Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Marie Roquemore.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began when I returned home to Orlando from a wanderlust adventure across the globe. Having lived in the City Beautiful for almost 15 years at that point, 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, I began the process of reintegrating back into the community I loved.
With so many opportunities and possibilities at hand, I found myself at a crossroads. When questioned by a friend about what excites me the most about life, two things came to mind: my love of food and my love for people. Thinking on that, I began to realize that I 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, I made the decision to get to know the people in my life a little better. To begin, I decided to throw the names of everyone I knew into a “lottery” of sorts. From there, I drew seven names to join me around the dinner table at my 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. I have been known to say, “If I could throw dinner parties for a living, I would.” And now the dream is a reality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. I really didn’t start out with a business plan or a business idea; it was just something I was passionate about! I have never loved the inner workings of business. I love to be present and to eat and drink together. So learning all the aspects of what it takes to run a business has been a rocky road.
I really wish I had learned early on how to manage my staff better and who I was as a leader. I have struggles with so many part of running a business. Marketing especially is not my passion, but of course, is a crucial part of the business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love most of all to be creative and running a business, you have to get creative on so many levels. As an entrepreneur, you really have to hang in there through all the highs and lows. I have experienced plenty of both!
I love to offer opportunities for folks to gather! We set the table for strangers to meet and old friends to enjoy time around the table! We are known for beautiful table settings and delicious food and drinks! But mostly, we are known for GREAT conversation around the table! We love to ask interesting and engaging questions. We love to create memorable experiences.
I’m personally really proud to have executed over 500 Dinner Parties and connected thousands of Guests! Nothing feels better than to hear people laugh around the dinner table! I also have a podcast called “Cocktails and Conversation,” where I invite intriguing Guests over for a cocktail and ask some fun questions! You will be so surprised at hearing these incredible life stories!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was turning 13, my dad and I dressed up real fancy and he took me to an incredibly luxurious dinner at The Tower Club in Tysons Corner, VA. I still remember my dress: black velvet bodice and black and white checkered taffeta skirt. I LOVED feeling fancy. The restaurant had a Maître d, white linen and cloth napkins. I was hooked, plus I had a great time with my dad and felt really special and loved.
Pricing:
- Dinner for 8 – $80 per Guest
- Private Parties – $125 per Guest
Contact Info:
- Email: danamarie@hellotdpp.com
- Website: www.thedinnerpartyproject.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thedinnerpartyproject_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerPartyProjectOrlando
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dinner-party-project-orlando
- Other: https://www.thedinnerpartyproject.co/ccpodcast
Image Credit:
1. Jeannie Albers @jeanniealbers
2. Akeem Bethea @DL_fotoguy
3. Cass Russ @artfullifestudios
4. Mine – no cred
5. Jeannie Albers @jeanniealbers
6. Jeannie Albers @jeanniealbers
7. Mine – no cred
8. Sydney Marie @sydneymariephotography
9. The Balcony Orlando @thebalconyorlando
