We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toni Renee Davenport. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toni Renee below.

Alright, Toni Renee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I grew up in a home full of great music always being played and sang to along with dancing around very often. From a very young age, around 9 years old I took an interest in writing my own lyrics. I’d sit in front of the stereo system and write to instrumentals and one day one of my Mom’s boyfriends at the time offered to show me how to structure out my writing. My mother even bought me a rhyming dictionary which was really dope. I would ride in the car and picture myself in music videos and create the music video scenario in my mind. So from that point I always said I wanted to be a rapper/ in the music business. Along with being a professional ball player, a veterinarian, and a dance choreographer haha. As I continued on my life journey I was able to pivot in other creative avenues that suit me most and I’m blessed to always have my hands in something creative around the things I love the most. Not once In my life have I doubted my calling as a creative, or wanted to stop doing what I do.

Toni Renee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who know me, know that I wear MANY hats, but they all seem to really tie in together with any form of work that I do. One of my main titles would be Music Project Management and Brand Development. Over the years I have planned and executed projects for multiple music artist and other types of industry professionals. I have created and ran my own clothing line and from that have ben Able to help others create, strategize, and execute developing, or improving their own brands. I grew up doing music personally and studying the craft in college. I spent some time in College and majored in Music Technology & Music Business. Ultimately, I have an ear for music, an eye for fashion, and a great ability to generate creative ideas on how to brand people and their personal brands. I’m super passionate about the projects I take on and in turn I really dedicate time to learn and study areas that I work in, or want to excel in so I can feel like I’m continuously learning and growing through my own experiences and my peers as well.

I am also a Director/Creative Director. This passion was sparked In 2015 I worked with my first artist “Sir Will” as management and Created/Directed a music video for him. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of creative directing and Directing for multiple people and artist. A few artist I’ve had the pleasure of Creative Directing for are NovTheZoner, Truvonne, Sir Will, And Baely.

Since 2009 I’ve done Personal shopping, Wardrobe styling, And Runway style assist for multiple clients. Primarily male clients, but I have worked with all genders and ages. Styling hasn’t been something I have spent enough time in seeking out new clients, but I’ve been blessed enough to attract opportunities that allow me to remain in this space and I truly enjoy it. I plan to build out my portfolio this year and showcase more of my work in this area in order to open myself up for more of these opportunities this year.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue to live in my life purpose of helping others and to build and grow in all my crafts. I plan to start sharing more of my work in order to grow my personal brand and business as well as the business of my clients. I love all things creative and that I get to work with people that trust me with their visions and brands.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’d have to say the feeling of knowing I’m able to use my brain to create ideas while utilizing and enhancing the ideas of others to plan and execute a vision. Building something from the ground up and seeing it pay off in ways I couldn’t imagine. Being able to make a living off of pure creative drive and ability. Having fun while working is such a BLESSING and really the true reward is seeing my clients, peers, and family happy and proud of it all.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A go to book that never gets old Is the Four Agreements. It just helps me stay grounded and provides those necessary reminders on living life. A few Podcasts that have been my go to is the Jay Shetty podcast, The Managers Playbook, Mel Robbins, and Wendy Day. These all provide me a form of personal therapy, education, industry outlook and knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _thenightowl
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Roberto Cordero Jr.