Meet Deidre Gaskin, MBA: Sports Publicist and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deidre Gaskin, MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deidre, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Wow, this is such a powerful question. To be honest, at times I don’t have the complete answer because it’s always a challenge. But my firm, MayLee Media, is faith based so I lean on God to show me. Truthfully speaking, if my firm was named after me, I would have given up a long time ago but it’s not. My PR firm is named after my grandmother and I want to honor her and leave a legacy that’s far bigger than I am. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of starting a brand and honoring it with naming my firm after my late grandmother, who raised me from birth. Unlike most people nowadays, becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t a dream of mine at this young age, maybe late 40s but not in my 20s. I graduated and have a total of 4 degrees so my whole objective was to go to work, climb the corporate ladder, collect the corporate check and utilize the corporate benefits but God had other plans. It wasn’t easy because it wasn’t what I knew how to do. I believe entrepreneurship is a God-given assignment and not everyone has the spirit of entrepreneurship. I basically got pushed out of corporate and then I launched my business. But before I started calling myself a business woman or even a publicist, I SERVED which you rarely see today. I interned, volunteered, learned, and worked my butt off before a check was even cashed because I believe in rightfully earning my spot and not scamming and gimmicking through it. I crawled before I walked basically. Challenges are revolving, they never end but the question is how do I endure? I honestly had to learn that not everyone is my assignment and not all money is GOD/good money. I had to sit down, reflect and narrow down who I wanted to serve and make sure it aligns with my mission. Once I started doing that, pressure was relieved and clarity came. I want the world to know that although I get paid, it’s more about the purpose than the paycheck. I’m looking to serve and elevate people who are looking to serve and elevate Christ and others. Period. I want to change the view of the world with one God given client at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First I would take them to any American deli, or A- Town wings. Atlanta is known for having some good wings. LOL. I would also take them to Nana’s Chicken and Waffles, the owner is so sweet and the food is even sweeter plus it has that family value that I adore. We would definitely go check out Lenox mall, Atlantic Station or Cumberland to get our shop on. But I’m also a thrifter so Value Village or Goodwill to dig through some hidden treasures. In addition to shopping and eating, I would go to the aquarium and the zoo because I love the sea, I love the water and I love nature’s babies. I would also visit The Football Hall of Fame, Civil Rights Museum and all things MLK. The only thing Atlanta is missing is a beach haha and no the man-made beach doesn’t count.  

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?
My mom (Mechelle Palode- Butler). She has no idea what I do for a living but she supports me every step of the way, not to mention she’s getting a taste of entrepreneurship herself with her event decor and fruit arrangement business (FruitWorks). Coming from where we come from, being in business or the thought of owning one is foreign, so for her to be walking in it and wanting more for herself deserves some attention. Also I can’t forget my husband. He’s my best friend and in a sense a mentor because he has an eye to see further (spiritually) than I do and I can’t let that go unnoticed.

Website: www.mayleemedia.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/deidregaskin

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/deidregaskin

Twitter: www.twitter.com/deidregaskin_

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deidregaskin

Youtube: www.youtube.com/mayleemedia

Image Credits
Belle Rouge Photography