Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keenan Daniels. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Keenan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes I’ve been able to earn a six-figure income working for myself since 2015. It has really been a blessing. My wife and I got married in 2004 and things got off to a Rocky start. We’ve experienced many financial hardships so to be able to utilize my gifts and talents to create a strong source of income has been life-changing to say the least. Coming straight out of high school I began working for a company here in Chattanooga Tennessee. I was dedicated to that company for 14 and 1/2 years before I decided to put my hands on something that could generate happiness in my life in addition to being financially stable. I didn’t see it as that in the beginning I just wanted to pursue my passions. And as most stories go when you pursue your passions and utilize in your god-given talent the money will be there.

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

I’m a young man with no college education. After I graduated from high school I immediately started in the workforce. However I went to a performing arts school from middle school through high School. So singing, dancing, acting were things that were second nature to me. I shined when I was on stage and that was my comfort zone. I’ve always had a universal taste in music and over time I built a playlist of some of my favorite songs from the ’70s, ’80s, 90s that people would love universally. Not realizing that I will utilize those gifts and talents in the wedding industry. Fortunately my hosting skills have a way of cracking the ice at weddings and getting people comfortable with people who they may not know. Weddings are one of the most socially awkward events in human history and they require a certain skill set to get people comfortable and come together to celebrate the bride and groom. I mentor told me that the guy who solves the problems gets paid. The problem at weddings has always been the lack of an entertaining DJ. Once I realized this I made it my business to ensure my couples would have a host / entertainer / DJ for their wedding reception. I’ve been married man of 18 years and one thing I’m the most proud of with my line of work is being able to be there for couples from day one. Giving them something I did not have which was a memorable wedding day. My wife and I got married in 2004 and we didn’t have the means financially for an elaborate wedding day. Now we work alongside each other to ensure couples have a memorable day on their wedding day. I’m extremely passionate about people and I’m in love with mankind regardless of race, political stance, and gender I love people all the same. And I’m convinced people can see this that’s the reason why I’m in such demand.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media was a game changer for my business. Instagram had just really got on the scene around 2013 and that’s when I started my business. As an African-American DJ it was important for me to post content that promoted my hosting skills in addition to my DJ skills. I would build relationships with photographers and videographers so that they could send me images of myself and work dressed as a host and entertaining so that’s the first thing people want to see. Your brand is what you’re known for and how you market yourself is what you want people to see about you. With that in mind I’ve always taken clean cut images of myself so that I look like a high-end DJ and not a cheapo from down the block. It’s tough to separate Keenan Daniels from The MillionDollaMan. We are the same guy once I came to that realization what I posted on social media was important because I am the product I’m selling to clients.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I’ve been fortunate to average 90 weddings a year and the thing I find the most rewarding is knowing I played a part in helping come together. Whether it’s on the dance floor helping them engage in conversation and just knowing that I played a part in making the first day of someone’s marriage memorable. I am a family man and I believe family is vital for the future of this country and definitely beneficial to your community so with that being said when families unite as one family regardless of what the last name is it’s a beautiful thing. And to know that I was there from day one means a lot.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MillionDollaMan.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/themilliondollaman
• Facebook: Keenan Daniels
• Linkedin: N/A
• Twitter: @KeenanDaniels17
• Youtube: N/A
• Yelp: N/A

Image Credits
Nelya Grace (photography credit)