We recently connected with Dwight D’nilla Woods and have shared our conversation below.

Dwight, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success to me isn’t about money or titles—it’s about doing what you want to do, with a burning desire that won’t let you sleep until you make it happen. I remember a time when I was broke, sitting in a small room with a laptop that barely worked, building my brand between projects and phone calls. What got me through wasn’t luck—it was mindset and discipline. I told myself, “If I don’t believe in it enough to show up every day, how can I expect anyone else to?” That’s success: the freedom to chase your vision and the discipline to keep going, even when nobody’s clapping yet. It’s all about the mindset.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dwight D’nilla Woods, and my path into marketing was born out of the music industry. I started as a rapper in the late ’80s and transitioned into running a music and artist promotion company in the early 2000s. I offered placements in my monthly print magazine and was an early adopter of digital music distribution through IODA, now The Orchard (a Sony company). That era gave me a crash course in digital marketing before it was even called that. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work on campaigns involving artists like Cardi B, Offset, Syleena Johnson, Ceelo Green, Brandy, and Twista. Eventually, I blended that experience with my love for design and printing to launch Dr. Marketingstein Digital Agency & Customs.

At Dr. Marketingstein, we specialize in automation, web design, branding, custom printing, and full-scale marketing strategy. We serve a wide range of clients, from major corporations to local startups, but our heart is with entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to stand out. I’ve been proud to work with brands like Marriott Hotels, Comcast, and even the estate of Prince, alongside a long list of local businesses that fuel our community every day.

What sets us apart is our commitment to impact. I have a special focus on supporting startups and Black- and minority-owned businesses—because when those businesses thrive, so do the communities around them. The SBA once reported that nearly 90% of startups fail, often due to poor marketing. That’s why I do this—to give businesses the tools and strategy to not just survive, but grow and lead.

The name Dr. Marketingstein is a creative spin on Dr. Frankenstein. Just like he brought life to something new by assembling the best parts, I build powerful, “monster” marketing strategies by fusing the AI, automation, best of print, digital, and web together into something alive and unforgettable.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Back around 2018, I made a major pivot—one that took me from managing and marketing music artists to working directly with small businesses. For years, I had been helping artists build their brands, get seen, and turn dreams into reality. But at some point, I realized I wanted to do the same thing for entrepreneurs and small business owners. They had the same drive, the same hunger—just in a different lane. So I shifted my focus. I started learning their pain points, understanding what they needed, and offering real solutions. That’s when things started to grow. I wasn’t just promoting music anymore—I was helping everyday people bring their vision to life, and that impact hit different. That not only helps the business it change lives. That pivot is one of the best moves I ever made.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

It all started when I was a kid and motivational speaker Les Brown came to my elementary school. I’ll never forget it—he talked about the power of thinking things into existence. That idea stuck with me: “If you can think it, you can be it.” That was my first introduction to mindset shaping your reality. As I got older, I dove deeper into that philosophy by reading books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and others who spoke on purpose, vision, and discipline. That’s when it really clicked for me—success isn’t just about talent or opportunity, it’s about having the mindset, the drive, and the discipline to keep showing up. That belief became the foundation of how I run my business and guide others today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drmarketingstein.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarketingstein/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMarketingstein
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-dnilla-woods-30052729/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Marketingstein/

Image Credits

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