Meet Grace Daniels | Creator/Owner/Producer, TopNotch Meetings

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Daniels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
My company was created as a direct response to the pandemic. And while I saw a need to help alleviate individual/business frustrations over the inability to connect with their audience, the hardest thing to do was pushing past my fears to officially start my business. The crazy thing about my fears was having proof of their being unfounded as I had already done the work for most of the year on a volunteer basis. I remember the day while on a walk, I was listening to a message by Sarah Jakes Roberts titled, “Girl get up” and I felt so convicted that I practically ran home to officially start my business. It was the scariest/best feeling ever!

What should our readers know about your business?

As stated earlier, TopNotch Meetings was created in response to a business need driven by the pandemic. However, my actual work in this field was initiated through volunteer work with the Dallas Chapter of the Links, Incorporated in my current role as Chair of Technology. I have had to virtually produce both our monthly chapter meetings and our female youth STEAM academy (approximately 50 7th – 12 grade students.) I did not want to just open a zoom, instead, I wanted to produce an experience. I would meet with the event planners for detailed consultations during which I would develop an agenda and if needed build a presentation. I conducted test runs to help build their comfort level, answer questions, and create solutions as needed. It was a LOT of work, but it created within me a sense of pride as it successfully came into fruition.

I kept hearing people call me a great “producer” and it stuck because that is exactly what I wanted to be and do for their event. Then a few friends started saying I should do this as a business and the more I thought about it the more I could not fight that feeling. I was afraid but that fear was quieted because of my passion to offer an outlet for people to continue to reach their audience during uncertain times. 

My evenings became filled with learning new skills to make the events even better. YouTube has been my favorite database for improving existing and learning new skills.

I started listening to podcasts including “Side Hustle Pro” by Nicaila Matthews Okome with interviews of female entrepreneurs and their stories about victories and lessons learned.  

I had to learn how to find my rhythm and create templates for how I did my work. I also had to learn to not beat myself up over mistakes (and there have been plenty) choosing instead to take steps to not repeat them. I also had to realize that if I have clients, I needed to continue working on building my skills. 

The overall goal of TopNotch Meetings is to serve as reminder that you can continue to remain relevant and to do so in impactful way using technology.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

The one thing about the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is that it is so huge with pockets of communities offering a plethora of quality entertainment. We can start with great Tex-Mex and no I’m not talking Taco Bell. Our options include Meso Maya, Glorias or Mi Cocina. We are also known for Barbecue and depending on their taste can try spots like Lockhart’s or Off the Bone Barbecue. We can switch it up and get some southern food at Sweet Georgia Brown or even Caribbean food at One love Lounge or The Island Spot. There is also the delicious Cake Bar in Trinity Groves which always has a line to get to the goodness inside. I also love a good brunch spot and would take them to either 360 Brunch house or Saint Ann restaurant.

There are so many things to see and places to go! There is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the African American Museum of Dallas and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.  We have zoos and a LOT of parks and while we are not by any ocean there are still a lot of nice lakes like Lake Grapevine or Joe Pool Lake. There are also plenty of sports teams such as the Dallas Mavericks (basketball), Dallas Cowboys (football), Dallas Stars (Hockey) and Texas Rangers (Baseball) or the Frisco Roughriders (Minor League baseball). There are also a lot of music venues, and you can find a good concert just about anywhere both inside and outside. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would have to start my shoutout by going back to the beginning with my parents (Collis and Marlene) who since childhood instilled into me that I could do anything I put my mind to doing. 

I have always admired my friends who have walked as entrepreneurs including Mikesha who has always moved boldly toward her dreams despite fears and obstacles. I am surrounded by a lot of great friends, including the Golden Girls: Renita, Devan, and Tracy whose professional and personal pursuits inspire me daily. My sister through life, Yolanda who trusted me with her event which opened the door for even more virtual opportunities. My sister-in-law Kelani who sat in my office and helped walk me through my thought process AND the name of my company. Stassa who often teaches me by example how to do and be more. LaShunda with whom I have had the best brainstorm sessions to help step up our game. Lastly, my friend Breon who put me through a “courageous” bootcamp as I was inundated with pep talks and countless YouTube videos with messages about moving past my fears to build my legacy.

Website: www.topnotchmeetings.com

Image Credits
Yolanda Harper (ad for interview) Grace Daniels (Desk shots)