Meet Dariell Simmons | Founder & CEO of A Princess In Me Foundation, Inc.

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

Hi Dariell, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At eight years old, my mother kept me involved in various activities. I was a Jr. Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader for eight years. I was a member of Donate Love Foundation, Inc., which truly helped me see the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. In middle school, I joined Emerging Young Leaders, a signature program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. that cultivated and encouraged high academic achievement through leadership development, educational enrichment, civic engagement, and character building. In high school, I took classes with Barbizon Modeling and Acting School. I learned poise and self-etiquette, confidence in public speaking, tips and techniques on applying beauty products, and proper posture and body movements.

I believe that staying involved in community service projects and engaging with like-minded women and individuals is valuable in building character, success, and value for the whole person. Through faith, at nineteen years old, I was motivated to start my foundation and provide the same exposure and experiences I was fortunate to have. I wanted to pay forward everything instilled in me at a young age. I desire to inspire girls and young ladies to embrace the royalty that lives within us all. By doing so, I wanted to use affirmations and workshops to reinvent the thought process of being a “Princess” from a fairytale to a reality.

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?
A Princess In Me Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to helping young ladies ages six and older build their Self-Worth, Self-Confidence, and Self-Love, to not only provide a safe haven for young ladies to embrace their flaws and imperfections but Empower, Encourage, and Enable young ladies to participate in hands-on service projects. I host self-development workshops on Self-Worth, Self-Confidence, & Self-Love and organize various “Princess Outings” to help strengthen and build lasting relationships. This year, I launched the “This Is Me, Who Are You?” mentorship program to encourage individuals to learn the importance of knowing who YOU are and believing YOU are enough!

I am grateful and proud to say this will be A Princess In Me Foundation, Inc.’s fifth year of existence. Reflecting on my growth from when I started with little to no members and volunteering with only my mom and me to now having more than thirty members in counting makes me grateful and happy that I am making a significant impact on the lives of others.

My faith in God is the most important reason I am successful personally, professionally, and entrepreneurially and what sets me apart from others. I believe there are NO coincidences. All things are intended to be and will come full circle. Every day, I am determined to be a better version of myself. I live by the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, “Philippians 4:13 NKJV. I put my brand before God, praying and knowing that His will is greater than mine and that He will always lead me or anything I desire to greatness. Although, I face challenges in my personal and professional life, I believe this is my ministry and assignment. I am reminded, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” Hebrews 11:1.

Throughout my life, I have learned not to live by the fear of the outcome but by the faith in getting it started. Having a non-profit organization that supports monthly workshops and community service projects presents risks and challenges frequently due to the fluctuation of attendees. When planning and implementing events, I desire a room full of people, but realistically, it does not happen every time. Due to this realization, my motto has come to be: it is not about the quantity but the quality my event showcases. No matter what, the show must go on!

I have learned that you must keep God first and be passionate, patient, and consistent with any business. Without God, there is no guidance or favor upon you. Without passion, patience, and consistency, there is no drive or motivation to keep going when times get hard. You must always have a reason to keep going when you have lost all hope and it seems like there is no way things will work out. As long as you have God at the forefront of your business, you will always be successful! You must trust the process and maintain your faith in knowing you will reach your goals.

All in all, I believe there is art in everything we do! I try to find the beauty in what I do and how I do it. I feel like my entrepreneurial journey is a masterpiece. If you are passionate about your work, it will be worth your time and energy in the long run! You create an imperfectly perfect masterpiece once you have navigated your career journey to your passion, and that is what I have done by founding A Princess In Me Foundation, Inc.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On Monday, I would take my best friend to my favorite food spot, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. We can go to Main Event to play games and watch movies at the AMC Parkway Pointe 15 location.

On Tuesday, I would take my friend shopping at Lenox Mall and enjoy a delicious pizza from Fellini’s Pizza. Later that evening, we can go to Atlantic Station to enjoy bowling at Bowlero.

On Wednesday, we can enjoy a brunch meal at ATL Breakfast Club and experience a pleasurable deep tissue massage from Buckhead Grand Spa.

On Thursday, in the daytime, we can take a trip to Chattahoochee Food Works food hall and play games at Your Third Spot. We can have a night out in the city at Ponce City Market and enjoy the many food options they have in their food hall. They also have games and a bar on the rooftop.

On Friday, I would take her to dine at Zama Mexican Cuisine & Margarita Bar. Afterward, we can check out the High Museum High-Frequency Friday, which includes art, happy hour, and a party.

On Saturday, I would take my best friend to the Oh My Glutes workout class led by Mecca Day. We can treat ourselves to a nice salad at Salata afterward. At night, we can have a nice drink from Fat Tuesdays and dance the night away at The Live at the Battery Atlanta.

On Sunday, we would go to Elizabeth Baptist Church in the morning and have brunch at Breakfast at Barney’s. During the day, we could enjoy an outdoor walk at The Beltline or Piedmont Park. Lastly, enjoy a soul food meal at The Beautiful Restaurant for dinner.

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?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my grandmother, Vera Carmicheal, and my mother, Natasha Carmicheal, who have instilled so much knowledge and wisdom in me. As the quote reads, it takes a village to raise a child, and I give them all the credit for raising me into a God-fearing and beautiful woman inside and out. They are the reason I am who I am today. Without my mother keeping me involved in activities such as the Jr. Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader, Donate Love Foundation, Inc., Emerging Young Leaders, and Barbizon Modeling and Acting School, I would not have created the vision I have today for my non-profit, A Princess In Me Foundation, Inc.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aprincessinme/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprincessinmefdn/

Other: Additional Social Media Account:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprincessinmefdn

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aprincessinme

I have a Membership Interest Form for all readers interested in becoming a member or know of someone who would be a good fit. Please share our Linktree link, which includes the Membership Interest Form and our social media handles.

Age Requirement:
Young Girls: 6 – 17
Young Lades: 18+

Image Credits
Jasmine Holland, Director of Marketing & Media
Asia Nelor, Assistant Director of Marketing & Media
Dhemari Jernigan, Atlanta Freelance Photographer