Interview by: Danielle Jodd

Twitter & Instagram: @dakarieli

Fashion Gxd Magazine, sits down with the phenomenal artist widely known as the host of the popular podcast “The Bigger Picture” and editor-in-chief of Urban Magazine, Dakari Eli.

FGM: It’s an honor to sit down with you all . Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career .

Answer: Thank you for sharing your space! I believe my brand represents the many things I do and believe in. Whether it’s through music, poetry, journalism or my podcast, my brand focuses on empowerment and understanding. My success is the direct result of the energy I put out in the universe and my perseverance. I have overcome a lot, yet I’m here with my personal and spiritual integrity intact.

FGM: Who are the clients/what are the projects that you most enjoy working on?

Answer: I have taken a passive role with many endeavors to focus on my music. My debut EP Black Dove Blue Song afforded me the opportunity to explore and share my experiences. Unfortunately, the pandemic has slowed things down but I do look forward to touring and performing when everything safely opens up.

FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?

Answer: That’s a great question. I strive to engage with people in a positive and supportive way. You never know how far one act of kindness can go. I am also fearless in using my platforms to address subjects that have direct impact on our community including toxic behaviors like domestic violence and rape culture.

FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur

Answer: I think we as entrepreneurs show that level of determination every day. It is so easy to quit but in most cases, it’s the worst thing you can do. Betting on yourself is never easy but it is always worth it.

FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand

Answer: The three best qualities about my brand is that it is organic, consistent, and honest. I say organic because nothing is staged or fake. Everything you see is me being my true self. I am consistent in giving my audience my best in everything I do. I don’t follow trends. My words and actions match. I’m honest in that I speak my truth, my thoughts, and feelings. They know that if I say it, it’s how I really feel whether it’s popular or goes against the grain. They can trust me.

FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?

Answer: Among the many entrepreneur hustles I have, I am also a mother with a full-time job. It means staying up all night well into the next day to honor my commitments, I do what I have to do. There are no set hours for my hustle.

FGM: Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?

Answer: I have been fortunate to had friends who have found success and I had the opportunity to see the sacrifices they had to make on a personal level. I knew that I had to be willing to do the same for my own brand.

FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to beat meet deadlines as an entrepreneur ?

Answer: I have always had great work ethic as I learned to take care of myself at an early age. Having to embrace that level of responsibility in my teens prepared me for everything that was to come after.

FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?

Answer: To me, anywhere that is peaceful will do. I truly enjoy the solitude of my own home. I live a bit out of the way so I can find peace on many levels right inside my own space.

FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?

Answer: There are so many for so many different reasons. In no particular order, here are a few: Alice Walker, Angela Davis, Michaela Angela Davis, Beverly Bond and many, many more.

How do you handle stress ?

Answer: My favorite ways to manage stress are music and isolation. Both allow me to escape and focus on my own personal thoughts, feelings and emotions. I like to be able to listen and converse with my inner-self without having to compete with the thoughts and views of others.

FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have ?

Answer: These are really great questions. First, I would have to say perseverance. You must have the real to get through everything that comes with being an entrepreneur. It’s not always easy or convenient. Secondly, you have to be able to stay focused and not just in the beginning. The more successful you become, the more distractions will appear. Lastly, you have to love what you do. The love you have for it will make it easier to persevere and focus when it is not easy because that is when you need it to most. Like everything else, it’s hard to quit on what you love if the love is true.

FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years ?How do you plan to get there ?

Answer: I hope to be able to do things I love for a living as that would truly make me happy. I plan to get there by showing up for myself every day and putting in the work, within and without.

FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us

Answer: Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate your support.