Meet 21 year old Karahn Alston owner of Don Enterprises. Karahn is taking his future into his own hands by starting up his own Public relations and Management company. He has always carried a passion to help others and after a rough patch in his life he found exactly where he was meant to be. To make it in this industry you have to carry a confidence that not everyone can handle. His personality and ambitions definitely shines through his work. His company provides its clients with branding strategies, brand/ crisis management, and promotions. I had opportunity to sit down with him and discuss is aspirations and where he sees his company in the next few years.
We discussed the following:
ZI: What gave you the idea of creating your own brand? When did you know this is something that you would wanted to do?
KA: Once I learned about PR, one of my good friends Trizz told me ways I really can make money helping musicians with their music. He is a rapper, engineer & producer so it knew what artist needed in order to succeed. Once he gave me the blueprint I ran with it and started seeing success early.From there I was hesitant about going out and starting my own company but from a lot of close people such as my girlfriend, my brother Fatty and my cousin Kobe gave me the confidence to go after my vision. they supported me and once I seen they believed in me I knew I was going to be good. I give a lot of thanks to my mom because, she always tells that my mind and personality could change peoples lives one day.
ZI: What challenges did or do you face when it comes to building and maintaining your brand?
KA: It is all a lot of hard work. The toughest thing for me is staying consistent with that and managing all of my clients. I work with a lot of people, so I have so many personalities and goals that I have to focus on. Everything else I can handle, I perform the best when people depend on me. I was nervous because, I didn’t know how people would react but soon as seen the feedback I knew this was something that was meant for me.
ZI: You work with a lot of up and coming Baltimore artist can you name a few?
KA: I work with so many people it’s so hard to name them all, I work with a few artists, I also work with people in other industries. I want people to know that DON ENTERPRISES is not just for musicians. I work with Pistol P, SDOT, the entire Double S label and about 5 other artists. I work with my girlfriend with her hair company that’s called Brazen Bundles, I work with my sister with her interior design company “Keniqua Alston designs” and a few small businesses.
ZI: How will you differentiate your brand from others who do the same thing as you?
KA: I`m different from other brands because, I build more than money I build connections with all of my clients. I am not money hungry. I have a solid relationship with all of my clients. I am very versatile, I am never focusing on one industry. My plan is for every one of my clients to reach all of their goals. My goal is for everyone to make money, keep a positive image and constantly improve their craft.
ZI: What advice would you give to someone else looking to start their own business?
KA: First, I would say develop a plan. Find a passion and learn any and everything about that is needed. Once you find what you are destined for, take a chance on yourself and get everything that you deserve. So many people see someone making success in something and immediately think they can do it too instead of paving a way for themselves.
ZI: Where do you see yourself and your brand in the next 5 years?
KA: In 5 years I plan to have a headquarters in New York with branches in other major cities. I plan to have the top athletes, musicians, actors, models, businesses, etc. under me. I will get them sponsorships, help with branding, advertising, promotion, management, PR etc. I see my only completion right now is Roc Nation.
ZI: What can your supporters expect from you this year?
KA: I am 4 months into this business. I expect my supporters to see me make immediate progression in my client’s success. I work extremely hard understanding my clients on a personal level, their goals and from there I strive to connect the dots for them to reach success.
Follow Karahn on his social media platforms for more information on his business!
Twitter: @RAHNDADON
Instagram: @RAHNDADON
ZI:How did you feel going on tour with 2 Chainz & Pusha T? how was the experience was it what you expected?
