Today we’d like to introduce you to Dantawn Nicholson.
Hi Dantawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Boss Up Entertainment, LLC. was established as a branch of our non-profit organization The Boss Up Foundation. The mission of the Boss Up Foundation is to build confidence, integrity and spread more love amongst our youth and throughout the communities we represent. The Boss Up Foundation was established in honor of Corzail “Corey” Nicholson, who had the vision of starting Boss Up Entertainment to use events and showcases as a platform to empower individuals to be confident in themselves while using proceeds to support local non-profit organizations and those in need. Through events hosted Boss Up Entertainment we have sponsored our annual back-to-school giveaways and a number of feed the homeless events. Boss Up Entertainment was established in Chicago originally but we are excited to continue to grow and expand our reach now in Dallas!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Launching Boss Up entertainment during the onset of Covid-19 has been a challenge. Like many restaurants and event/entertainment companies, we were challenged with ensuring all events adhered to CDC Covid-19 guidelines through limiting guests and ensuring masks. We have also had to adjust to individuals opting to stay home versus attending our events in person. In the future, we hope to also build a virtual platform to allow individuals to attend our events virtually.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a professional, I work for our local electric utility as a Senior Program Manager. I am responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of our energy efficiency programs, especially for our most in need customers. I am also responsible for coordinating across our financial assistance and energy efficiency teams to ensure our customers receive the best customer experience.
Outside of work, I am a proud father to my 2-year-old daughter. I am also the Executive Director for the Boss Up Foundation and President of Chicagoland chapter of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association. I also sit on a number of other non-profit boards.
I am most proud of becoming the first black male in the country to receive a Master’s degree of Sustainable Engineering. My goal is to assist with building sustainable communities through collaboration and focusing on housing and urban development, small businesses, and education.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are a few people who also deserve credit. First, my business partner, Derrick Walker, has not only assisted with the launch of Boss Up Entertainment and the Boss Up Foundation but has played key role in expanding our business to the Dallas area. With Derrick’s relocation to the Dallas area, we decided it would be a great opportunity to expand our reach. We have held a number of successful events in Dallas. Derrick also now works as a local DJ in the Dallas area, which has assisted us with building relationships and collaborating with others along the way.
My mentor and brother in Kappa Alpha Psi, Kevin, has been very influential in helping to develop my experience and passion in the entertainment and events industry. By working under Kevins’s leadership at events held by Stomp and Clay Productions, LLC. I was able to gain an understanding and vision for hosting upscale events with live entertainment.
Lastly, my mother has always been motivation and push for me to succeed against all odds. After losing my brother Corey, she has continued to encourage and assist me with keeping his legacy alive through Boss Up Entertainment and the Boss Up Foundation.
Contact Info:
- Email: BOSSUPENTERTAINMENT773@gmail.com
- Website: Thebossupfoundation.org
- Instagram: @Bossupentertainment773
- Facebook: Boss Up Entertainment
