Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Meadows-Stinnett.
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?
When I started the journey, I was already knee-deep in my journalism degree, which uses a lot of the same programs and technology as graphic design & web design. So when I decided to write less and design more everything was still very familiar to me and even more so ahead in the design industry. Because it was such an easy transition, I was able to excel faster in design. In that same breath I had my first child at 21 and 3 years later was a single mom, moving into a 500sqft one bedroom apartment, six months pregnant.
During the pandemic pregnant with my last child I was seeking ways to up-skill. AI was just starting to be a household name and I knew this area of tech wasn’t going anywhere. I invested in getting certified as a GTP prompt engineer. Since then having in-depth knowledge of generative AI has helped me level up my digital marketing game and given me opportunity to teach AI basics to others while breaking the stigma of fearing the use of new technology within diverse communities too.
Today Octane is a multi-award winning and nationally recognized company that’s built on the core purpose of bringing generational wealth through digital marketing to diverse and marginalized communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not at all smooth nor did I go or stay in a straight line. Struggles I faced initially was:
– Being seen as a woman owned business based on business name
– Being underestimated as a valuable resource for digital marketing as a Black woman
– Curating self-confidence in the industry with less to no representation
– Not working a traditional 9 to 5
– Learning to say no and not people please
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Octane Design Studios is a branding and identity firm that empowers businesses and creatives with the digital tools and platforms they need to build generational wealth. Founded by Danielle Meadows-Stinnett, the company is committed to promoting diversity and representation in the creative and tech industries through its client work and community initiatives like Kentucky Creatives, the More Than Graphics Podcast, the Retro Pixel Sorcerer Newsletter, and the Ctrl+Alt+Rebrand project.
Our fuel is authenticity. We believe your brand is your superpower. Our mission? To help you monetize it and build a thriving community around it. How do we do that?
– We help you discover where your brand is now, and where it needs to go.
– We craft a visual identity that truly reflects your values and attracts your ideal audience.
– We empower you to build your own realm, where your brand can reign supreme.
Services include:
brand strategy → positioning / automations / discovery / messaging
graphic design → print / packaging / web / AI mockups
logo & identity → logos / art direction / naming
web development → infrastructure / web copy / hosting & domain
content creation → video + photo / social media assets
Meet Octane Owner Danielle Meadows-Stinnett AKA: The Retro Pixel Sorceress™
Danielle’s the controller-wielding, chai-sipping, cosplay-slaying CEO behind Octane Design Studios, where branding meets boss mode. With 16+ years in the game, she’s not just playing — she’s redesigning the entire board.
From digital marketing maven to podcast powerhouse, Danielle blends retro gaming vibes with modern-day strategy, transforming small businesses and six-figure brands into legendary player characters. Whether she’s mentoring through gamified learning, empowering women in tech, or strategizing social content like a Final Boss — Danielle leads with heart, hustle, and a hint of hero mode.
“As a woman of color in tech I proudly represent the near 2% of Black women in the c-suite and the 7% of women of color in the industry. I am recognized as ‘2024 Woman To Watch’ by Digital Women.”
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up with my grandmothers!
Memory 1: eating my maternal grandmothers scrambled eggs for breakfast as the highlight of my childhood mornings watching her make fluffy eggs. She had a certain way of circling the pan to keep them fluffy. I now pass this tradition to my three sons. She also was an avid soap opera watcher and my embellished attachment to storytelling and theatrics budded from this. Devoted mother of 9 children with a 9th grade education.
Memory 2: spending a weekend in the convent with my other paternal grandmother who spent the last decades of life as a Congregation of Devine Providence (a nun) after raising 13 kids into adulthood. One weekend she hosted a sleepover at St. Anne’s Convent with my younger sibling and cousins. She put on a few old Motown records in one of the smaller libraries and showed us all the 60s dances. We all laughed in surprise and danced with her. It reminds me to this day that you your commitments (to faith, to work, to family) are simply extensions of love & joy.
Pricing:
- $45 for base consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lexoctane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octanedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/octanedesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemeadows/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@octanedesigns
- Other: https://www.mtgthepodcast.com
