Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Johnson.
Dana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This all started with a literal dream. Back in 2018, I was on the quest of change. I didn’t know exactly what I was chasing but I knew that I wanted something more for myself. One night I dreamed that I had a comedy show. I woke up from that dream thanked God for the vision and started my research. I knew that whatever I did, I wanted to shine light on local talent and host my events at black-owned locations. Just like that Organized Khaos was born!
I was born and raised here in Fort Lauderdale. My single mom raised me and has always motivated me to live my life without limits. I am my mother’s only child my dads blessed me with two little sisters that I adore. I attended Plantation High School and graduated class of 2009. I attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with the major of Fashion Merchandising but unfortunately, I unenrolled due to finances.
I started a career as a retail manager because it gave me the opportunity to live out my dreams as a merchandiser. It also went hand and hand with my side hustle at the time (I was a stylist) and I was on track to slowly climb the corporate ladder. After some time, I didn’t feel fulfilled and I had a strong want for something of my own! I figured I was still young with no kids and I wanted to start something that can change the dynamic of my family. Organized Khaos came to me and I have been working at that ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The process has been far from smooth! Being a promoter/ event producer is not a walk in the park. I have had venue owners sign contracts and take deposits and stop accepting my calls. I have also had comedians tell me that they are on their way and they never even showed up to the show. Through all of that, the shows have been nothing short of amazing each and every time.
The time that sticks out to me the most is when I got the comedians an opportunity in Chicago! I was excited to collaborate with a comedian that was on her way to the next level in the industry. I presented the opportunity and everyone seemed ecstatic. The week of the trip came and one by one each comedian dropped out. Even down to the day of when one of the comedians said that he was on the way and he didn’t show. Luckily I had great communication with the comedian in Chicago and she was able to change the theme of the show and still have a great show. This situation is what made me began to use contracts for everything.
Even though the obstacles come, I remind myself that anything great is worth fighting for.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Organized Khaos is my promotions company. We are known for comedy shows called the Khaotic Comedy Slam. More recently, we have featured Open Mic nights, vendor expos, and I was scheduled to have my first brunch but it was canceled due to COVID-19. We are known for giving south Florida’s local comedians and performers a platform.
I am most proud of my companies growth in such a short time. I was able to get the local comedians on air at Hot 105 for an amazing interview. Going from having my first show in a Sports Bar called Miami Cheeks which held about 50 people comfortably to know having shows at Reign Lounge which holds 200 people and has VIP sections. Being able to expand and show diversity by being able to feature different events as well. I am so grateful for all of these opportunities!
I think what sets Organized Khaos apart from others is the love behind it! I have created an environment in which the entertainers and the crowd interacts like family. I allow people who might not get the opportunity anywhere else to come and touch the mic because I know what it feels like to only want a chance.
Organized Khaos is still a baby. It’s not even two years old yet. While I have jumped many hurdles, there’s still so much more that needs to be done. I am remaining humble and taking things a day at a time.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was very creative. I was my mother’s only child and I didn’t have that many cousins around. I was able to explore and create a lot. I always had an amazing imagination. I attribute that to my auntie. She always made me do different science experiments and crafting. My grandmother made it her business to make sure I was a leader and not a follower. She would always make me repeat “I am the head and not the tail”.
I have always had a vividly loud personality. Even when I am quiet, my expression says everything. My teachers would always tell my mom she’s so sweet and caring but she has a very honest mouth on her.
I have always been interested in fashion and comedy for as long as I could remember. I love to style people and help them to look their best. I have also always gone out of my way to no only cheer people up but to make sure they laugh.
Currently in my adulthood, I am glad for the values my family have enforced on me. To be strong and say what I mean. To always let my creativity out. To be a leader and not a follower. Most of all, to love my neighbor as I love myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: organizedkhaos27@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organized_khaos1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizedkhaos18/
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