Meet Danielle Vauters

We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Vauters recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My name is Danielle “Dani” Vauters, and my life has been a tapestry woven with the threads of music, entertainment, and a relentless drive to uplift others. As a seasoned music professional, publicist, and podcaster, I’ve had the privilege of navigating both the glittering mainstream and the vibrant grassroots scenes. My journey, filled with highs and lows, is a testament to resilience, something I’ve come to embody through every twist and turn.

From a young age, I was captivated by the world of music. I threw myself into it, taking internships at places like Def Jam Records and VH1.com. These experiences were invaluable, offering me a front-row seat to the industry’s inner workings. My work with publications like The Source Magazine and AllHipHop.com allowed me to amplify emerging voices and trends, cementing my reputation as a keen observer of the music landscape.

But my journey wasn’t just about my career—it was about creating spaces for others to shine. I organized music showcases and beat battles in Newark, NJ, providing platforms for local artists to showcase their talent. It wasn’t always easy; the music industry can be unpredictable and fiercely competitive. Yet, I thrived on the challenges, constantly pushing myself to innovate and adapt.

Working at BMI and HFA in NYC brought new opportunities to collaborate with industry giants like Skyzoo, Craig Kallman, and George Clinton. These experiences expanded my horizons and solidified my role as a versatile player in the music world. I also co-hosted “The Internal Quest Show with Dani” on Spotify from 2017 to 2020, which became a platform for sharing my love for music, engaging in insightful interviews, and discussing trending topics. It was a joy to connect with listeners and share my “Music Geek News” segment, where I delved into the intricacies of the industry.

In addition to my on-air work, I ventured into consulting. I founded DV Creative Brands/Link Up with Dani, offering public relations services and creative expertise in film and performative productions. I even explored the world of YouTube Channel and affiliate marketing, continuously evolving to keep pace with the digital age. This past April, the 15-minute short film, Femme, that I co-produced with TransAct Entertainment and Skylark Stage Productions made it’s debut at the Newark LGBTQ+ Film Festival and has shined at 3 other film festivals since it’s release.

One of the projects closest to my heart is “The Creator’s Room” at NJPAC, which I founded and produced. Sponsored by NJM Insurance, this panel highlights the journeys of behind-the-scenes creators in the arts. It was important to me to celebrate these unsung heroes, whose contributions are often overlooked.

Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous obstacles. The entertainment industry demands more than just talent; it requires resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of one’s passion. One of the most profound challenges I’ve faced was losing my mom, dad, and brother within four years. It was a period of immense grief and upheaval, yet I chose to keep creating. There is a healing power in creativity, and I found solace in continuing my work. In these hard times, I discovered the love and support of my tribe—the community of people who understood and stood by me. Their presence was a beacon of hope, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, there is love and connection to be found.

Resilience, for me, isn’t just about enduring hardships. It’s about finding joy in the journey, embracing change, and dancing to my own rhythm, even when the music seems offbeat. My story is still unfolding, and I continue to explore new avenues in music, entertainment, and film. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their passions with unwavering determination and to find their own rhythm amidst life’s challenges.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My career as a marketing director for SocialWithDani.com has been nothing short of exhilarating. Every day, I get to dive into the stories of fellow creatives and brands, helping them find their voice and amplify it to the world. It’s a dream come true for someone like me, who has always been passionate about creativity and communication.

One of the most exciting parts of my job is mentoring other creatives. I love sitting down with artists, entrepreneurs, and brands to really understand their unique stories and visions. Whether it’s a budding artist looking to make their mark or an established brand wanting to refresh their image, I thrive on the challenge of crafting a comprehensive social media strategy that resonates.

At SocialWithDani.com, I offer a range of services that keep my work endlessly interesting. I manage brand identities, ensuring consistency across all platforms. I expertly handle social media management, curating content that not only engages but also inspires followers. My project management skills ensure that every campaign runs smoothly, from conception to execution. And with podcast production, I help clients share their stories in a format that’s both intimate and far-reaching.

What truly excites me is seeing a campaign come to life. There’s nothing quite like watching a client’s follower count soar or hearing how a carefully crafted post led to increased sales or new opportunities. I take pride in helping my clients achieve monetization, turning their passions into viable businesses.

But beyond the numbers and metrics, my favorite part of this journey is the connections I make. The collaborative nature of my work means I’m constantly learning from others, finding inspiration in their creativity and resilience. Every new project is an adventure, and every success is a shared triumph.

For me, being a marketing director at SocialWithDani.com isn’t just a job—it’s a way to empower others, share compelling stories, and make a tangible impact in the digital world. It’s a career filled with excitement, creativity, and endless possibilities, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For fellow creatives navigating the digital world, my advice is threefold: embrace your unique story, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.

1. Embrace Your Unique Story: Your story is your superpower. It’s what sets you apart from others and connects you with your audience. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, your passions, and even your challenges. Authenticity resonates with people, and the more genuine you are, the more meaningful your connections will be.

2. Stay Adaptable: The digital landscape is ever-changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Be open to trying new things, experimenting with different platforms, and adjusting your strategies as needed. Flexibility is key to staying relevant and seizing new opportunities as they arise.

3. Never Stop Learning: The world of digital marketing is vast and constantly evolving. Make it a habit to keep learning—whether it’s new tools, emerging trends, or best practices. Attend workshops, read industry blogs, and network with other professionals. The more knowledge you acquire, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the complexities of digital marketing and achieve your goals.

Remember, the journey of a creative is a continuous evolution. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and always strive for growth. Your creativity is a powerful tool, and with the right approach, you can make a significant impact in the digital world.

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 would love to collaborate with brands like Canva because I live on that platform and can create so much content so quickly. It’s been an invaluable tool in my work, and partnering with them would be a dream. I also want to collaborate with fellow marketers who educate their followers, as that’s another passion of mine. Eventually, I want to coach and create a membership program to teach people how to market their brands effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.socialwithdani.com
• Instagram: @linkupwithdani
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellevauters
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinkUpWithDani

Image Credits

Newark LGBTQ+ Film Festival, NJPAC, SocialWithDani.com