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

Hi Kiana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me being a business owner is literally the American dream. I have always been taught to have my own, even if it fails to be what my heart desires. There’s never been a point in my life where I didn’t have the hopes of leaving a legacy for my family or the desire for financial freedom. As an employee of another person’s company, you’ll always dance to their tune and you’ll never know what your full capacity can be if you never step out on faith to have your own. My goal is to make an impact on all levels. Show women of color that even though we’re sometimes given less opportunities and we have less advantages, we still have a chance to win! Having less doesn’t equal none!

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.
As a female comedian and a CELL PHONE REPAIR franchise owner in a male dominated industry, I have encountered many obstacles. From having to renegotiate my pay, to having  to politely decline unwarranted advances or literally having no one who’s willing to help me figure things out in reference to the cell phone repair business, there’s always some sort of struggle.
I am often accused of being too forward or to dismissive. I’ve learned to read the room and the person I’m doing business with. I’ve learned to get everything in writing and always listen for any inconsistencies from previous conversations. I pray for guidance and I always lead with integrity. I never ask for anything I’m unwillingly to return. I am loyal as a person and as a business associate. I’ve learned to also, support those who support me.

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?
Whew chile!!! Did Atlanta ever really shut down?? Well… Monday, lets just say, we’ll grab pizza and infamous cinnamon rolls from https://slimandhuskys.com on Howell Mill. Then let the people rest, because it goes down every day!

Tuesday- I am business owner, so of course we must stop pass my CPR CELL PHONE REPAIR store at 2200 Duluth Hwy #102 Duluth, GA. 30097 for phone accessories and a quick tour! We’d have dinner at “Lake and Oak BBQ”  OMG!! ITS AMAZING!! https://www.lakeandoakbbq.com/

Wednesday- we would eat brunch at “Breakfast at Barneys” www.breakfastatbarneys.com Then hit the Martin Luther King Center to take in some history. Later, we’d walk off bruch on the belt line and do some shopping.

Thursday- We would go to “Cigar City” on Roswell Rd. for drinks and catch the live band. They also have an amazing menu for lite bites or even a full meal for dinner. Since,  I have the most amazing GLAM squad; I would definitely set up an appointment for us to get our hair done by Tressie Rochelle https://instagram.com/tressierochelle?igshid=fmuca3tdluij and makeup by Renario  Alexander   https://instagram.com/renarioalexander?igshid=2fvbyt9bu0vd and of course, a lady needs  a new outfit, so my girl Erica Benoit, stylist to the stars will pull the hottest gear in the city for us! We must get ready for ladies night on the patio!

Friday- We would have dinner at my friend Tekeya Priester’s restaurant, “Table 25” in Douglasville, GA. https://www.table25fw.com The menu is fantastic but the live entertainment is also a favorite.

Saturday- We must laugh ourselves silly at Atlanta Comedy Theater www.Atlcomedytheater.com or Laughing Skull, where I’ll be more than likely hosting the show!

Last, but definitely not least… Sunday – we must praise and worship online with Life Changers ATL – https://www.facebook.com/lifechangers.atl.1 with Senior Pastor Dwayne Myers and then dinner at mama’s house! There’s no place or food better than mama’s Dancie’s house!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom Denise Dancie is one of the hardest working women on the planet! She loves working with young women and as my business partner, I have learned so many life lessons from her. I am truly blessed to have her in my life! We own CPR CELL PHONE REPAIR DULUTH along with my brother and its a tough business but we are tough people!

Website: www.KianaDancie.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kianadancie?igshid=1lf7coqdpcrlb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KianaDancie?s=09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKianaDancie/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kdancie

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.