Written By: Danielle Jodd

A couple of years ago Dana’s life took a huge pivot from what she thought it would be. She expected after graduating from college with not 1 but 3 degrees (Associates, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees) that life would magically fall into place and there would be tons of career opportunities open to her. Unfortunately, as a millennial adulting after the Great Recession life did not seem that promising at all.

After giving birth to her first child and having worked in companies doing jobs she would have never choose to do had it not been for survival, Dana decided to make a change. Gathering all the skills she earned working for her older brother, internships, and in corporate America Dana decided to delve into the realm of community development through entrepreneurship. In 2017, she started her own company called Dana Cannon – Bryson Inc. where the purpose is to build a TRIBE OF MILLENNIAL GAMECHANGERS that will marry their passion with their abilities and turn them into PROFITS! Dana’s company is uniquely positioned to help ordinary people with a passion to build their communities HOW TO CHANGE THE GAME by providing small business services to aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs; such as business formation services, branding strategy, digital support, coaching & MUCH MORE. Take a look at our exclusive cover feature interview with the rising star below.

FGM: Its 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: My brand provides developmental services to entrepreneurs, basically with whatever they need to start them off on their journey. I was able to pull from the various experiences that I had throughout my career and create something unique and required in this realm. My company offers entrepreneurs business formation services, accounting and legal counsel through my network, digital branding services and coaching.

I am not sure if I am at my peak yet, as a matter a fact I am just getting started. My company has been working behind the scenes with so many small businesses, politicians, and entrepreneurs for about 7 years so I think at this point preparation met opportunity. As devastating as Covid-19 is it has created a lot of new entrepreneurs which put my company in a position to thrive in ways I have never seen before.

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

Answer: My clients are mainly aspiring entrepreneurs looking to learn and develop themselves and their prospective businesses. I am a natural creative and I love helping entrepreneurs cultivate new and innovative products, ideas, and services to help others and our communities overall.

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

Answer: Interesting question. I feel I make a difference in the world by giving. I love to give even at my own expense. My urge to give empowered me to create the K2K Toy Drive where during the Holiday season I collect gently used toys and bring them to children at shelters. Since it began in 2018, we were able to get sponsorship from Old Navy and Starbucks to continue spread the holiday cheer.

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

Answer: Well entrepreneurship has its challenges, but I have to say the time that I have been the most challenged as an entrepreneur was when I became pregnant with my 2nd child. In one instance I am throwing events, I have my children’s book selling like hot cakes, I have my clients, money in the bank and now I have to take a step back reevaluate my situation because I have a new human being to think about. I was so depressed I literally stop marketing myself, my business, and was at a complete stand still. I decided to take a hard break to reevaluate my why.

Now, with my 2 bundles of joy I am feeling even more focused and motivated, As human beings, we all go through periods of doubt but we are not to be defined by our setbacks. We are defined by how we overcome those setbacks and persevere.

FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand

Answer: The three best qualities that describe my brand is accountable, unique, and of course creative.

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

Answer: All I do is work non-conventional hours. It’s entrepreneurship and that is the name of the game. However, when I think about it I never had the luxury of working regular hours even when I was employed by corporate America.

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

Answer: My years in college and graduate school gave me the stamina to withstand the 24/7 grind. Then I worked for my brother, who is also entrepreneur, for 7/8 years. To tell you the truth I hardly remember sleeping much.

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

Answer: Again, I believe I can attribute that level of responsibility to graduate school. If you want to graduate at all or on-time, you better meet those deadlines.

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

Answer: I would have to say meditation. In order for me to create I had to learn to silence the noise.

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

Answer: Today I must say I am inspired by so many. I am MOST inspired by Lebron James, Jay-z, Michelle Obama, Ice Cube, TD Jakes, Colin Kapernick, Oprah (Even though I have to side eye her most of the time), and Amanda Seales.

FGM: How do you handle stress?

Answer: Meditation, Journaling, chanting my affirmations, reading, and long walks in the park are ways I alleviate stress.

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

Answer: I believe an entrepreneur should possess these 3 main qualities: perseverance (you’re going to need it), gratitude, and hustle.

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

Answer: 10 years from now I see my business creating and branding entrepreneurs/businesses from around the globe. It will have a staff of more than 50 employees and will be a well-oiled machine in branding and advertising. Dana Cannon – Bryson Inc. will become the black owned Saatchi and Saatchi.

My non-profit Building Young Moguls will build its 1st school for teenagers that focus on entrepreneurship.

I plan on getting there by staying the course and becoming more specialized in branding for entrepreneurs as our culture and technology continues to evolve.

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

Answer: Thank you for having me.