We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dawn, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I’ve always wanted to be a “Superstar” growing up and somewhere, somehow it was going to happen. Had no clue on what, where or when but I was going to entertain people.
Going through life trying and failing at things of this world, I would always find myself singing, performing or comedically motivating family, friends and strangers from Karaoke, sitting in Dr’s offices, around the many job water coolers or waiting in line at a local DMV.
One day while in Los Angeles, California looking for fame and fortune, I was applying for a position at a hotel, make sense right? While presenting myself to the HR lady she stopped me in mid conversation, with a smile and stated, “You have the voice and personality to be on radio, have you EVER thought of that field?” Looking at her puzzled as if she was joking, she confirmed her stance and stated, “I’m being really serious.” I responded with a No and then asked, “Does that mean I get the job?” Needless to say, I did not get the job, but she lit a fire inside of me.
Fast forward to moving to the Charleston area, feeling like a failure, falling hostage to the nay-sayers and my insecurities, again trying and failing at the pursuit of happiness. Boy I tell you “Adulting” is a pain in the……well you fill in the blanks.
So, one day I stated I want to get a degree towards my success at still becoming a “Superstar”. The little “Dawny” in me was not giving up and found herself in college for a degree in Radio & Television Broadcasting. One step closer, sometimes you just have to take a step in a direction and just follow the journey with faith.
As my degree was coming closer to fruition, the college was putting on a talent show. With the courses I took, we were requested to provide the video, audio and staging for the event. I stated that I wanted to try my hand at being the Host/MC for show. Everybody was on board because of my over-the-top personality, and I assumed they saw something that needed to be showcased, in all actuality nobody else asked. Insert laughter here.
So here I am, signing up to help carry a show with my gifts and talents. What was I thinking? I wasn’t, but I haven’t tried nor bet on myself before. I was scared that I wasn’t good, talented, funny or pleasing to look at. And those insecurities jump up center stage.
The day of the talent show, I was having a bad “Murphy’s law” kind of day, up until I was getting dressed and about to fake an injury, I faintly heard on my mother’s tv in the distance “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” BOOM in a mere second every issue, problem, insecurity, dramatic, childish thought left my body, and I was enroute to put on the best show ever.
And boy did I ever, I don’t remember anything once they gave me that microphone, but all I do remember was the audience participation, the hardy laughter, the cheers and the fun had by all, especially me and the pats on the back and exuberant compliments from all shades, classes, genders and sizes. That “insecure chubby Lil girl Dawny” took a risk that night and introduced to the world Dawn “Ms. Daybreak” Simmons.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Well, they call me Ms. Daybreak, Elegantly Comedic, Fashionably Professional and Anointedly Appointed Host. A “Spirit Cheerleader ready, willing and able to give your audience an experience by setting the right atmosphere enlighten with Love, Radical Motivation and Exuberant Fun that will move them to their feet. I specialize as an Emcee who hosts all genres of events. No matter the occasion I show up to provide the “Cherry on top” of an already perfectly delicious extravagant cake. I bring ease and assistance to the host so that they will be able to sit back and enjoy their event.
Planning and put on events can be tedious and hard, when that day arrives you do not have the opportunity to sit back, mingle, dance or even taste any of the tasty goods that you so meticulously put together. Although it’s great to hear that your guests have had fun, but it would be great to say the same at the end of the night.
I, “Ms. Daybreak” your Host & MC for Weddings, Birthdays, Special Family life events, Talent & Fashion shows, Community, Business, Church & Music events, Grand Openings, & Brand Ambassador to new business owners/entrepreneurs and Motivational speaker throughout the Lowcountry and afar.
“Ms. Daybreak” has recently Won the title of “Best of South Carolina winner in the Other Event Entertainment Services category” by the “Guide of South Carolina” for this year’s “Best Of South Carolina” awards show.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Learning to “Pivot” in life can definitely be hard, difficult and complicated at all times. It’s never easy to move into something different or walk into the unknown. But in life it’s sometimes necessary if you wish to eat, in my case.
I was laid off from my High paying mortgage job and thought that I could just pick up a new gig and keep it moving…WROOONNG! I re-did my resume 45 times, applied to 55 thousand jobs and awaited the phone calls for that perfect job. Three years later I’m still waiting.
And that’s when the need to pivot arises. It’s not over for me, I’m telling myself in the mirror. I didn’t climb this mountain only to fall off the other side. I also shook my finger at GOD and said, “Hey remember you said you would never, ever, ever, EVEEEEER leave me Right?” But I remember “All thing are working for my good”. I never really liked my job; I always wanted to own my own business and remember that “Superstar” thingy you wanted to be all your life? Well, here is your opportunity to TRY.
And try I did; I started a business selling Premium eyeglass frames called “Behold Eyewear. In the process of completing paperwork for my non-profit business “Blanket Blessings” that has provided over hundreds of lightly used blankets, comforters, sleeping bags, tents, blow-up mats, sweaters, hoodies, socks, gloves, hats and personal items to the displaced Kings & Queens here in Charleston. Ventured over into acting with having movies showcasing on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Tubi. I’ve recently signed on to “Breaking Ground Radio” as a Radio Personality and “Ms. Daybreak” is still gracing many a microphone across the low country.
I remember reading a quote that stated, ” Pivoting isn’t plan B; it’s part of the process”. Always going straight may never get you to your destination, but you will love the view.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
No matter what I was going through or experiencing, you would never know. Not because I was hiding it from all to see, it was because I knew the need was greater than me. I’m a business, we already know life loves to “LIFE”. something we all have in common.
But we all have a job to do, and my job is to motivate, make you smile, provide an awesome experience and help you and your event to be successful.
I’m always consistently pushing and supporting those around me. Letting them know that “You Can, You Will and You Shall. I have to show what I live by. So, building my reputation came easy, I just did me. Once I knew who I wanted to be was already in me, I was able to be Ms. Daybreak without hesitation.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works……” I was committed and consistent with shining my light even through my dark times and people saw a good heart, good person and a Superstar willing and ready to perform.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.msdaybreak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msdaybreak69/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdaybreak69/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-simmons-7aaa1756/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dawn_simmons
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuERUM-atz-2bMZUb2Pxcqw
- Other: https://behold-eyewear.square.site/
