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

Hi Danielle, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I honestly feel that my heart is the driver of my body. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s important to me to listen to what my heart is telling me, the spaces I am in, and the people I deal with. Oddly, it isn’t always positive, sometimes I’ll come in contact with something or someone that may be perceived as negative but I see the gold in the situation. Something tells me to pay special attention and to take care because there are many diamonds lost in the rough. It’s truly my mission with my business, to give care to those who haven’t had much of it, but who have talents and can use those talents to move this world in a positive direction. I don’t give up because my heart tells me to keep going I feel the purpose in everything I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The rewards from my work as a community leader have been substantial. My involvement in many community events that I either created or were a part of have been substantial this year. This has led to the proliferation of relationships and connections within the community. They provided entertainment, enrichment, and fostered a stronger sense of community spirit. For example, the 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration in Lancaster brought over 2000 attendees, and the creation of an app for event navigation and information further enhanced community engagement.

Events I have been a part of or created were things that didn’t exist in my neighborhood. The Seniors Got Talent Showcase, GoodVibes only The Return, R&B Day Party, Afro Beats meets R&B Event, Black Christmas, The Sunset Networking Brunch, B.O.O.M CON, Vibes on the BLVD by Top Shelf Financial and Trevino Law, The Sickle Cell Anemia Toy Drive, and the Weekly Paint and Plant art workshops by Paint Affair have collectively fostered inclusivity and togetherness within the community. Additionally, creating an app to help the community find small businesses and events has further enhanced cooperative economics and support for local enterprises.

I have been a sponge in multiple industries. I have always had a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. Coming from an impoverished background I recognize quality and appreciate it. Mix that with a very geeky background, as a kid I read Encyclopedias for fun and was a part of The Gifted and Talented program in Los Angeles County.

All of those traits have assisted me in navigating the professional and business world. Within 3 months of most places I work I either move up to manager or get a more demanding position with higher pay. I have a process of reading everything I can when getting hired and learning the ends and outs of the business. I wouldn’t say I’m a know-it-all all, but I want to have a leg up always. This has allowed me to take the knowledge I know and improve processes or elevate my family and friends with the resources I come across or ways to do things better. I felt that my efforts were too minuscule, like I wasnt making the impact I wanted to.

Being African American in America is rough. I feel as if when I walk in to a professional predominately caucasian room that I am either the center of attention for no good reason (Sometimes I get looks as if they are wondering how did I get the role), people make comments like “wow you are so smart”, as if it were a suprise. I also feel like individuals make up in their mind that any idea from me is not a good one, and then they turn around and re phrase the idea as if they came up with it. No one calls anyone out, its just an accepted micro inequity action. I see people around me get promoted while I just manage entire facilities with the same entry level pay. It hurt. I felt like it got worse when I moved to the Antelope Valley. I know many people deal with the same things of different races, so I feel for anyone that may feel ostrecised at work or elsewhere. I over come this challenge by having uncomfortable conversations with people. Sometimes it puts people in a horrible mood, but I feel fuffiled when I speak up for the marginalized and un heard.

I want people to know and understand that my brand was created and I am passionate for it, because it has a higher purpose than just making money. I want to create impact and also make money lol.

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So, you’re in the Antelope Valley. It would be best to head to the Element or Doubletree for your stay. The Element always has a really nice breakfast setup and is very clean and smoke-free. Then head over to have some breakfast at Chelly’s Cafe. I honestly haven’t found my favorite breakfast spot yet, but this is a close 2nd to nothing, lol.

After that, head for a stroll at the aqueduct on 70th St Wet and Avenue N. After you’re done looking at those amazing city views, take a stop at the Modern Tea Room for lunch. Order the Buffalo Chicken Ranch Panini with a side of chips. Then, go next door to get a Milky Way Coffee Drink and maybe a power bowl to go with artichoke and some galaxy rice. Soulistic Cafe is right in the same building as the Modern Tea room, so you don’t have to go far. It has a really cool cosmic theme and amazing vegan options.

After that, I would head for some shopping somewhere. I’m not sure where you should go because we don’t have many shopping options out here in the AV for clothes. But stay on the Blvd to see what you can find, as it has everything you need. I would then head over to the Greatest Escape escape room on 10th St West, not too far from the lunch spot, to have a really cool experience. If you’re not into that, there is the option of bowling at the swanky underground bowling spot LCB, which also has seasonal craft beers and other specialty beers. Or you can end the night with line dancing at Buckle and Boots right next door.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Claudia Allen “LaLa” of PaintAffair, LaLa has been the most supportive person in my journey. Without a doubt, she has constantly been positive, and encouraged me to see the bright side of situations when I felt slighted or used. Connected me with great resources and great ideas for execution and has just been there for whatever I need. She is like this with a lot of people she comes across. It’s crazy how many people she has impacted without even being boastful about it. I truly love her energy, soul, and vibe.

Website: www.blkngld.app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkngld.culture/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-harper-a0a34527/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblkngldnetwork/

Other: www.blkngld.com for member pricing.

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