Meet Zacharina Dainkeh

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zacharina Dainkeh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zacharina, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose by paying attention to what moved me most—what affected me deeply when it came to humanity. Purpose isn’t just about what you’re good at; it’s about what speaks to your spirit, what pulls at your heart, what makes you look at the world and say, this needs to change, and I can change it.

I had to sit with myself and ask the hard questions. How do I want to improve people’s quality of life? What about my surroundings feels off, and how can I be the one to shift it? Purpose isn’t comfortable—it makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. It forces you to step outside of what’s familiar and walk into something bigger than yourself.

I realized that creativity, representation, and opportunity are what fuel me. I see the gaps in the industry, the lack of spaces where people like me can thrive, and I know I have the skills to bridge that. My purpose is to create, to empower, and to build something that lasts—not just for me, but for others who need a way in.

At the end of the day, your purpose will guide you if you let it. It will challenge you, push you, and demand more from you. I found mine by listening to my intuition, trusting my journey, and being willing to step into the unknown.

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 self taught creative director, producer, and the founder of The Geniez Collective—a creative agency and production company built on the belief that creativity and innovation are the ultimate currency. We specialize in bringing creative visions to life, whether through campaigns, photoshoots, fashion shows, or film. Our motto is “Make something out of nothing,” because that’s exactly what we do—transform ideas into tangible, high-impact experiences, no matter the circumstances.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to create opportunities—not just for myself, but for other creatives who deserve a seat at the table. I’m passionate about storytelling, representation, and making space for the next generation of visionaries. Through The Geniez Collective, I’ve worked with brands like Fashion Bomb Daily, MEFeater, Carolina Herrera, Saks Fifth Avenue, Mugler, Thread Beauty, and Vitaly, as well as produced fashion shows like the Bloom City Fashion Show for Fever Class. I’m constantly looking to expand our reach and impact.

Right now, I’m focused on scaling my business, building financial stability, and investing in resources that will allow The Geniez Collective to grow sustainably. I have several exciting projects in the works, including new photoshoots, immersive events, and creative collaborations that will push the boundaries of storytelling and production.

Beyond my work, I’m deeply committed to mentoring emerging talent and creating spaces where creatives feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether it’s through my online community Geniez, hands-on experience in productions, or sharing knowledge, I want to be a resource for those who are navigating the creative industry.

This year is about resourcefulness and elevation—refining my brand, securing more high-profile collaborations, and continuing to build a legacy that outlives me. If you’re a brand, a creative, or someone looking to bring a vision to life, let’s work. The Geniez Collective is here to turn ideas into impact.

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?

1. Self-Reflection

Self-reflection has been crucial in my growth. It’s easy to get caught up in moving forward without stopping to ask, Am I moving in the right direction? I’ve learned that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working with intention. Taking the time to reflect on my experiences, strengths, and areas for improvement has helped me refine my approach and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Advice: Make self-reflection a habit. Journal, meditate, or simply take time to sit with yourself and analyze your progress. Ask yourself tough questions: What’s working? What’s not? What patterns do I keep repeating? Growth requires awareness, and awareness comes from reflection.

2. Curiosity

Curiosity has kept me evolving. I never stop asking questions, seeking knowledge, or challenging myself to learn more. The industry is constantly changing, and the moment you stop learning is the moment you fall behind. Being curious has helped me expand my skill set, build new connections, and navigate spaces I once thought were out of reach.

Advice: Stay curious. Read books, watch interviews, take courses, and study people who inspire you. If there’s something you don’t know, find out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re basic. The more you know, the more control you have over your journey.

3. Faith

Faith is what keeps me going when nothing else makes sense. There have been moments where I had no clear path, no guarantee that things would work out—but faith kept me moving. It’s about trusting that the work you’re putting in will pay off, even when you don’t see immediate results. Faith reminds me that every setback is just a setup for something greater.

Advice: Develop unwavering faith in yourself and your vision. There will be moments when you want to quit, but remember why you started. Whether your faith is in God, the universe, or simply your ability to figure things out—hold on to it. Keep going, even when the path isn’t clear.

For anyone early in their journey, self-reflection will guide you, curiosity will expand you, and faith will sustain you. If you master those three, you’ll always find a way forward.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

As creatives, we naturally thrive in the creative space. We know how to bring ideas to life, design, innovate, and push boundaries—it’s in our DNA. But when you’re called to step into a leadership role and grow a business, that’s when the real challenge begins. No one tells you about the contracts you’ll need to understand, the loans and grants you’ll have to navigate, how to price yourself, or what your client journey should look like. Marketing yourself, managing finances, and building a sustainable business—those things take time, research, and a lot of trial and error.

But here’s the thing: I don’t have to do it all. That’s where teamwork and collaboration come in. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about wearing every hat—it’s about recognizing your strengths and delegating what you don’t have the expertise for.

For me, I lean on my business consultant, Sage of Sage Advisory Consulting, who propels me forward with insights and strategies that keep my business on track. I have an assistant who handles operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. I also have a marketing intern who helps craft and refine my brand representation, keeping our message aligned and fresh.

And perhaps most importantly, I’ve built a creative network full of talented individuals who supply me with skills and expertise I don’t necessarily possess. I know what I’m good at, and I also know that I don’t have to be an expert at everything. By recognizing the talents around me, I ensure that I have the right people in place to fill the gaps and help me grow The Geniez Collective in a way that’s both efficient and sustainable.

It’s taken time to get to this point, but the key is knowing I don’t have to do it all alone. With the right team and the right resources, I can focus on what I do best—while empowering others to bring their strengths to the table.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Zacharina.a / @thegeniezcollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharina-dainkeh

Image Credits

@taylormonetphoto @badbrad.pic @jadaimanim @youssefier @projectosay_ @orionvisions @nastyjpeg