Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee McDaniel.
Hi Renee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started off in the business of Nightlife in 2011 in Columbia SC. I was a part of a brand called Neo Soul Sundays with a former classmate of mine. Growing up I had a passion for music and performing. I played the viola, flute and was classically trained in ballet and modern dance. I went to a performing arts middle and high school where I was able to explore my love for music and performing arts. (Charleston County School of the Arts class of 2001)
I went on to graduate from Limestone College with my Bachelor of Science in Business and my MBA from Webster University.
As a young adult in the male-dominated industry of Nightlife in SC, I hosted live music events that involved poetry and live bands giving a platform to local artists. I also partnered with other brands to bring national artists to SC such as Eric Roberson, Carl Thomas, Vivian Green, 112, Monica, Tank, Total, The Lox, Big Krit, Fabulous just to name a few.
I used the connections and experience to venture out into organizing cultural events such as The African American Tourism Conference, an annual event that takes place in my hometown of Charleston SC that educates African American businesses on how to access the 3-billion-dollar African American tourism industry in SC.
Today my company RM Enterprises LLC we do everything from providing mobile bartenders for private events and weddings to offering Public Relations and Marketing services to various brands and community leaders. I currently work with JC and Associates as the Communications Director for the LowCountry. In this role I have spearheaded fundraisers for various organizations (Eastside Community Center raising $30000 plus to upgrade and provide the community center with computers and iPads) I also work with State House Representative Wendell Gilliard, a client of JC and Associates, as his communication and public relations representative. I am also program director for Take Action Now Youth Football Camp that takes place in Barnwell SC every summer.
I am grateful for every single experience I have had in my career that has allowed me to do what I love, entertaining and serving my community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road has been rough. Often with minority-owned businesses funding is simply not made available so while I building my business, I often worked in corporate America full time in order to finance my dreams. There were times I walked away from shows with no money or having to make personal sacrifices to get the job done. Even after all of this time I still work a 9 to 5 to ensure my family is cared for. (I currently work in technology in Charlotte NC)
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about RM Enterprises LLC?
We are a licensed and insured company offering mobile bartenders for private events, corporate events, and weddings.
We also offer Public Relations, Marketing, and event planning for corporate events and brands.
What sets us apart is our goal of offering excellent customer service. My motto is in the words of the great Dr. Maya Angelo “People Remember how you make them feel.” So, we always strive to leave a positive lasting impression.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The mobile bartending industry is one full of growth. When I started years ago there was not a lot of regulations set for the industry. It is a breath of fresh air to see the direction the industry is heading. I am overjoyed to see the requirements set such as being certified and resources available to educate aspiring bartenders on how to serve clients.
From a public relations and marketing perspective technology and social media is changing the way we do business. Technology has allowed us to bring more awareness to communities in need. For example, when I partnered with State House Representative Wendall Gilliard to create the fundraiser for The Eastside Community Center we had no idea it would be so successful. The residents of the community had no access to Internet or computers to file unemployment claims and to go to school online. Through our social media campaign, we engaged other business to donate computers, tablets, and money to provide this underserved community with the resources it needs to succeed. The Digital Divide was the name of this successful campaign.
We are also able to engage more people through online platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Due to the pandemic, we had to shift the African American Tourism conference online. This has allowed us to engage more people from all over the world. We are able to leverage our reach and network with leaders of historical sites and museums. We have had speakers from all over the country attend and participate in our conferences thanks to technology.
Contact Info:
- Email: rmenterprisesllc843@gmail.com
- Instagram: RM Enterprises LLC
- Facebook: Facebook.com/RMEnterprisesLLC
Image Credits
Wendall Gilliard
