Meet Brandi Starks | Owner/ Founder of Dorothy’s Paradise

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandi Starks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Dorothy’s Paradise didn’t begin as a survival strategy — it started as a side mission. Something I played with on the side while working full time. But over time, that quiet idea became a full-fledged mission. The more I poured into it, the more it reflected back pieces of who I really am.

The most important factor behind my success has been allowing the vision to grow with me. I didn’t force it to be anything it wasn’t. I stayed rooted in what felt right — and because of that, people have connected to it deeply. It’s soft. It’s intentional. And it’s real.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dorothy’s Paradise is more than a business — it’s a sacred offering.
It’s a soft-luxury lifestyle brand rooted in creativity, healing, and legacy. Every product — from yarn kits and journals to publishing tools and cozy rituals — is crafted to remind people that softness isn’t a weakness. It’s a right.

What sets us apart is our quiet power. We don’t create to be loud or trendy — we create with intention. Every detail is guided by care, from names inspired by loved ones to collections shaped by ancestral memory. We honor craft. We honor slowness. We honor truth.

I didn’t set out to build a business — not at first. Dorothy’s Paradise began as a side mission I’d return to when I felt overwhelmed or out of alignment. After a health crisis last year, crochet became my therapy. Then, another scare at the start of 2025 pushed me to stop waiting and leap. Since then, the brand has grown faster than I could’ve dreamed.

That said, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve built this while healing, grieving, budgeting every dollar, and releasing versions of myself I’d outgrown. I overcame by trusting softness. I honored my pace. I asked for help. I created Cozy Genie to keep myself grounded. I stayed rooted in why I began.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: you don’t have to burn out to build something beautiful. You can grow by listening inward and moving in alignment with your values.

Dorothy’s Paradise was built by someone who chose courage over control, softness over struggle, and legacy over urgency. And this is only the beginning.

One day, I hope to open a physical location right here in Atlanta — a true haven for creativity, connection, and cozy joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Atlanta, I’d want it to feel like stepping into a dream — something soft, vibrant, and full of good energy.I’d tailor the experience to what makes them light up, but here’s a little sample of what a week might look like:

We’d start with nature — a grounding visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to breathe in the beauty, the blooms, and the quiet. It’s one of my favorite places to reset and reflect. After that, we’d grab lunch at Ray’s Southern Foods or La Hacienda — both local spots that feel like comfort and culture in every bite.

We’d definitely go to a concert. That’s one of my favorite types of outings — music, movement, connection. Whether it’s a big arena show or a more intimate venue, I’m always down to dance and sing like nobody’s watching.

I’d take them shopping — not just to the big-name spots, but also to local Black-owned boutiques and creative spaces. We’d wander through Ponce City Market, support independent artists, and maybe hit a thrift store or two for something unique and unexpected.

We’d visit the High Museum of Art for some inspiration, and spend slow afternoons at one of Atlanta’s beautiful parks — Piedmont Park or Cascade Springs — somewhere where the sun feels soft and the breeze reminds you that rest is sacred.

And of course, we’d pause at some point to sip something warm or sweet and talk about life — probably while walking through East Atlanta Village, soaking up the local color and conversation.

Atlanta is full of magic. You just have to know where to look — and more often than not, it’s in the small, soulful details.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people woven into this story.

First and always, I dedicate this to the women who shaped me — my great-grandmother Dorothy, my grandmother Margaret, and my mother Vangelia. Their strength, softness, and love gave me the foundation to be exactly who I am. They taught me that boundaries are a form of care, that rebellion can be sacred, and that softness is a strength.

I also want to shout out every friend who encouraged me when this was still a whisper. To those who cheered for me before the brand had a name, who saw the vision before I did — I’m forever grateful.

And to the creatives, customers, and community who have embraced Dorothy’s Paradise: you’ve made this more than a business. You’ve made it a homecoming.

Website: https://www.dorothysparadise.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothysparadise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DcraFkbAR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dorothysparadise?_t=ZT-8vzoCDr1laI&_r=1