Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Douglas.
Hi Monique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
6 weeks before the pandemic, my Husband, Kevin Douglas, and I opened a brick-and-mortar photography studio called Studio 229 on Brevard within a Historic block of our city, the Brooklyn Collective. Little did we know how the pressure of a gem this location would become to us and how intricately involved we would become in both its promotion & operation. During the pandemic, we began offering our Studio free to photographers, videographers & film producers to utilize for their projects. We saw Studios and venues closing due to an inability to sustain financially due to the pandemic. We realized this would put these creatives in a position of nowhere, needing somewhere to go to work. We knew we had space to provide opportunities for them to create and make income to help them through this difficult time. Another opportunity was to provide a free space for local musical talent to perform and live stream during the pandemic, hoping they could carry on their craft and make income through virtual performances. In so doing, coming out of the pandemic, we can multipurpose our location and become known as not just a photography studio but a venue and a community gathering spot; with a membership-based model, we are individuals of like mind can come together for socializing with the hopes they will experience meaningful conversations and collaborate for the greater good of our community. I now serve as the Executive Director for the nonprofit Brooklyn Collective.
Along with the owner, Jason Wolf, our board members, and the tenants occupying the Mecklenburg Investment Company Building, one of the three buildings that make up the Collective, we share the same mission of inclusivity, community, collaboration, and a celebration of the arts. We aim to continue the all-important work the founders intended, as they were committed to entrepreneurship, legacy, upward mobility, and a high standard of excellence. The Brooklyn Collective is known for that today. It has become a place where entrepreneurs can obtain support and resources for scaling and growing their businesses. The community enjoys visual arts as we represent both local and national artists in the art gallery in the Mecklenburg Investment Company Building (Circa, 1922). Local musical talent is amplified in our establishment, now known as Society at 229. Performing Arts can be enjoyed in our third building, the Historic Grace A.M.E. Zion Church (Circa, 1901), a performing arts center. I am incredibly proud to represent those properties and our fantastic work connecting the community to history through artistry. It has been a joy providing opportunities to so many creatives in our community, and with community partners’ support, we cannot wait to see what the future holds about an even more significant impact.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has undoubtedly been a challenging road. Our greatest obstacle was the pandemic. Attempting to activate all three buildings, including my husband and my business, in an uptown location when this side of town was a ghost town was challenging. Secondly, the lack of access to funding as we came out of the pandemic was a true struggle. We used every bit of our resources, as most did during that time, so finding access to capital and those who understand how our mission is to protect this historical block and bring the community together through artistry is vital and an increasing source of difficulty. It seems easy for everyone to enjoy the experience, but finding the right community partners to put up dollars to support sustaining the project is challenging.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about CBK Branding & Consulting Firm LLP?
Aside from my role as Executive Director of the Brooklyn Collective, I am the Co-Owner of this branding and consulting firm with my husband. He handles the visual branding side as a professional photographer and videographer. I am a Business Consultant with a focus on branding and professional presentation. We are a full-service branding firm with a boutique feel that we like to say helps our clients make a “Splash” in the marketplace instead of tiptoeing in. We are proud of the many corporate, high-profile, and entrepreneurial clients we have worked with over the years and the beautiful testimonies they have shared due to working with us.
We offer an array of services, including the following:
– Business & Branding Consulting
– Photography
– Videography
– Logo Creation
– Social Media Design & Management
– Website Design & Management
– Embroidery Services
– Promotional Material Design & Printing
From a public speaking side, my offerings are:
– Keynotes
– Workshops
– Moderator Services
– Emcee
– Poetic Recitations
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Happiness, for me, is ultimately tied to the service of others. Utilizing my skills, talents, and network to assist others in their growth and development is a joy.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour Business Consultation $250
- Branding Strategy Creation $1250
- Event Photography $250 per hour/2 Hour Minimum
- Event Videography $200 per hour/2 Hour Minimum
- Custom pricing on all other services
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MoniqueDouglas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniquedouglas?igsh=MWZuczFwNnlrZmRyMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stubbshall?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquedouglas?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Kevin Douglas
