Shaneisha Dodson is the founder of Black Girlz Productions and Dodson Foot Hydration. Dodson was born in Arkansas and currently resides in Texas. She holds a B.A. in psychology from Grambling State University, M.A. in counseling from Dallas Baptist University, and an Ed. S in education from Walden University. She is currently pursuing a certificate in women’s entrepreneurship at Cornell University.
Dodson has won several awards: 2020 Director of the Year nominee, 2019 Artist of the year, 2018 Top 25 Women in Business by Courageous Magazine, 2018 Top 30 under 40 for m-lifestyle magazine, 2018 Top 35 Women by Women Doing It Big magazine, 2018 Honoree for her contributions in entrepreneurship and women empowerment, 2017 ACHI Magazine Award, 2016 Black Women Are Inspiration Award Winner, 2015 Best Playwright, 2015 Extraordinary Person Honoree, 2014 Celebrated during Women’s History Month, Who’s Who of small business by Career magazine, and 2011 literary excellence award winner.
In 2012, she took her love of the arts to the next level and founded Black Girlz Productions, LLC. Her company’s motto is “Dream BIG or go Home!” Dodson has written, produced and directed three full-length productions and one short play. Her one-act play Vagina Rights debuted off-Broadway in NYC summer 2017. Her play was awarded the best theatrical presentation by NYC Success in the Arts awards. Her latest children play Dog, Cat and The Red Bird was published in Drama Notebook. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and spending time with loved ones.
LM: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
SD: I am the founder of Black Girlz Productions. I’m laid back and enjoy having a good time. I have a never-ending love affair with the arts. I love being about to create unique worlds and flawed characters. I enjoy creating content that inspires people to speak out against injustice.
LM: Tell us about your business.
SD: Black Girlz Productions was founded in 2012. Our goal is to bring awareness to social issues through theatre. We have produced and toured with three full-length productions and a one-act play. Our motto is to Dream Big or Go Home.
LM: What prompted you to start your business?
SD: I started writing books. One day I said I wanted to see my words come to life so I founded Black Girlz Productions.
LM: What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
SD: The best part is being able to do things on your own terms.
LM: What’s the worst part of being an entrepreneur?
SD: The worst part about being an entrepreneur is that you are responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly. My schedule is not 9 to 5. When I have events, I work until the event is complete.
LM: Who’s your inspiration? Why?
SD: My mother is my inspiration. She is hardworking and a natural giver who enjoys life.
LM: List some of your greatest achievements
SD: Some of my greatest achievements are: putting a smile on my mother’s face, being the first person in my family to graduate from college and winning best theatrical presentation in NYC for my one-act play that brings awareness to women issues.
LM: Name a time when things didn’t go right. What happened and how did you get past it?
SD: When producing plays, sometimes things happen behind the scenes that I try to keep away from my cast. A piece of furniture or a prop may break or is missing. I stay calm and adapt to my environment. If I get upset, it will set the tone for the rest of the crew.
LM: Where do you see your business in 3 years?
SD: In three years, I see my business receiving international recognition.
LM: What advice would you give a new entrepreneur?
SD: Do your research. Pray before you make any decisions. Learn how to operate every aspect of your business. Times may get tough. However, if it is something that you are passionate about, don’t give up.
You can connect with Shaneisha here:
Website: Black Girlz Productions
Email: blackgirlzproductions@gmail.com
Twitter: @sdodson08
IG: @blkgirlz12
FB: Black Girlz Productions
