From Side Hustle To Senior Vice President: Dimplez Is Lighting The Way In Digital Marketing
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
If turning your side hustle into a flourishing career was a person, it'd be Dimplez Ijeoma.
In 2007, the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Capitol Music Group and digital marketer discovered her knack for building websites and blogs for social media’s early tastemakers.
“I got very, very curious about everything that went into making a website pop,” she tells xoNecole. “I started to dig into the minutiae around what excited people to view and visit certain sites — it was very apparent that there was a lane for me to explore.”
At the time, Dimplez was a grad student studying physical therapy, so while marketing and digital storytelling wasn’t the initial path she saw for herself, it was the one her curiosity led her to. “It wound up being a circumstance of my hobby piquing my interest in this area, and there ended up being a career path for me in the area.”
As many up-and-blossoming ItGirls use the internet to share their niche interests and build communities around their hobbies and passions, a common hesitancy for some is turning their hobbies into careers, only to lose the initial spark that brought them joy. For Dimplez, the distinction within this conundrum was clear.
“There's a difference between hobby and passion for me,” she explains. “I would never monetize [my hobbies] because that's something that just genuinely brings me joy.”
She continues, “I'm passionate about how people think, what people enjoy consuming, and how artists tell their stories. That's my passion. I don't mind monetizing my passion because I would do it whether I was paid for it or not.”
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"I'm passionate about how people think, what people enjoy consuming, and how artists tell their stories. That's my passion."
Dimplez is candid about the fact that when she first embarked on her career, social media was shifting into an entirely new frontier, and the title of “digital marketer” didn’t exist. That’s why, years later, becoming a director of digital marketing and now, the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Capitol Music Group, is a full circle moment.
“I definitely want to give a nod to Michelle Jubelirer, who was the CEO at the time,” Dimplez shares. “When Michelle was appointed CEO, I was one of her first calls because she cares about artists, she cares about storytelling, and she wants the best people around to do those things. Under her tenure and guidance, I co-lead a team of the best digital marketers, short-form content creators, and digital technologists in our industry. And with them, we were able to not only turn the company around but turn the label group around to its greatest success in the last 19 years.”
For Dimplez, lifting as you climb has been the hallmark of her trajectory and the template for the ItGirls coming behind her, looking to blaze their own path. “I expect anyone who wants to be a digital marketer to beat me: be better.”
On what it means to be an ItGirl:
"It means that I am representing us well. My mom is my favorite girl known to man, because in every room, she represented, not only herself, but she represented everyone who she stood for, well. Oftentimes, I am in rooms where I am the only Black woman, I am the most senior Black woman, I am the most senior immigrant, I am the only immigrant, whatever the case may be.
"Oftentimes, I am in rooms where I am the only Black woman, I am the most senior Black woman, I am the most senior immigrant, I am the only immigrant, whatever the case may be."
"It's not lost on me that in the spaces I occupy, I am not only representing myself, but I'm representing everyone who will come after me. And to be an ItGirl, it means I am doing this justice."
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On how she overcomes challenges in her career journey:
"The biggest challenge that any of us will ever face in different environments is communication. It's not that we're not speaking the same language, but we're not understanding the same. I remember one of my mentors once told me that we judge ourselves based on intention, but we judge everyone else based on action. And what I found a lot in the corporate space was, people were judging actions versus intent, and we needed to level set.
"A lot of workplace or career challenges literally boiled down to miscommunication — whether it be intentional or unintentional. And as an executive, a woman, and a human, the moment we become better communicators, the less friction we will have."
On the advice she'd give women who aspire to follow a similar path as her:
"To anyone looking to follow in the same pathway: do it and do it better, be greater. I was only able to even visualize my role because I thought of executives that came before me. I think often of Vivian Scott Chew, Lynn Scott; these are Black women marketers that lifted as they climbed, and made it a point to protect their artists, protect the talent that they represented, and create a lane for themselves that didn't really exist.
"Whatever anyone is thinking, you can do it. Do it even bigger. Do it even better. Because I think everyone is capable of doing it."
To learn more about the ItGirl 100 List, view the full list here.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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