Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Marie Roquemore
Hi Dana Marie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all began when Founder, Dana Marie Roquemore, returned home to Orlando from a wanderlust adventure across the globe. Being a native of the City Beautiful, it was both a relief and a bit of a letdown returning back to the familiarity and reality of Central Florida. Not one to stay idle for long, however, Dana Marie began the process of reintegrating herself back into the community she loved.
With so many opportunities and possibilities at hand—yet no job igniting the fiery passion that she craved—Dana Marie, as most of us have, found herself at a crossroads. When questioned by a friend about what excited her the most about life, two things came to mind: her love of food and her love for people.
Thinking on that, Dana Marie began to realize that she knew a lot of people, but, for the most part, didn’t know a lot of people really well. What are their stories? Where did they grow up? What makes them who they are?
During that time she made the decision to get to know the people in her life a little better. To begin, she decided to throw the names of everyone she knew into a “lottery” of sorts. From there, she drew seven names to join her around the dinner table at her home. Eight, the perfect number for an intimate gathering; not too small to where it’s awkward, and not too big where it’s overwhelming and your voice gets lost in the conversation.
It began with friends and family and went from there. Friends began inviting friends, likewise, family started inviting friends. An Instagram was formed, and as we all know, the rest is history.
Dana Marie has been known to say, “If I could throw dinner parties for a living, I would.” And now the dream is a reality.
Thank you to all of you who have taken a leap of faith and a step out of your comfort zones to dine with us. If you have not joined yet—we can’t wait to meet you.
All of YOU are the reason why Orlando is, and continues to become, one of the best cities in the world. CHEERS! We have been around for over 10 years and have done about 900 dinner parties.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not a smooth road at all. I have learned a GREAT deal about myself in the process. I wish I understood the Enneagram sooner. It is a tool that help you understand yourself and others in a more holistic way.
I have made my biggest mistakes in hiring. Most of the people that have worked with TDPP have been stellar and most wonderful. The hires I have brought on in moments of desperation have turned out to be quite the wrong fit. Your team is the life blood of your business, so even if you are in a tight spot, I recommend finding the RIGHT people to add to your team and not a quick fix.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would say I am most proud of the over 10,000 people I have connected through 900+ dinner parties. There is INCREDIBLY good food and drinks in Orlando. I’m so lucky to set the table for a different dining experience. It is rewarding to see people arrive as strangers and leave as friends. There is something really quite special about being in person around a communal table.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My dad and I (was about five) under the diving board in a pool and it was raining a bit, not lightning, but watching the raindrops make little “people” with the splashing in the water.
Pricing:
- Our community dinners we Host once a month for $80. We don’t profit off of these dinners and our Chefs take a pay cut.
- Private Events start at $200 per person and go up from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedinnerpartyproject.co
- Instagram: @_thedinnerpartyproject_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerPartyProjectOrlando
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76525359/admin/dashboard/
Image Credits
28 North Photography
Doe Creative Co
