We had the good fortune of connecting with Destinee Aaliyah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destinee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had the honor of working under quite a few industry vets who were indescribably good at what they do and shared some of that wisdom with me. I was always the intern that ended up in meetings that she had no business being in because I spoke up, I asked the right questions, I did my own research, and most importantly I built strong genuine working relationships. It was a privilege to be in those rooms but it also meant I heard a lot more than I had initially planned to. By being in those spaces and asking these questions, I learned a lot but I also witnessed a lot of fear from some of whom I greatly respected. Fear that increased accessibility between entertainment businessmen and the artists that fueled their endeavors would threaten their power and relevance within the industry. I watched so many artists of all sizes and backgrounds be at the whims of said gatekeepers; because they hadn’t been afforded enough business knowledge to know that they can do so much of the work that is vital to their success on their own, with more freedom and control. Labels and other large agencies are still so valuable in providing a platform and resources and are vital once you’re at the point in your career where you need to globalize your reach. However, I’ve had so many “mentors” withhold resources/relationships that they knew would be beneficial to me as a young professional because “They’re not worried about me”. “They know I’ll do it all on my own”. So I did. I was so fatigued with watching them help my male counterparts rise to the top while “humbling me” and “letting me grind for it on my own” (which really felt more like they were gatekeeping me from the same resources). It pushed me to create a business centered around accessibility and empowering artists to be able to do what I’ve been fortunate enough to learn how to do on their own with an equal teammate; me. I want them to work with me because I provide value, not because they think without me they’re powerless. And to make a full circle moment, the mentors and colleagues that did actively invest in me are still here helping me along the way, which feels amazing!

My company DAE LLC is all about accessibility, and artists/creatives being led, managed, and developed by other artists/creatives. I think there is a lot of gold to mine in opening those gates and creating more equity and synergy between the creative and administrative sides of the business. My arsinel as an artist is only further strengthened by my capabilities as an entertainment jack of all trades. I want other artists to feel that same sense of self sufficiency and control.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I offer label/agency/ managerial-esque services to artists and other businesses on sliding scale fees so that indie artists can gain access to competitive resources at a price point they can afford and larger artists and businesses can fill gaps on their teams without increasing their overhead. Indie creatives are actively seeking support but financial barriers or fear of disingenuous businessmen often prevent them from obtaining it, which is completely valid. It costs so much money to make money in entertainment and there are so many business professionals that exploit that. I offer everything from event production and a&r to administrative uphauls and contract negotiations, and a la carte style at that. That way they can get their feet wet without fear of being swindled or misled. They pay for what they get which allows us to vet our work chemistry before committing to a long term arrangement. Conversely, larger artists and companies may have specialized needs or lack the bandwidth to complete a particular project. I come in and save the day without them having to worry about hiring me permanently. I work with a number of companies from venues and event producers to labels and non-profits, even if it’s a non-entertainment company who needs to hire me for entertainment related purposes.

I am proud of the work that I do and the people I am able to impact. I am able to give people opportunities that are often overlooked because of the societal disadvantages they face. I am actively working to create more equity between the business and creative side of this business. That is my biggest accomplishment.

I’m still on my way. I’m still in the midst of preparing for my hard launch and building my clientele. I’ve done and acquired so much and still have so much work to do. I’ve always bet on myself but this venture has been the biggest testament to that mentality. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever taken on, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made and I’m already seeing it pay off. I’m so grateful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh the first stop has to be one of my favorite places to stuff my face; De Mole on Hope st. It’s just a ten minute walk from my #1 happy place; Domino Park. They have the best brunch. It’s like 40 bucks for all you can eat and all you can drink and the OPTIONS!! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. They have the best ceviche I’ve ever had and it makes my entire body sing. I always feel refreshed after indulging in it and washing it down with a bellini or three. Then of course we’ve gotta go straight to Domino Park, overlooking the water and the bridge. It’s the perfect view of the skyline and there’s always so many different personalities doing everything from painting and brunching to playing volleyball, impromptu stand up and acrobatics, or playing games with their dogs or kids. You just never know in New York. Nonetheless, it’s still such a serene nap spot, which is needed after eating your weight in ceviche. I go there to find my zen after a rough week. Sometime later in the week I’ve gotta bring them back for a paint and sip and end that day with a visit to my favorite restaurant Sea Wolf for happy hour. Their frozen painkillers, wings, and fresh oysters are to die for! At some point they’ve got to come to the studio and witness my Producer Mike Abuiso and I’s tomfoolery (but alos where the magic happens). I’ll take them to my favorite vintage stores for clothes, antiques, and decor and hit some of my favorite record shops on the way like Halsey Lewis. Everyone needs their quintessential Bushwick nightlife experience so we’ve gotta hit one of the go to’s like All Night Skate, Elsewhere or House of Yes.

Most importantly before the week ends I have to do some sort of small dinner party! I love having some of my closest friends over and cooking for them. Cooking is another art form for me and is one of the biggest ways I show my love to those around me! There’s few things more intimate than sharing a meal with someone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the Queen Bey and the Hive! The ultimate blueprint. The most important woman in my life outside of the women that should be the most important. You know, like the ones that raised me. I’m a student. I studied her since I was a child from her songwriting and vocal arrangements to the lighting staging and costuming of her performances. I watched every documentary and made note of every detail she let slip about her business practices and every mantra born out of her indescribable work ethic. She’s the reason for my fascination and passion over the business and creative aspects of the business and THEE case study for my entire business model. You don’t get Beyonce the performer without Beyonce the creative director and business woman. Visionaries need the skill set to execute their plans the way they intend for them to be executed. She’s got the vision AND the platform. All of these things allow her to be the savviest business woman and gives her a keen eye for spotting new talent to develop.

Website: destineeaaliyahentertainment.com

Instagram: instagram.com/destineeaaliyahentertainment

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destinee-brown/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Destinee-Aaliyah-Entertainment-LLC-104460818862230

Image Credits
Pixel Journalism, Kenny Rodriguez, Ash Marinaccio/Cozzi Creative, MTV Studios, Starr Callahan

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