We recently connected with Joyce Dawkins and have shared our conversation below.

Joyce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My organization, She ROCKS It, specializes in hosting empowering event experiences dedicated to honoring women. However, when the pandemic struck, our ability to hold in-person events was halted. Determined to keep our network engaged, I conceived the idea of creating a magazine. This publication serves as a platform to spotlight remarkable women, share their stories, celebrate their successes, and foster a new global community of empowered women. Since its inception, our magazine has garnered over 65,000 readers and impressions, reaching audiences in over 10 countries. We have proudly published multiple successful editions, each contributing to our mission of uplifting women worldwide.

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?

I am the remarkable individual behind a multitude of influential initiatives, the Founder and creator of an array of impactful organizations. These include She ROCKS It Celebrating Women Who Rock, S.H.E. Inc Sisters Helping Each Other 501c-3 non-profit, She ROCKS It Magazine, and the visionary mind behind the National I AM Day, a momentous occasion celebrated annually on the 2nd Sunday in March and author of I AM SHE 31 Day Devotional-to self-discovery and empowerment through daily affirmations, self-reflection and journaling. With a profound educational background, I hold a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education, and a Degree in Executive Career Coaching. Her professional career as a Corporate Educator is complemented by her membership in the esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She ROCKS It, an organization dedicated to honoring and empowering women, orchestrates captivating event experiences that have captivated and inspired countless women since its inception in 2016. S.H.E Inc, a nonprofit entity, collaborates with like-minded organizations to assist women in transcending their past and focusing on rebuilding their future.

The birth of She ROCKS It Magazine during the pandemic served as a means to maintain a strong connection with the devoted followers of She ROCKS It. This lifestyle magazine has successfully reached over 20 countries, amassing an impressive readership of over 60,000 individuals.

I AM SHE Day, a momentous occasion launched to commemorate Women’s history month in March, serves as a unifying platform for women to celebrate the remarkable achievements women have made throughout history. On this significant day, women are encouraged to affirm their identity with the empowering phrase “I AM SHE,” as Joyce firmly believes that one’s truth is shaped by what follows these words.

In a groundbreaking collaboration in 2021, Joyce joined forces with the esteemed entrepreneur and expert sommelier Chrishon Lampley, the owner of Love Cork Screw Wines, to create the CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival. This annual festival, based in Chicago, is dedicated to showcasing the accomplishments of Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the industry. The festival’s ultimate goal is to educate, empower, and inspire Minority women to pursue their dreams and aspirations, even in a space that only a mere 1% of Minority women currently occupy. This festival, has become one of the most highly anticipated events in the Chicagoland area.

The CLINK FESTIVAL stands as a testament to the power of women coming together to create an extraordinary experience that illuminates the triumphs of women across the globe.

I’ve always had a passion for events and celebrating the achievements of others. Establishing my own organization has been a longtime goal, allowing me to connect and network with women from around the globe. Through seminars, workshops, galas, networking events, and an annual expo, I provide a platform for women to come together, showcase their businesses, and feel celebrated.

One of the key contributions my organization makes is providing women with a space to connect, promote their ventures, and bask in recognition.

I take immense pride in the successes my organization has achieved, including features in multiple media outlets, the honor of hosting Women’s Day at the Chicago Auto Show, appearances on local news channels, and recognition for the impactful work we do.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One significant pivot I experienced was when the pandemic abruptly halted all my in-person events. It forced me to rethink how I could continue engaging with my network and supporting women during such challenging times. Instead of dwelling on the limitations, I decided to embrace innovation.

I transitioned my interactions online, hosting virtual conversations and live sessions on social media platforms. These discussions provided a platform for women to connect, share their stories, and uplift one another, albeit in a virtual setting. Additionally, I launched an online Facebook community to ensure women could stay connected and supported despite the physical distance.

Moreover, I saw an opportunity to amplify women’s voices and stories through She ROCKS It Magazine. This publication became a beacon of inspiration, shining a spotlight on remarkable women and their achievements, even during unprecedented times.

This pivot not only allowed me to adapt to the changing circumstances but also reinforced the importance of resilience, creativity, and community in navigating challenges.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been a journey of consistent effort, genuine engagement, and strategic networking.

I started by establishing a presence on multiple platforms, ensuring that my brand’s message was consistent across all channels. Consistency in posting content, whether it’s informative, inspirational, or promotional, played a crucial role in keeping my audience engaged and coming back for more.

Engagement has been key. I made it a priority to respond to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly, fostering meaningful connections with my followers. Additionally, I actively sought out like-minded individuals and communities, joining relevant groups and participating in discussions to expand my reach and connect with potential followers.

Visual content has been a powerful tool in capturing audience attention. High-quality photos, graphics, and videos have helped to convey my brand’s story and message effectively. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal anecdotes, and success stories has added authenticity to my brand and resonated with my audience.

One piece of advice for those starting to build their social media presence is to focus on providing value. Understand your target audience’s needs and interests, and tailor your content to address them. Consistently engage with your audience, be authentic, and build genuine relationships. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Building a strong social media presence takes time and dedication, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sherocksit.com
• Instagram: she_rocks_it_
• Facebook: She Rocks It
• Youtube: she rocks it