Welcome back to another installment of the Rooted Minds Spotlight Feature, where we shine a light on creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs that are making strides to take their careers to the next level. In addition to that, it is a space where we can celebrate the success stories of members of our community, friends, and newly discovered creatives. This week's feature is a young businesswoman who has been making strides in our community and we are excited to finally get the opportunity to work with her here on this feature and in the future!
Our spotlights are curated as a place to introduce our supporters to new creatives and brands that are making tremendous strides to success in their fields. Our goal is to continue to find stories that we can celebrate and amazing people that we can connect with. Thanks for taking the time to read this article, let's get to it.
Dilsie Morrison
Bio:
As seen on Channel 3 News, Dilsie Morrison is an Independent Event Planner raised in South Phoenix . She works with Archwood Exchange stores, as a Marketing Recruiter, for a collective of artists as well as located a leasee for their rental space. Dilsie has curated over 10+ successful events and was hired to coordinate an event in Los Angeles, California.
I love to read, shop, and chill with my friends but traveling is my favorite hobby. I am a fry connoisseur. I currently work for a debt settlement company but have plans to be fully self-owned by 2022. - Dilsie
She has a goal of one day finding a way to reduce the high amounts of homelessness in the US. Let's all send her love and light along her journey. We first met Dilsie several years back and we set up a meeting to discuss potential Styling and Set Design work. We've watched her continue to grow0 as a creative and in business over the last few years, so we thought it would be cool to feature her with a few questions about her journey.
INTERVIEW:
Dilsie Morrison
Urban Arts Market
RM: Rooted Minds
DM: Dilsie Morrison
RM: What has been your journey to being an artist OR owning your own business and what has been the most impactful lesson that you've learned?
DM: I originally got into the event planning world by interning with Roosevelt Row. I was craving to be around a different group of people, but I was on a strict budget and could not afford to go out to pay for brunches and clubbing every weekend. I interned for 9 months and after about 5 months into my internship, I started vending with them at Downtown's First Friday. The cool thing about this was I was able to learn the process from both management and the vendor's perspective. After my internship, I noticed there was a perfect opportunity to start bringing events to South Phoenix. This was an untapped market with no events that I knew of going on on a regularly scheduled basis. I have learned so many lessons along this road but the biggest thing I have had to learn was not to take things personally. There were many times where I would go to events to network with creatives to let them know about the movement and would like to be a part of it. But later down the line, I would never hear from them. Initially, it hurt, and felt like there was something I was doing wrong but over time I learned that the right people will find me it just takes patience.
RM: For those that may not know, how did you come up with the name or concept for your business or project?
DM: I noticed there was not a monthly street fair in South Phoenix and being that that is where I was from and grew up I wanted to bring that same atmosphere to South Phoenix. The name Urban Arts Market came to randomly while I was working at my 9-5 and it just stuck.
RM: Tell us about your inspiration behind an upcoming project and what do you hope the audience takes away from it?
DM: I initially started Urban Arts Market with volunteers, but I now have a team of four other women. For the next few events, I have been challenging them to create their own events and I will help out where needed. Each woman has something that they're really passionate about. The next event we are looking to have is a field day which will be geared towards the kids with games, kid-related vendors, and a kid entrepreneur vendor section as well. At the end of every event, even if you don't buy anything we want you to leave with at least a little piece of knowledge. Yes, having events are fun but we want to make sure our community is growing in a positive way. So whether they learn about what foods can impact your body or something as simple as how an artist uses their tools to create their pieces, they have still left with a piece of knowledge that no one can take away from them.
RM: What have been some effective ways that you've marketed yourself in your space and industry?
DM: Making sure that I attended events was crucial and purchasing from vendors when I could. I also provided spotlights to different creatives with weekly lives on our Instagram. Lastly, I offered a helping hand to other creatives. If I knew of someone having an event I would reach out to see if there is any way I can help via marketing or even as a volunteer during their event.
RM: How have you grown as an entrepreneur or creative in the last 5 years and who's been influential in that process?
DM: My biggest flex is being able to make decisions without wondering how it will be taken on. I struggled in the beginning with not being as vocal about things that I was doing, but know any idea that I want to execute is easier to follow through with. I don't have anyone person that has been influential, but my team of course helps me to stay aligned and they help me see things in a different light. Being around other creatives that are dominating their field helps me push forward. Seeing that they are doing things we might have talked about a few years back is what inspires me to keep pushing.
RM: What are some short-term goals that you are working towards, that friends and supporters can help you with?
DM: I am currently looking for an event space to use as a venue. It would allow UAM to receive another stream of income as well as we would have access to that space for our own events. We are also looking for kid entrepreneurs for our next event. We want to have a section dedicated to the younger generation.
RM: What are one or two things that keep you grounded? How do you practice good self-care or how can you practice it better (if you've been lacking in that area)?
DM: I don't always succeed at this but I make time for myself. I don't write anyone back for a full day and just do everything that I want whether it's swimming or going to the museum or event sitting in the house and reading a book. But disconnecting from the outside world and being with myself is huge for me.
RM: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement for upcoming creative entrepreneurs that you'd like to share?
DM: If you haven't found your tribe keeps doing what you are called to do and they will come. When I initially started UAM I wanted to be around black creatives that were making moves in their industry. By getting out of my comfort zone and going to events, random pops ups, and doing the things that aligned with me I started to organically make connections with people who are now my good friends
RM: What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received in reference to your career and industry?
DM: The best advice I was given was on a podcast... unfortunately I don't remember who I was listening to but it applies in all aspects of life. "Waiting on people will get you nowhere" It sounds morbid at first but to me it just meant; Do what you want when you want. Do not wait for your friends to be ready. Do not wait for that "perfect" moment. Just start and you will be surprised just how far you get.
Thanks for your support and for checking out this feature. Dilsie, the owner of Urban Arts Market. Dilsie is an amazing artist and event planner out of Phoenix and she is paving the way for so many creators and entrepreneurs in the community.
You can also check out her business, IG Live's, and much more at https://www.instagram.com/damndels/ Her personality is awesome and she keeps such dope people around her. If you haven't had a chance to hit an event or check out their live streams, please do. I hop in on some of the live streams here and there and it is awesome to see them having meaningful conversations, but also keeping it fun. Be sure to follow and tell a friend to check out Dilsie and Urban Arts Market.
Videos by Urban Arts Market:
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More about Dom Root
I am from Inglewood, California, currently working in Phoenix, Arizona as a Sound Engineer (Live, Recording, and Mixing). I am a Music Producer and Creative Artist looking to build portfolio and for live performance opportunities. I graduated from Arizona State University studying Creative Writing and Philosophy. I later studied audio production technologies at Mesa Community College, before taking on more freelance work.
Dom