We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Dionne L. Boyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Dionne L., let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I would like my legacy to be defined as the impact that I was able to make on others which led them to make a positive change, grow, develop in some way, take a calculated risk or encourage them to make a better informed decision about something in their life. I am a global educator with a lot of knowledge to share and it’s important for me to do just that. I don’t judge, instead I aspire to empower and gift others with knowledge that I hope can challenge their minds and thought processes.

I have a passion for life, love for fashion and global travels, and totally an out of the box unconventional thinker and experiential person who said yes to her dreams and is always in relentless pursuit of making them happen, no matter what. You may not always remember my name, but you will always remember something I shared with you and how I made you feel.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am owner and CEO of Image Architects and Management, LLC in Atlanta Georgia, a Global Marketing Consulting and Coaching firm, where I am responsible for creative marketing strategies, strategic planning, Global Business, Marketing (Luxury is my niche), Brand development, Fashion Marketing, Packaging, Product Placement, and Personal Coaching services for Professional athletes, Young Professionals, and High performance individuals trying to get to the next level professionally. My coaching services are available via referral only.

My company also specializes in global education consulting. I am an education architect who helps to design classes, programs, curriculum, and conduct workshops with other educators all over the world and share my expertise on designing projects and teaching techniques to continuously connect, excite, and engage with students.

What sets me apart is my background and experiences, as I have lived and experienced everything I do first hand so this allows me to reallly connect with individuals. I have been on both sides as the employee and now employer as well as the student and the Professor. I have pulled the trigger and said yes to my dreams and things which many talk about but don’t always make the plans needed to follow through with making them happen. However, I did and that’s my story and never looked back!

Business wise, I achieved much of my success through my first and only job, working at Neiman Marcus for 21 years. It was the only real job I actually ever had and I started when I gradauted from college in undergrad. It was a dream job that allowed me to have some of the best experiences in my life, create an amazing wardrobe, meet some unforgettable people, work on some amazing TV/film projects and inspire me to dream in ways I never had before because of the type of people I was serving and engaging with and the merchandise and environment I was exposed to. It was all luxury and over the top in the best way! I would follow this with my global experiences and travels all over the world. I am on my 3rd passport and love learning and engaging first hand in other countries and with other cultures.

It was not easy to build a career and eventually a million dollar book of business but I did so as I studied the products we sold and where they were made, how they were made, learned about designers and then learned the power of selling and storytelling because I worked on commission. If I did not sell, I did not eat and I loved that because I was always hungry and there was no limit on the amount of income I could earn.

The best lessons I learned along the way is that you are always selling something even when you are not trying to because people will see you before they hear you, so consider the message of what you are wearing and how you are presenting who you are to the world. I learned to listen more than I talked as clients would always to me what I needed to know if I would let them and not make assumptions. Lastly, I focused on value and the experiences I provided clients who engaged and shopped with me, NEVER EVER PRICE. I always assume that any one can find a way to pay for anything they want if they see the value in how it benefits them. Price then becomes irrelevant. It’s something I stand by today in my own business practice.
I also believe in creating opportunities that don’t exist for experiences I want to have and monetizing all my gifts in some way, that way it never really feels too much like work.

I want people to know that I am a Black girl from Alabama who simply said yes and never looked back. I measure my success from where I started against where I am right now, today. I don’t measure myself against others.

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.
I love nature and the outdoors and fun experiences. I would take them hiking by the Chattahoochee, biking near the Fourth Ward or downtown to ride the Ferris Wheel where you can see the city at night. I love Alpharetta and Downtown Decatur to visit as it’s a little artsy and has some hidden gems many don’t know about. I also love Wolf Mountain Vineyards. I like JCT kitchen, West Egg Cafe, Egg Harbor, Tuk Tuk, Fellini’s Pizza and the roof top at night at Ponce City Market as they have several fun things to enjoy and the views of the city are incredible.

 

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?
Yes, much of my drive comes from my Dad- James E. Boyd and Aunt- Judge Delores R. Boyd. My father owns and still operates his own State Farm Agency after 38 years and is still actively working and growing his business. My Aunt was one of the first federal Black Judges in the State of Alabama and operated her own law practice and started a black book store called Roots and Wings in Montgomery Alabama where African American authors could have their books shown and sold as well as be invited to do guest appearances to meet with their supporters. I have another Aunt- Louise Lewis whose life and achivements in education also inspired me.

I also want to credit my church, New Life Baptist Church for the opportunites to engage in mentorship, become more spiritually balanced and centered, and using my natural gifts to support, engage, and inspire others through the many outreach ministries we have. Understanding this inspired me to mentor others and now I have 7 amazing mentees who I call my “Super Seven” whose life I have been a part of for many years and keeps me inspired and growing as well because I understand the responsibility I have to them and the role I play in their lives. It’s one of the greatest joys I have!

Website: www.myimagearchitects.com

Instagram: iamluxuryrocks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdionnelboyd/

Facebook: Dionne Boyd

Image Credits
Jarrett Demetre, pouyaramzi

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