Inclusivity • Creativity • Culture

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dena Mekawi, Founder and CEO of Mekawi Impact, located in Staten Island, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Founded in 2016 as a division of my parent company, Style & Resilience, Mekawi Impact was established as an impact-driven marketing company dedicated to working with brands, companies, artists, and others with a united purpose. On the basis of authentic cultures & representation, Mekawi Impact has worked with a vibrant global clientele and noted brands to foster a deep community engagement. Mekawi Impact curates creative campaign solutions for advertisers, brands & artists to tap into insights to push the culture forward through partnerships, & strategy.

Tell us about yourself

I have been the representative at the United Nations Department of Global Communication NGO for over ten years. I'm responsible for high-level events and partnerships and continue to be one of the very few Marketing & Strategy companies led by an Arab American woman in the USA.

I curate creative communication strategies, & partnerships to engage brands, advertisers, and entrepreneurs to implement social impact into their business model with a creative approach through my company. I have advised several United Nations Agencies, forging private-sector partnerships. I was chosen to moderate and develop peace strategies for International Day Of Peace 2016 alongside notable Goodwill ambassadors DiCaprio and Stevie Wonder and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon. I was also personally recognized by Michael Douglas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the ability to create impact while curating ideas and projects. As a first-generation Arab American, there aren't many CEO owners of marketing companies - I am filling that gap and niche. We see misrepresentation of people of color, yet we wonder why. If we aren't controlling the narrative, then those in higher positions are. With the recent World Cup Fifa being held in a Muslim country for the first time, a lot of people have learned more about the culture just by being there.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing is learning discipline & patience. Remembering it takes years to see the fruit of your labor - you plant the seeds, be consistent, and your hard work will pay off.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be valuable.
Be consistent.
Be resourceful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://denamekawi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dena.mekawi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denamekawi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-mekawi-811a6439/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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