Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Samuels.
Dominique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From as early as seven years old, I was writing the stories of both real and fictitious characters. I would also use my 18 years of dancing to express myself and my personal story. But things really became clear in the winter of 2018. On New Year’s Eve, I lost one of my best friends, an amazing woman who, alongside my grandmother and mother, taught me everything I know. That woman was my great-grandmother, Julia Davis. This was the hardest loss I ever endured but also would become the most pivotal moment of my life. From that day forward, I gave up the hopes and dreams that others had written and declared over my life and chose the path that I was destined for, my current career path and my passion for communication.
An expressive child at a young age, I never knew that so many of the activities and roles that I possessed in the past prepared me for my present moments and future. In 2018, I bought a Sony a6400 and used it all over Los Angeles taking photos of LA life, telling stories of individuals’ personalities along the way. Yet, that wasn’t enough. I decided to obtain my Masters in Communication with a concentration in public and media relations and digital communications with the goal of creating my firm using the principles of grandmother-storytelling and advice-giving that my great-grandmother passed down to me. At that moment, 28 D.Tales Media Group was born.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At first, things were extremely smooth. I had a great process obtaining my LLC and five trademarks for my brand/business. I even was able to have a team of seven amazing women who helped me start building the business and manage clients and start-up initiatives. The bumps in the road came from not actually knowing how to effectively hire, but I’ve definitely learned from that in recent months and I have a smaller team now full of super dedicated individuals who are in it for the long run. P.S. that’s often hard to find in the start-up world. Shoutout to my Director of Operations, Ciara Smith for helping me with literally everything!
Another challenge I’ve faced has been securing funding and a steady stream of clients. However, I’m a highly determined Black woman who knows what it means to follow her intuition, listen to her ancestors, and meditate, pray and manifest on my desired situation. Through all of that, I changed up some of the company’s organic marketing approaches and ended up finding my dream clients through Twitter one night at 2 am (A girl has got to hustle). One of my clients, Marcus Knight, is a revenue growth strategist and has also been helping my company strategize to acquire funding and new clientele. Our other client CJ, of Black With No Chaser, is also helping us find our way.
I love a good challenge though, it makes me and my company stronger and has taught me valuable lessons. I always remind myself of Assata Shakur’s quote: “Dreams and reality are opposites. Action synthesizes them.” This quote is so important on the entrepreneurial road because I always have thousands of ideas but an idea is not enough in this big ocean of opportunity, you need to learn how to plan, strategize and implement so your idea doesn’t get lost. The reality is the goal.
28 D.Tales Media Group – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
28 D.Tales Media Group, LLC is a Black-owned, woman-led, boutique communications consulting firm specializing in public relations, digital and social media marketing, and brand management coaching for mission-driven brands/non-profits, tech companies, and beauty and wellness retail businesses. With experience in utilizing the overlooked details of brands, we teach our clients how to sell their why through compelling storytelling tactics using various mediums (i.e. articles, photography, videography, copywriting, email marketing, etc.)
However, we are more than a communications firm. We are an empowering educational platform. Our Instagram (@28dtales) and our membership platform (coming October 2020!) both serve as hubs for all things communications for students, new business owners, and seasoned C-Suite executives. We are a company that is all about COMMUNITY and SERVICE. At 28 D.Tales we value collaboration, passion, balance, data-driven results, transparency, meaningful impact and client satisfaction.
Of course, there are not many markets that aren’t saturated, especially when it comes to the field of communications. At 28 D.Tales we believe that are values and our special element of treating our clients like family members help to set us apart. We are super tight-knit and when you decided to work with us you aren’t another number. We make our clients feel valued, heard, and we go the extra mile outside of the services you pay for to provide you with an exquisite and memorable experience that makes you want to tell others about our business. After all, we only use organic marketing strategies and word of mouth (for now, anyways!)
Oh! and our proudest moment was this summer. My team and I implemented our first inaugural internship program that helped students who either lost their internships due to COVID-19 or who hadn’t ever been afforded an opportunity in the communications and media space. We impacted eight students’ lives this summer. Some of our feedback included, “I’ve never learned this much in school,” “This internship has put me on a better path for my future in communications,” and “28 D.Tales was my first internship in the communications field and I am so happy it was. Dominique was like a mentor to me and I learned so much”. This meant so much to me because I spent so much time pouring into each intern and can’t wait to run this program again!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by one’s ability to move forward. Life isn’t always fair and the road isn’t always smooth. The obstacles and failures that are our experiences are similar to a potter’s toolkit that helps them mold the clay. Each tool or obstacle has a different purpose and can leave very different marks on the clay (your life) but as you continue honing in on your skills and passion, you’ll understand how to use the tools and get better every time.
With that, I also believe success is built around the company you keep. So if you are trying to make millions, your circle should have some 7 figure earners so that you can be the next one. Mentorship also leads to success and I actively sought out mentors for my new business ventures and life lessons. Moreover, I believe knowledge is power and often leads to successful outcomes. Particularly reading books by experts and leaders in your field is important. Lastly, I am very big on manifestation, prayer, reflection and meditation as the key to success.
Pricing:
- Starting October 2020, our Monthly Membership Program and our signature course, 28 D.Tales to The Branded Biz will launch, costs: $49.99/mo and $2,500 respectively.
- Product Photography pricing ranges from $75.00 – $250.00
- To schedule a consultation visit www.28dtales.com/contact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.28dtales.com
- Phone: 4048900118
- Email: info@28dtales.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/28dtales
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/28dtales
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/niquemarchell
- Other: www.instagram.com/niquemarchell
Image Credit:
Shots by Priiincessss (Cindy Lafalaise), Haley Gore, Anna Harlin
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