Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Micaela Dartson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Micaela, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My father worked two jobs. He had a small moving company and was a nurses aid at the VA Hospital in Dallas. He wold work so hard, the salt from his sweat would stain his clothes. He would rush in, shower and eat and work 3pm-midnight and start over the next day. His hard work payed for twin girl’s private education at Xavier University of Louisiana. I inherited my father’s work ethic.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a physician by trade and have always enjoyed writing. I wrote poetry and short stories for a publication titled “The Crusader” in 8th grade. While a student at Xavier University of Louisiana, I wrote a critical essay on The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. My english professor asked me to read a portion of my essay aloud in class. He closed his eyes and asked me to repeat it and absolutely delighted in what I had written. I knew at that moment that I had gained his respect and that I had a special gift. I was majoring in Biology Pre-Medicine and minoring in Chemistry and then wanted to double major in English after writing that essay. Unfortunately, my science labs conflicted with the times the English courses were offered but I was not deterred.
I started writing again as a resident physician and over the years, honed my creativity through my novels, screenwriting and filmmaking and developed the A Little Texas Entertainment company for my literary works, LLC and Two Chix Flix, LLC for my podcasts, film and television projects.
I’ve always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. One business I’m most proud of and excited about is The Pink Smoke Cigar Company which I co-own with my business partner, radio host, Kimberly Jenkins, also known as Kimberly J. We are a bit of an enigma as there are not many cigar companies owned by women. We hired a blender, Jimmy Wilson, owner of JWil Cigars, to create proprietary blends for us. Our boutique company is one of a kind offering pesticide free, hand-rolled, exotic perfection with leaves from various regions of Nicaragua, Ecuador The Dominican, Columbia. Mexico and Honduras to deliver the most unique, even and fresh smoke one’s palate has yet to discover. We sell online and we host events across the country.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three skills that have been most impactful on my journey have been my listening skills, writing skills and patience. Book smarts can only get one so far. Being an astute listener and truly gaining an understanding of another’s perspective and/or beliefs without judgment will create a constant environment of trust, workability and peace.
No one escapes writing. At some point, there has to be an email to send or a response in writing will be required. How we articulate ourselves can lend favor or close doors. Sharpening writing skills is as important as mastering standard English. Effective and articulate communication is key.
Most important is patience. Nothing happens overnight and discouragement should never consume a person if his/her dreams aren’t coming to fruition as quickly as preferred. If a desire has been placed in your heart, go for it. The road may not be easy but persistence is key and that requires faith, patience and not allowing every no to become a deterrence. Everyone will eventually reap the benefit of their hard work. It will happen when it’s supposed to and not a second sooner.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am the creative director, show producer and a content creator for DTRTV which is a black owned media company. I have developed a community resource platform of Black Professionals for our people to educate and assist in every arena in life. I’m alway s looking for knowlegable professional who want to give back to and help build and strengthen our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.2chixflix.com, www.pinksmoke4u.com
- Instagram: drmdartson, pinksmoke4u, 2chixnstix
- Facebook: Micaela Dartson, Dr. Micaela Dartson
- Linkedin: Dr. Micaela Dartson
- Twitter: @drdartson
- Youtube: Second Hand News You Can Use, Chix & Stux
Image Credits
Spencer Greenidge – GFive photography
