Dana Simone Stovall is a driven, engaging, serial entrepreneur. She has multiple business ventures, yet still manages to “keep it real” with her audience. She educates women on time management and fitness and more! Read our interview with the lovely Dana below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I believe in legacy and owning a business is one way to do it. Once you know what your purpose is in life, it’s our Christian responsibility to foster that destiny and bestow your talents to others. The moment one woman contacted me and told me that I changed her life with my daily exercise tips, I felt truly humbled and honored. I knew I was on the right path to helping women find their “happy place” and their mental independence.
Tell us about your business.
Well, I’m an author of a time management & fitness book for women, a TV talk show host, travel agency owner, and co-owner of a digital marketing & production company. All of my business ventures orbit around my personal brand – Dana Simone! Through those businesses, I am in pursuit to empower women and young ladies. I believe that women should seek to remain relevant (personally and professionally), to discover their purpose in life and live out that purpose with no excuses.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
First, I decided to do it then I changed my mindset. I researched and observed my target buyers/audience to determine if my offering would be marketable. I then decided how I would rearrange my daily routine to accommodate my new goals. Once I decided on my action plan, I informed others of my new priorities to minimize their desire to hijack my priorities. Then, the rest is legacy in the making…
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media and my website.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Finding excited, hardworking people that understand my vision and purpose, and who are abundantly passionate about building a brand and impacting the lives of others locally, nationally, and globally.
How did you overcome these challenges?
While I have a few talented and amazing interns and staff, I haven’t overcome these challenges just yet. As time goes on and we gain momentum, I truly believe everything will begin to fall into place.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
(Deep sigh) That’s a tough one. I’ve trained my brain/emotions so that I don’t get so drained and depressed where I can’t bounce back within a reasonable amount of time. The longer you host a personal pity party, the longer it takes to rebound. I also recite affirmations crafted uniquely for me by my amazing life coach: Marijoseph Pierre. Don’t laugh, but I also wear a superhero cape often because I truly believe I’m super so I should look like it. I also think it’s ok to allow myself to feel down in the dumps for a little while, but I use visuals on my bathroom mirror and refrigerator to remind me of my “why.” After all, my life is better than some and worse than others so I suck it up, turn on some music, and “dance it out.” By the way, I can’t dance a lick. LOL!
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I remain a real and normal woman that other women can relate to. I get pimples, I leave dishes in the sink, I struggle with managing my daughter’s after-school activities, I find it hard to exercise sometimes, and I lose track of time… but I don’t sugar-coat my life and I’m not pretentious. My talk show does not paint a glamorous world where, at the end of watching an episode, women feel like they have to be someone they aren’t or feel pressured to meet society’s shallow expectation of what “perfect women” should look and feel like. Many shows give you knowledge for entertainment purposes – my show gives you practical best practices to actually apply that knowledge. We don’t just TALK about it; we BE about it… that’s the difference!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Continue to focus on women, not money, and they will build the business. A lot of times business owners can feel stressed that they have a lot of expenses and not ample income coming in from clients or sales, but no matter what, the money will never come in if you don’t keep your eyes and energy on your “why,” because if my clients or target audience don’t feel that I care about each one of them individually and genuinely, my legacy seeds will not continue growing.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Never undervalue your services or products. Find, and then perfect, your niche. Understand your “why.” Develop the art of storytelling. Embrace social media and understand which platforms are best suited for your target clients. Be genuine. Exercise. Understand your brand and live it 24/7… then dream bigger.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Believe it or not, it’s the live streaming app called Periscope. I broadcast weekly and I can find any business resource I need in my state, US or the world. It’s amazing!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @DanaSimoneShow
Twitter @ShowDana
Periscope Live Streaming TV @ShowDana
Facebook DanaSimoneShow and Tick Tock Tribe
Website Dana Simone Stovall
Dana Simone Talk Show: Season 1
Dana Simone Talk Show: Season 2 Trailer
Hashtags #DoYouBoo #WhatsInYour24 #DanaSimoneShow #DanaForHost #MustardSeedMonday #TimeGenieTuesday #TimeManagementTuesday #StopWhiningWednesday #ThriftyThursday #AllThingsFashionFriday #SweatingSaturday #SoulFoodSunday #YABE #DreamBigger
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. I’ve read it twice and listened to it on audio. I can never seem to get enough of the marketing principles, stories and lessons that this book conveys to keep me focused.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
As a new business, it is always a challenge “getting the right people on the bus.” I am looking for video editors, assistants, writers, and interns.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
The next few months I am focusing on launching a new production and digital strategies company with my business partner Tony Williams. We will be premiering a new talk show for entrepreneurs on the company’s TV network. Lastly, I’ll be further building my brand, seeking investors/sponsorships, exploring additional talk show hosting opportunities with major TV networks, and booking speaking engagements at women’s conferences and corporations.