Shaneisha Dodson is the founder of Black Girlz Productions. She has been called a modern-day renaissance woman. Born in Arkansas and raised in a matriarchal household. At a young age, her mother instilled in her the value of hard work. She admired her mother’s strength and determination to succeed. Therefore, she pushed herself to reach her full potential. Her hard work paid off and resulted in her being the first person in her family to graduate from college. Dodson earned degrees in psychology and education. She believes everyone should have an opportunity to attend college so she gives back to the community by offering an annual scholarship to a deserving high school or college student. She hopes to one day award a full scholarship. In 2012, she took her love of the arts to the next level and started Black Girlz Productions, LLC. Her company’s motto is “Dream BIG or Go Home!” Read our interview with the lovely Shaneisha below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I’ve been writing for a few years. I started off writing novels. One day I decided that I wanted to see my words come to life so I founded Black Girlz Productions.
Tell us about your business.
My company was founded in 2012. Our motto is “Dream Big or Go Home”. We focus primarily on theatre arts. Our goal is to bring awareness to social issues via theatre. Education is important to us so we offer an annual scholarship to a high school senior or current college student.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- 2016 Black Women Are (Inspirational) Award Winner
- (2) Official Selections for her first original screenplay
- 2015 Best Playwright
- 2015 Extraordinary Person Honoree
- 2014 Celebrated during Women’s History Month
- 2013 Confident Woman award nominee
- Who’s Who of small business by Career magazine
- 2011 literary award winner for her teen self-help book
- Top 15 books for children/young adults
- 2011 African American literary award nominee
- Top 25 fiction books and was on the best sellers list in 2009
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes. We are giving away tickets to our upcoming shows. Fans must share our flyer and tag us at blkgirlz12 or bgpcoffeeshop.
Where is your business based?
We are based out of Texas.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
My first step was research. I was familiar with the theatre side, but wanted to make sure that I had the business side covered.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media is our most effective tool that helps us get the word out about our productions. It has been a blessing. We are able to reach the masses at the click of a finger.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge was finding people who did what they said they could do. When I first started my company, I paid money to people who could not deliver and this cost me a few hundred dollars.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Research and asking for recommendations.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I take a short break. Then, start fresh. It gives my body a chance to re-set. Usually, I’m able to pick up where I left off.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Regardless of my audience, I make sure that I produce a quality show. The audience expects to be entertained, and Black Girlz Productions always delivers.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice is to step out of the shadows and let the world know that you are here. I’ve always been a boss, but I enjoy working behind the scenes. So, pushing myself into the spotlight was a challenge for me.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Don’t give up on your dreams. If option A doesn’t work, have a back-up plan.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My favorite business tool is PayPal. I can accept payment anywhere in the world. The last thing you want is to miss a sale because you are not able to accommodate a customer.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @blkgirlz12
Twitter @blkgirlz12 @sdodson08
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/blackgirlzproductions
Website www.blackgirlzproductions.com
Hashtags #bgp #bgpcoffeeshop #womensupportingwomen #shaneishadodson
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
Recently, I re-read “Reposition Yourself” by T.D. Jakes. This is one of my favorite books.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Currently, I’m researching film and webisodes. I want to learn techniques that will help me write an effective screenplay.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals are to successfully kick off two productions: The Coffee Shop and Vagina Rights. I’m fully prepared because I have prayed and surrounded myself with positive people.
Elaine Rau
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