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

Kimberly, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

ButterFlyWerks is the result of family love, lifetime friendships, encouragement, dedication and the tenacity to succeed.

ButterFlyWerks was founded in 2017, with the intent of producing a documentary about CJ Wiley and his recovery journey after a near death, ten-hour brain surgery that entailed multiple subsequent operations. Prior to CJ’s diagnosis of Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), he was a successful master barber and tattoo artist with deep clientele. The aftermath left him disabled and forced to move across the country to live with his older sister. His strength and will to overcome, inspired his pursuit of a career in filmmaking. During his recovery phase, his sister asked. “CJ, what do you want to do with your life?” He responded, “I want to make films.”, his sister said, “Okay, let’s do it.” This is compelling, because CJ is my brother, the foundational inspiration of ButterFlyWerks.

We found ourselves completely taken, CJ created the logo and built our first website, I submerged myself into learning aspects of the entertainment business and creating a business plan. We knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because we never became doubtful and were having fun. There was no logic, I went with my heart knowing this newly found purpose was becoming instrumental to CJ’s recovery and self renossiance.

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

Coupled with being the founder of ButterFlyWerks, I am a Senior Manager responsible for the fiscal health and successful completion of large scale projects. My education in Architecture, Business and Leadership allows me to employ the competencies required to successfully build the brand.

I began ButterFlyWerks to assist my brother with his dream of becoming a filmmaker.

ButterFlyWerks is an enterprise with divisions in film production, live music entertainment events, music production and beauty products (luxury men’s fragrance). We practice care with every aspect of the enterprise by cultivating strategic partnerships.

Our body of work includes the production of two comedy specials; Screw The Rules, “Somebody Call The Cops” currently released on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Comcast, Apple TV, Xumo and Vudu and Screw The Rules “I’m GROWN GROWN, currently in post production. The specials were written and star Screwroy Rice, a comedic genius from the east side of Compton, California. These comedy specials are the product of trust, patience, diligence, uncompromising ethic, faith and friendship.

Additionally, ButterFlyWerks partners with Terrence Bolen of Terry DidUm Designz to produce Love, Paint and Soul; an annual event that features grammy nominated artists performing live while a visual artist paints a masterpiece, we include award winning poets and comedic relief. The event provides gourmet hor d’oeuvres, top grade bartending and networking opportunities.

ButterFlyWerks also has a music production arm, responsible for music releases by Arianna Shalee, an up and coming artist from Los Angeles. Spotify certified, Arianna Shalee has released several singles and an EP entitled “West$ide Love$tory”. Arianna’s sultry sounds, appreciation for the art and uncompromising quality ensure a sustained career for decades to come.

During the pandemic, I recalibrated our business strategy and partnered with music producer, Dom Harris. The partnership resulted in the creation of a luxury men’s fragrance named DOM eau de parfum, “The quintessential Fragrance for the Refined Gentlemen”. DOM successfully launched December 2021, expansion products are currently underway.

Additionally, we have a non-profit organization named ButterFlyWerks Giving. Its purpose is to operate for the underserved portion of the community whose focus is providing programs that promote positive self image, scholarly success , community leadership and entrepreneurship.

ButterFlyWerks is set apart because we honor and respect creativity and provide resources for creative types to flourish. Our mission is to permeate positivity in all endeavors, provide quality entertainment, strategic awareness. and sustained renaissance.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Initial capital for ButterFlyWerks came from my job earnings and personal savings. It was very important I didn’t acquire debt, so expenditures were disbursed based on priority. For example, fees related to becoming a legal entity were first, branding related expenses second, website development third, etc. To mitigate hurdles, I dedicated a fixed percentage of my personal earnings to startup costs. My business plan served as a roadmap to ensure I stayed within budget and on task.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The pandemic created pause and obstacles. During that time, I recalibrated the business to include a luxury fragrance. I partnered music producer, Dom Harris and created a luxury men’s fragrance called DÖM eau de parfum. It is tagged as “The quintessential Fragrance for the Refined Gentlemen” and launched December 25th, 2021.

The idea began as a thought ushered to me amongst night . I shared my vision with my family After submerging myself in the industry, a fragrance bearing Dom’s name was created. During compound development, a luxurious fragrance with total experience remained in the forefront. All packaging components were selected with thought, while consultant and suppliers selections were based upon our guiding principles. The result, a fragrance I am proud to share globally.

As I reflect, the pandemic was a test of strength. I’m thankful for that time, it taught me that passion and dedication can sustain all adverse circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.butterflywerks.net and dom-fragrance.com
• Instagram: @bfwerks and @dom.fragrance
• Facebook: ButterFlyWerks LLC, and DOM eau de Parfum