We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Tinker also known as the talented music artist BigDonA$AN and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ariel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Dreamers & Co. specifically because I wanted to inspire, motivate, and impact people. I’ve always been a dream chaser and I know how hard it can be when your chasing any goal, dream or passion alone so I wanted to give people an opportunity to have company while doing so. Hence the name “ Dreamers & Co. “ and I went into fitness apparel specifically because I had just started my fitness journey and it made me feel empowered doing fitness so I wanted to make the clothes that were designed to help you feel at your best while working out.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Music has always been a passion of mine. I cannot think of a time that I was not obsessed with the art of music. Even before I was a creator I was a deep listener. I feel like I listen to music through a different lens, I pay attention to small details and just appreciate the process of it. I’ve done a lot in the musical world but haven’t even scraped the surface of where I’m truly trying to go with it. But it’s definitely a challenge and that’s just life. I’m learning to better my intentions with music though. I feel as if I was always stopped short when it came to getting where I wanted to be, I would gain momentum then a tragedy would happen. I would go to prison, or get shot or just something tragic. In growth I realized I was blocking myself by being a negative influence to myself… I regret nothing because ’ve learned so much from being segregated and coexisting in a institution. I read plenty and reflected plenty. I actually started my fitness journey during my last bid and that’s when I came up with my business idea and wrote my smart goals for the year of my release. I was released January 2021 and 90% of the goals I set while incarcerated I accomplished this year. Most I thought would take longer. Didn’t take to long tho when I just got straight to it. But music was something in scheduled to venture back into in 2022. Now this time I can go on with better knowledge of the game. But intention is everything, my mind is pure, my soul is pure, my vibe is pure. I’m just ready to create vibes that you can resonate with even after I’m no longer here.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s crazy.. I really do not get out often. I have been so stuck on grind that it would be me showing US the city lol. But I would take them to some of the vegan spots out here because we have so many. My girlfriend came visited me in September so we tried a few vegan spots like Vegan Food House, Nunos. I need to get out more to see more of Dallas. I just moved out here myself… I’ll add that on my list of things to do in 2022
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give praise to the higher power for guiding me and keeping me grounded through out this process. Sometimes I get discouraged or don’t know what to do next and the signs always come when needed and I’m always provided with the resources needed to keep going. I would also like to shout out my support system my mother, my significant other, my supportive friends everyone who acknowledges my growth. It’s grandly appreciated and i wish they knew what it means to me because without those people letting me know that my impact is effective I wouldn’t want to do this. I love that I inspire people to be better or do better and attempt to live at their full potential. So yes shout out to everyone that I motivate, y’all empower me and I love y’all.
Website: https://linktr.ee/BigDonASAN
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bigdonasan
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/bigdonasan
Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdonasan
Image Credits
Johnnie Sommers, YawFilmz, AllGravyTv, Ayana Franklin