We were lucky to catch up with Donna Jarvis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Donna, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me how to turn what could feel like isolation into a source of strength. Early on, I realized that effectiveness doesn’t come from blending in, but from showing up fully prepared, knowing my value, and letting my results speak first. I learned to build credibility by mastering my subject matter, asking the right questions, and ensuring my contributions move the conversation forward.
At the same time, I’ve developed the ability to navigate different perspectives and find common ground. Being “the only one” often means seeing things others may overlook, and I’ve learned to frame that perspective as an asset — not just for myself, but for the team or organization. I’ve become comfortable using my voice even when it feels like it goes against the grain, because I understand that diversity of thought and experience makes the work stronger.
Most importantly, I’ve come to see those moments as opportunities to lead by example. Every room I step into, I carry not only my own goals but also the responsibility of representation. My presence demonstrates that there is space for others who will come after me. That mindset fuels my resilience, adaptability, and determination to succeed — not despite being the only one in the room, but because of it.
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?
Big Dawg Enterprises is a powerhouse brand built on the idea that luxury, lifestyle, and community can come together under one umbrella. We operate across multiple industries — from real estate, private jets, and luxury yachts, to upscale dining, signature scents, and even philanthropic efforts through Donna’s Door of Hope. What makes Big Dawg Enterprises special is the way we weave excellence, class, and creativity into every brand, while still keeping everything connected to a larger vision: building a lifestyle empire that inspires others to dream bigger.
What excites me most is the diversity of what we offer. One person might experience Big Dawg on the water through our yacht charters, while another encounters us in the form of a body oil scent that gives them confidence and luxury in their daily routine. Yet no matter how people connect with us, they always feel the same energy — bold, elevated, and unforgettable. That’s what makes this journey so powerful.
Right now, we’re in an incredible season of growth. We’ve just launched Big Dawg Signature Scents, a luxury body oil and fragrance line, and we’re preparing for the grand opening of Big Dawg Restaurant & Lounge, an upscale dining and nightlife experience in Charlotte. We’re also expanding our real estate footprint through Big Dawg Properties, while continuing to serve communities through our women and children’s shelter, Donna’s Door of Hope. With every launch, we’re not just building businesses — we’re creating opportunities, setting trends, and reshaping what it means to live the Big Dawg lifestyle.
At the heart of it all, Big Dawg Enterprises is about excellence, resilience, and representation. I want people to know that this isn’t just business — it’s legacy.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey with Big Dawg Enterprises are vision, resilience, and adaptability.
First, vision has been everything. I had to see beyond where I was and create a picture of where I wanted to go — not just for one business, but for an entire lifestyle empire. That vision kept me focused when others couldn’t yet understand the bigger picture.
Second, resilience has carried me through every challenge. There were moments where doors were closed, resources were limited, or doubts crept in. But learning how to keep going — even when I was the only one in the room who believed in the dream — made all the difference.
Third, adaptability has allowed me to expand across industries. From real estate to luxury yachts, signature scents to restaurants, each lane has its own learning curve. Being willing to study, pivot, and master new knowledge has helped me build not just one brand, but a collection of thriving ones under the Big Dawg umbrella.
For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: protect your vision, strengthen your resilience, and stay flexible. Protect your vision by writing it down, speaking it out loud, and surrounding yourself with people who can encourage, not limit, your ideas. Build resilience by accepting that setbacks are part of success — the key is to learn from them and keep moving. And commit to being a lifelong learner, because the more you adapt, the more opportunities you’ll be able to seize.
At Big Dawg Enterprises, we’ve built something bigger than business — we’ve built a lifestyle and a legacy. And that all started with vision, resilience, and adaptability.
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?
At Big Dawg Enterprises, collaboration is at the heart of how we grow. We are always open to partnering with individuals and organizations that align with our values of excellence, innovation, and impact. Because we operate across multiple industries — from real estate and luxury travel to hospitality, lifestyle, and philanthropy — we welcome collaborators who bring fresh ideas, strong expertise, and a passion for building legacy.
We are especially interested in connecting with strategic partners, investors, creative entrepreneurs, and community leaders who understand the power of collaboration and want to be part of something larger than themselves. Whether it’s co-creating events, launching new lifestyle products, or expanding opportunities in real estate and hospitality, we believe the right partnerships create value on every level.
If you’re reading this and feel aligned with the Big Dawg vision, we’d love to hear from you. You can connect with us directly at [email protected] or by phone at (980) 598-9810. We also encourage folks to explore our brands and opportunities at BigDawgEnterprises.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: BigDawgEnterprises.org.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16Q3TuA53b/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: connect with us directly at [email protected] or by phone at (980) 598-9810
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