Meet Malaika Dowdell of DNA Marketing in Buckhead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malaika Dowdell.

Malaika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The formal launch of DNA Marketing was a long time coming. Before (formally) launching in Oct of 2018, I had been a “corporate” marketer for over 20 years. My marketing journey offered me the opportunity to work on incredible brands such as Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Sprite, Mountain Dew and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Each of those experiences offered multiple memorable personal and professional moments, but sometime around 2008, I started to develop an entrepreneurial itch. I incorporated DNA in 2012 and explored ‘side hustle’ opportunities for a few years. Finally, last summer, I decided to explore the viability of a firm dedicated to supporting the marketing journey of small-mid size businesses and non-profits. The “viability report” came back much more positive than I could have ever imagined….so, we’re rolling!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been really educational! As we’ve all heard, running a small business is completely different than showing up to work and collecting a check. In addition to providing the core service offerings, I have learned the importance of taking care of all of the OTHER parts of the business that you aren’t thinking of when you have grand visions of launching a business. All of that being said, my biggest education has been all about finding flow. And planning. And living in the lesson, versus obsessing about the post-mortem (as my dad would say).

DNA Marketing – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
DNA Marketing is a boutique marketing firm that offers a range of brand development services. We offer everything from strategic brand marketing support to website development and content creation.  We are known for our DNA Brand Deep Dive, which seeks to establish an understanding of our partner brands, both for us as well as the brand owners. Our deep dive establishes strong brand foundations by honing in on brand benefits as well as desired customer perceptions. It also serves as our North Star in guiding all future work that we are involved in with each brand.

I’m most proud when the “A HA” comes. It’s an unforgettable feeling to witness the breakthrough and foster a sense of confidence in our clients in telling their brand story. Most small business owners are so focused on juggling all of the facets of business that they don’t consider stopping to curate their brand story. We love having a front row seat during this moment of realization.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for us starts with developing a business relationship built on trust between our partners and ourselves. Our process has been developed based on years of experience. When clients trust us enough to take the journey, we see the results. Success for us is a brand win. Success is brand expansion. Success is the support of marginalized communities and playing a role in the development of a strengthened community of small business owners.

Small business development is on the rise, especially among women and black and brown business owners. One key statistic about small businesses is that 50% are no longer in business after five years. Success for us is helping to decrease that number, one small business at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dnamarketingteam.com
• Email: info@dnamarketingteam.com
• Instagram: @dnamrktng
• Facebook: dnamrktng

Image Credit:
(Brand Pop) Image Credit: Tamara Myers

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