Akilah Love has taken every step in her life with a vision to be impactful and create a lasting legacy. As the co-founder of The DNA Brand Corp, she hopes to make a difference that stands as tall as her success. Let’s meet her…
Tell us where you are from originally and where you are now.
I was born in Washington DC and grew up in the neighboring town of Silver Spring, Maryland. Shortly afterward, my parents, who are originally from Barbados, decided to migrate back to their homeland, where I began my elementary school journey. The years I spent in Barbados were undeniably the most formative and influential period of my life.
Tell our readers how The DNA Brand of Companies came to be and all that it encompasses including the programs you offer? When did you start and what was your original goal for your company?
The DNA Brand, as it is known today, originated in 2017 from a series of events that took place in Toronto, Canada. Initially lacking an official name, our primary goal was to organize enjoyable and purposeful events that would make a positive difference in underserved areas. As owners of a restaurant and lounge situated in the downtown core, we witnessed firsthand the pressing need for support within local communities, including women, men, and children in help centers and homeless shelters. This realization inspired us to host gatherings with a purpose, organize holiday food and toy drives, facilitate interactive and educational events for families, and provide musical mentoring and competitions to empower aspiring talent in the inner city, among other initiatives.
Over time, The DNA Brand evolved into a global empowerment organization consisting of nine distinct divisions, all aimed at improving the lives of others. These divisions include The DNA Academy, DNA Clothing, The DNA Diamond Ball, DNA Flavor Products, The DNA Foundation, DNA Health Shop, The DNA Financial Network and Insurance Services, DNA Music, and DNA Travel. In 2018, we officially adopted the name The DNA Brand, with some divisions operating as non-profit entities and others as for-profit ventures.
Since then, our organization has gained recognition as a global empowerment force, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on underserved and resource-limited communities worldwide.
You cover everything from finance to health to philanthropy. Which are you most proud of?
Among all the divisions within The DNA Brand Foundation, philanthropy holds a special place in my heart, as serving and empowering others is an inherent part of my being. Growing up in a family and community that deeply valued giving to underprivileged women, men, and families, I was instilled with the belief that uplifting others brings purpose and fulfillment to life. Witnessing the positive impact of these actions on people’s lives has only strengthened my commitment to continue this legacy and help others flourish, just as I was taught to do.
While each division in The DNA Brand is designed with the intention to empower, it is through The DNA Brand Foundation’s philanthropic endeavors that I find the most joy. The opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the betterment of others’ lives fills me with immense gratitude and drives me to work passionately in this noble pursuit.
Tell us about family life and how you enjoy your downtime when not juggling it all?
I take immense pride in being the mother of five wonderful children and the stepmother of five more. They are the driving force behind everything I do – my “why.” Working hard is not only to provide for them but also to be a role model and empower each of them, ensuring we can also enjoy life to the fullest together.
During our downtime, my family and I lead an active lifestyle. We love exploring new places through travel, spending time at the beach, and engaging in self-improvement activities. Cooking at home has become a cherished family bonding experience, and we also make sure to stay connected with the kids who may not be physically living with us.
Juggling all these responsibilities has become second nature to me. With my children actively involved in performing arts and sports, I’ve honed my skills in multitasking and accomplishing everything that needs to be done in a day. The joy and love I have for my family inspire me to navigate life’s challenges with determination and grace, ensuring that each day is fulfilling and rewarding for us all.
Tell us about your other roles and capacities you work in outside of your brand and what duties you handle in those roles.
My daily engagement with my Brand’s various divisions keeps me busy and fulfilled. Each division requires my attention, but I find myself most actively involved in The DNA Foundation, where I directly engage with the children and the support team in Ghana. Being closely connected to the Foundation’s initiatives brings me immense joy and purpose.
Another division that demands a significant portion of my time is The DNA Diamond Ball. As our annual fundraising ball, it continuously captures the interest of supporters throughout the year. Thus, I am always prepared to communicate and share the beauty of this event, which plays a crucial role in supporting the Foundation and its endeavors.
Currently, our newest division, The DNA Financial Network and Insurance Services, is in its early stages of development. I foresee this division becoming instrumental in helping families secure their financial future for generations to come. Consequently, I am deeply committed to dedicating substantial attention to its growth, marketing, and service sharing across the 33 states where we are licensed to operate.
Balancing my involvement in each division is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Witnessing the positive impact of our initiatives and the difference we make in people’s lives fuels my dedication to all aspects of my Brand. Together, these divisions work harmoniously, empowering others and bringing positive change to communities worldwide.
You and your husband are big supporters of St. Jude’s Hospital. Why is it important to give back? What has been your greatest reward or takeaway by doing so?
My husband and I are passionate advocates of St. Jude’s Hospital due to the profound impact cancer has had on both of our families. Cancer took the lives of both our fathers, and Doug, my husband, also lost his best friends to this relentless disease. In addition, one of my dearest friends experienced the heartbreak of her child fighting cancer.
Having witnessed the painful journey that affected our loved ones, we feel an unwavering commitment to support St. Jude’s Hospital in any way we can. Our dedication is driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance at a full and healthy life, and we see our own children as the future that should be nurtured and protected.
Being part of St. Jude’s mission has brought us immense pride, knowing that countless lives are saved and healed through their exceptional care. Witnessing the smiling faces of children who have received the best cancer care for children in the world fills our hearts with joy. The success stories of these brave young fighters, whose lives have been extended and saved, constantly remind us of the significant impact our support can make.
Gratitude overflows as we have the privilege to contribute and witness the transformative work that St. Jude’s Hospital, with its dedicated funding and medical staff, achieves in the lives of those affected by cancer. We stand with beaming smiles, knowing that through our support, we are playing a small part in creating a brighter future for these courageous children and their families.
What do you want your legacy to your children to be?
My deepest desire is for my legacy to my children to be that of a devoted and loving mother who showered them with endless affection. I aspire to empower and encourage them, not only to love themselves but also to extend that love to others. Through my dedication to philanthropy, I want to impart the value of giving back, especially to children and those in need of love and support the most. My goal is to bring smiles to the faces of many within my reach and create a positive impact in the lives of those around us.
How do you make sure you always keep faith in the foundation of all your endeavors?
The foundation of all my endeavors is firmly rooted in my unwavering faith in God, as I keep Him first and foremost in my life. Prayer is an integral part of who I am, and it grounds me in every aspect of my journey. Additionally, I embrace the practices of manifesting and meditating, tapping into my spiritual self, which elevates my faith and strengthens my resolve.
As a woman of faith, I carry this belief into every role I play – as a devoted mom, a loving wife, and a determined entrepreneur. The decisions I make, including the strategic choices for each division of The DNA Brand Group of Companies (with the support of my other half), are driven by a God-inspired intention to impact and improve lives.
With this mission at the core of our endeavors, I have unshakable faith in the foundation we have laid. Each division has been carefully selected to meet specific needs, guided by the belief that our actions should be purposeful and driven by a higher calling. Trusting in God’s guidance and the significance of our endeavors, I am confident that The DNA Brand Group of Companies will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of many, fueled by the faith that underpins all we do.
Tell our readers where they can find out more and support.
To discover more about our mission and brand, please visit www.thednabrand.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Anything to add?
I feel incredibly grateful to be featured alongside other remarkable women on your platform. It fills me with immense pride to raise awareness about The DNA Brand and its mission, as I firmly believe that we cannot make a meaningful impact alone. It is through the collective efforts of kindred souls that we can truly make a difference in regions in need, thanks to the initiatives of The DNA Brand Foundation.
I extend a warm invitation to everyone to join hands and hearts with us, either by attending our annual DNA Diamond Ball in Atlanta each March or by supporting our other divisions, knowing that a portion of the profits is dedicated to The DNA Brand Foundation.
Our commitment to serving others is an honor, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity. Our hope is to foster a growing DNA family, bound together in shared purpose and determination, year after year. Together, we can create positive change and touch the lives of those who need it most.
