Today we’d like to introduce you to Deonna Scott.
Hi, Deonna. We appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in Huger, SC, I experienced life lessons that would shape my brand today — I didn’t know it yet. Until 2018, I thought my life was going great: I had moved away from my hometown to Queen City and was doing things that made me happy. That spring, I experienced things that made me realize I wasn’t as satisfied as I thought. While I worked through those emotions, I needed an outlet, and I began journaling, but I kept feeling a nudge to share my story publicly because I knew I wasn’t the only one. My first blog, “Sugar and Love,” was born there.
On that blog, I shared my life experiences and how I overcame them; the impact was more than I could’ve ever imagined. Many people contacted me to tell me how they went through something similar or to say “thank you.” I felt that I had found my purpose. Who knew my words were so powerful?! In 2020 (at the start of the pandemic), I decided to transition from blogging to hosting my podcast, which has been the best decision. After a name change, “The Blooming Woman Podcast with Deonna Renee” was created, and I have been able to reach more women (and men) while continuing to be a light for them. I started recording in my closet and I’ll be transitioning to YouTube soon!
Not long after I released the podcast, I wanted to release something that would help others through their experiences. Since journaling played such a crucial part in my journey, I created my own guided journal, “Dear God.”, a 12-week prayer journal with prompts that would make each reader think about life differently. Over the past 3 years, I shared countless real-time stories with my audience, and they’ve been there to listen. It’s become an outlet for me, in a way.
I recently wrapped up season 6 of the podcast and will be returning in the new year with season 7. In my time away, I’ve taken on a new venture and launched my boutique influencer agency, The Covele Agency, where I’ll be managing influencers and pairing them with brands that align with their brand, but more about that later
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting here was a challenging road, but it was worth it. One thing I quickly learned about blogging and being a podcast host is that vulnerability is key. When I first started, I was afraid to be open about certain things, but over time, I learned to be more open because that’s how I connect with my audience. On the business side of things, I didn’t get to 100 listens per episode until year 2. Seeing those low numbers was very discouraging, but I knew this was my purpose, and it didn’t matter if I reached 1 person or 500 people; I just knew I was helping someone in their growth journey. With my agency, it’s hard not to have imposter syndrome. There are a lot of agencies out there, and I can sometimes feel unqualified, yet I know I am qualified. Growing a client-based business is entirely different, but it would be challenging because it comes with many lessons.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Covele Agency is my boutique influencer management agency. With the influencer world increasing every year, I saw a gap where smaller influencers needed help to 1, position themselves as a high-value influencer and 2, get themselves in front of brands that would want to partner with them. In my years of building my women empowerment brand, I saw many of the ins and outs of being a smaller brand and realized that the foundation of any brand is community. The Covele will help create a strategy for your content, reach out to brands on your behalf, and negotiate and close deals during your influencer journey. I can advocate your value to brands using my communication and media skills. We also specialize in social media management, allowing you more time to do what you love: creating! Recently, my client received her first paid brand partnership, and we were both over the moon. I’m excited to be by her during filming in a few weeks.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The Blooming Woman is preparing for something big to launch at the start of the New Year. I can’t announce exactly what it is yet, but if you stay connected with us on our Instagram page, you’ll be among the first to know!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/thecovele
- Other: Instagram.com/thebloomingwomanco
Image Credits
Jeris Johnson
