We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dona McKenzie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dona, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Chocolate Rose began with the idea of wanting to inspire positivity. I’ve always had a love for accessories and felt happy when wearing unique pieces. I wanted others to feel the same-so in 2013, it felt natural to start a business creating jewelry with a meaning, specifically beaded jewelry with quality gemstones.

This was exciting, tapping into my creative side. Also a little nerving, because you are being vulnerable. I knew creating jewelry with a meaning was worthwhile because of the joy that is felt when someone is inspired, uplifted or self-empowered by one of your creations. That is a purposeful feeling,

In the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was solving a problem or offering something different from anyone else, but I knew I wanted to create something positive, something that was meaningful. Even if it that was from a piece of jewelry. If that made people smile or feel inspired, that was good for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, I enjoy getting outdoors, enjoying the sun and seeing the beautiful spaces around the city. Atlanta offers so much, there’s inspiration everywhere. Of course I love creating, but aside from creating, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

With so much inspiration around me, I was intentional when I began making jewelry for women, men, and kids. It was important to use gemstones that have positive properties, such as quartz, onyx, and tigers eye. My intentions are still the same.

A few years ago, I started making hand-poured scented candles, with inspirational names/phrases. Chocolate Rose candles create a calm and relaxing atmosphere with uplifting scents.

Today, Chocolate Rose has evolved to a positivity lifestyle brand. Through the online shop-The Garden, I’ve created “tools” as I call them, to Inspire, Uplift, and Self-Empower your mood and mindset.

Positive statement tees, headwraps, and beaded home accents are also tools of the brand. I’m looking forward to the the next level.

What sets me apart from others is Me. I’m authentically me. I believe that everything is energy, and I only pour positive thoughts and love into each Chocolate Rose creation and you’ll feel just that.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being an entrepreneur is not just owning businesses, it’s so much more. So many levels.

I never thought of myself as a “salesperson”. I had to lose that thought. Being a business owner, whether you’re selling a product or providing a service, you’ll learn real fast that you have to be almost everything at first.

I had to become that salesperson, especially if I wanted my products and the inspiration to be shared.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media seems easy because everyone or almost everyone you know is on one of the platforms. For me, it seemed like a moderate pace, which I wasn’t as concerned in the beginning. Honestly, I’m still building. Building a tribe/community.

Now that social media has become a main source for introducing yourself and your brand worldwide, I will say stay consistent, be intentional with your posts and what you share, be authentic, be you.

Contact Info:

• Website: chocolateroseonline.com
• Instagram: @chocorose31
• Facebook: @chocolateroseonline2
• Twitter: @ChocolateRoseG1
• Other: Tiktok @chocorose31

Image Credits
Photo Credits – Dona McKenzie