Today we’d like to introduce you to Donae Gooden.
Hi Donae, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up spending a lot of time in the kitchen with my parents. My dad was in the military, so we moved quite a bit when I was young. No matter where we were, they always made it feel like home, and they built strong community connections wherever we went. Those values stuck with me into adulthood. I’ve always had a passion for hosting and entertaining. I show love through hospitality. I watched a lot of Food Network and shows like Girlfriends as a child, so I looked forward to having my own home to host in and spend time out at happy hours with my own girlfriends once I became an adult. I moved to Memphis in the Fall of 2021 from North Carolina. After being here for a while and witnessing so much negativity about the city, I decided to start showcasing the great things the city has to offer, specifically with dining, cocktails, and events. I’m a true foodie at heart, and I’m always exploring and leading with positivity because I truly love my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were definitely some struggles along the way. My mother was dealing with some serious illness for a couple years, and I spent a lot of time helping her and my father as she healed. I was transitioning to life back “home” in the Memphis area with a new job, new home, and overall adjustments of serious “adulting.” I made it through victoriously, and Queen D Dines helped me escape the stress of all the moving parts I had going on in the outside world. I focused in on making meaningful, genuine content, exploring my new city, and building my mixology skills.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m Queen D, creator of Queen D Dines, a lifestyle and experiences platform where culture, community, cocktails, and connection come together. Through food, travel, curated events, and storytelling, I spotlight the people, places, and experiences that make our communities vibrant, especially Black-owned businesses, cultural events, and unique destinations.
By day, I’m an HR leader focused on developing people and building strong organizations. Through Queen D Dines, I bring that same passion for connection into the community by creating content and experiences that inspire people to explore, celebrate, and support the world around them.
Whether I’m crafting a signature cocktail, highlighting a local gem, hosting an event, or sharing leadership insights, my goal is simple: to help people discover meaningful experiences while building authentic community. Queen D Dines is all about creating memorable moments and celebrating culture with intention, not just where to eat and what to do.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe the work you put in and the positivity you put into your community will return to you in overflow. I give all thanks to God for continuing to bless me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://queenddines.squarespace.com/?fbclid=PAVERFWAS8nTZwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp_GoA1EkANj1Y56AY4MllZIFaG4OAGOnjsiYxDknmbbvk2qL-T36p69ElbOf_aem_pKd5Xam2oRr-h74TlUztQg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queend_dines?igsh=amo0eWV2cXJxOTJu&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaereggansgooden
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@queend_dines?si=uOCuz03uDVoQCtpc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@queend_dines
