Meet Emma Doss | Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Writer, Artist, Founder of DOSS Media

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

Hi Emma, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was never truly happy with any the regular jobs I had prior to starting my own business because I knew I deserved more; given the many creative talents I had and still have. I felt really limited in those positions. I also knew that there was much more out in the world for me than just a nine to five.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the founder of “DOSS Media”, which is a creative house that provides design services for other small business owners and entrepreneurs. I’m currently in the process of adding PR to our list of services as well. I am also the creator of a new sauce and spice line brand called “Lady And The Pepper”; for people who really love spicy foods and cooking just like I do.

I was introduced to the creative world through a graphic design course in high school and that led me to studying visual communications in college. I have been a managing editor for a regional music publication, a national publisher’s assistant, an events writer for a major newspaper and I have been amongst many entertainers asking them about their amazing lives when I barely had a dime in my pocket.

One of my biggest accomplishments I am proud of is being able to move to New York City, to successfully launch “DOSS Media” in one of the most competitive markets in the world.

What sets me apart from many others in my arena is that I learned early on I really had to become a chameleon in order to make it as an entrepreneur with no seed money and very limited resources. I did whatever it took to make it, even if it was something I absolutely hated doing or was overqualified for. I moved around the country and hustled my butt off to make it.

I also started a cleaning company with only $2,000 in 2007 and ran it for seven years. Cleaning wasn’t my preferred field of choice of course but I learned so much within that capacity. It was well worth all of the hard lessons, sweat, and tears. I put myself through that on purpose though because it was one of the quickest ways to learn the real ins and outs of running a business.

There were plenty of times I wanted to give up though because a lot of times I barely had enough money left over to buy food after bills. I still would tell any entrepreneur, young or old, who is just starting out to keep going, even if you feel crazy and question yourself sometimes because most of the time you will. It all will be worth it in the end though if you just stick with it. Just be sure to take breaks if you can afford to because you will need them. You produce less when you’re burning the candle at both ends. Remember that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok. This is an easy one for me as I LOVE hitting up the coolest places in the best walkable neighborhoods.

I would definitely recommend Mesler Kitchen and Bar Lounge at the Sophy in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood any day of the week but especially on Sundays for brunch.

The Chelsea House NYC in Manhattan’s meat packing district has “Grilled Oyster Mondays” which is a hip and trendy vibe and Chelsea Markets up the way from there is another one of my favorite places to be when in the city. There are so many good restaurants and shops to visit inside of there. It never gets old. Especially during the holidays.

Breakfast at Barney’s and Highland Bakery in Atlanta both have some of the BEST brunch in the city.

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 would definitely like to send a shoutout to anyone who actually recognized my talents enough to give me a chance and to those who offered unlimited support while I was laying the groundwork for my career.

I want to also send a shoutout to those who always kept me and what I do in mind even if they hadn’t seen me in years. My family and close friends, my good friend and mentor Dr. Vertna West of “Penn State University”, Calvin Evans of “Calvin Evans Photography” and Leslie Andrews of Leslie Andrews Photography are just a few.

Website: www.dossmedia.com

Instagram: @dossmedia

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsEmmaDoss

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

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3mM3Kpx

Image Credits
Leslie Andrews Photography Lady And The Pepper via YouTube