, directing the audience! I guess the statement holds true that you have to crawl before you walk. I was dedicated to even the smallest job and made sure that they would remember me when it was over. Because of my dedication to the job, I was called back to work other shows as a Production Assistant, which meant spending my last dime flying myself to different cities working for FREE but I was determined to do what I had to do to potentially get hired. To make a long story short, I was hired into a full-time position shortly after I graduated from Bethune-Cookman.
After graduation, I moved to Washington, DC to work full time at BET at the Corporate Headquarters as a Production Assistant. Two years later I was promoted to Associate Producer on Terrence J and Rocsi’s inaugural show as new hosts of 106 & Park among other shows.
BET opened the door for me to start my own business venture (Vonlee Entertainment) as a booking agent and events and tour manager, where I’ve been able to work with A-list talent booking them at concerts and events domestically and internationally.
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 to get where I am hasn’t been the roughest but I’ve experienced some struggles along the way. I was laid off from BET in 2017 as they closed their corporate office and moved to New York. The job I had spent over 14 years on was suddenly gone. I always say that it was probably the best thing that could’ve happened to me as I left DC and moved to Atlanta a few months after and started fresh. I was able to stretch myself in unimaginable ways.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Vonlee Entertainment – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Vonlee Entertainment is a full-service booking, events and tour managing company servicing some of the largest names in Gospel, R&B, and Television. I’ve booked acts for Fortune 500 companies, HBCU’s, churches and music festivals around the world. Aside from my company, I’m also a Freelance Production Manager/Coordinator and Set Consultant for some of your favorite television shows such as “Boomerang,” “Bigger,” “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and Potomac, “Rickey Smiley For Real,” “Married at First Sight,” and a host of other shows for major television networks.
I’m most proud of my ability to stay grounded and true to myself. I’m from a VERY small town called Gates County, NC. I pride myself being one of the success stories from my hometown as it’s very easy to get stuck in a place like that. I make sure that I’m always operating in excellence and maintaining and building relationships that will both advance and enhance my career.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to continue to grow Vonlee Entertainment into a household name and to add more A-list names and Fortune 500 companies to my roster of clients. I also plan to open my own production studio in the next two years to cater to productions that come to Atlanta for filming.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 240-357-4234
- Email: vonleeentertainment@gmail.com
- Instagram: Vonlee1911
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