Meet D’Voya Wilks | Marketing Director (Personal Clients) + Account Supervisor (Agency)

We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Voya Wilks and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi D’Voya, how do you think about risk?
Whew…risks. I think taking risks is an essential part of accomplishing anything worthwhile in this life. If something comes to you easily, it leaves just as easily whether that’s a professional position, a lover, or any opportunity. The very definition of “risk” centers around exposing yourself to a potential loss of some sort. That said, I’ve always been drawn to a little danger because fear has an interesting way of revealing what’s at a person’s core….what they’re really made of character-wise and quality-wise. So, I don’t mind taking risks knowing that even if it means sacrificing something temporarily, what I ultimately want lies just on the other side of my comfort zone. Comfort zones are where dreams go to die.
The largest risk I’ve taken was a largely spontaneous relocation from Virginia to Austin, Texas in the summer of 2021 which was halfway around the country from everything and everyone I knew. A few phone calls between some potential clients and about a week of personal deliberation and my mind was made up. Professionally, I’d somewhat hit a cap in the DMV as I was currently on my second directorship at only 24 years old and a solid resume so taking a risk in experiencing a different geography, culture, and professional arena was exciting and a bit scary to be honest. Yet, the potential benefits far outweighed the temporary downsides of leaving the DMV.
Taking that risk has allowed me to grow personally in ways I didn’t realize I could, see the world and people differently, and gain a perspective on life that only comes from testing your own boundaries. Professionally, it’s allowed me to connect with so many brilliant minds, travel practically every other week, access a variety of awesome opportunities both on staff and clients I own/consult with, provide real marketing and operational value to businesses looking to recover from the pandemic, and thus paved a slightly different future than what I’d envisioned 12 months ago which I’m totally here for.
So, risks….take them. Don’t be naive or too hasty though. Definitely weigh the pros and cons before making the decision but don’t allow fear of loss or failure to prevent you from risking and sacrificing things/people because what you ultimately wants lies just on the other side.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, I’m in the marketing world of course.
With the clients I own personally and/or consult for, my services can range from website SEO to influencer programs to email marketing campaign overhauls to social media strategies to content collection and usage, and more. It truly depends on the clients and what gaps they’ve identified in their business that need to be filled to fuel their lead generation, revenue, and growth goals.
The move to Austin opened the door for me to enter the agency (media buying) side of the industry where I supervise a team internally and manage the client relationship which is makes for nothing less than interesting days. I currently specialize in paid social (Facebook ads) and own audience strategy, platform expansion like Pinterest, campaign performance and metrics, creative analyses, budget allocation, and more. I love it because it embraces both my nerd brain and my people skills!
Being in my position is not easy for a number of reasons. One, I use my skills in behalf of multiples businesses at once as long as there are no conflicts of interest. That said, providing top tier value to each of my commitments is important to me which means dedicating long days and many hours per week. Secondly, this industry is naturally demanding on the brain and since I’m always in leadership positions, I feel the stress levels of my team and take that responsibility seriously in terms of ensuring they get the love/support they need to endure the choatic days and simultaneously see personal benefits and value of their daily efforts. Working to ensure nothing drops can be draining so I counteract that by traveling pretty often. Hopping on a plane even for a day or two reenergizes me to keep going, you know?
I’ve learned a ton of lessons this last decade of being in the corporate marketing arena. One, learning to learn from everywhere. The value and power of a productive conversation is not lost on me. I’ve learned from homeless folks on the street just as I’ve learned from CEOs and everyone in between. Staying humble has helped me here. Secondly, I’ve learned to always stay true to myself and enter every room as myself. Sometimes we alter our approach to appease folks and I’ve learned that by doing so, I’m delaying my inevitable exit from a space I’m truly not meant to be in. By remaining true to myself, the people in my corner, the opportunities I get, the peace I’ve achieved…. all are in alignment. I feel everyone should achieve this.
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.
Austin is incredible!! Honestly, I’m still exploring it myself and I’ve been here for 7 months now.
In terms of visual attraction and vibes… the graffiti park, Mayfield Nature Preserve to see the peacocks, kayaking up Lake Travis, music festivals, 6th street for all the bars. Anything you want to get into, Austin has it.
Food! Legit my favorite subject on the planet! If you’re thinking high end options, Eddie V’s, Barley Swine, and Jeffrey’s are my favorites so far. If you’re in the mood for quick but flavorful grabs, I’d recommend Gus’s Fried Chicken, Rainey Street food truck park, or Cooper’s BBQ. And Pappadeaux’s!
Outside of that, you can get an awesome view of the sunset from practically anywhere in the city. Sit down, chill, take it all in.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had really incredible managers and mentors who’ve pushed me professionally to be better, learn more, and opened the door to proceeding opportunities such as Don Dakis, Nish Patel, Lenny Scarola, and Kevin Butler. Regularly challenging how I thought and made decisions in the professional space, recommending and providing leadership-themed books, and occasional arguments helped craft how I approach any room I enter today so I greatly appreciate them among others.
I started my Instagram page only 2 years ago and accidentally began accepting brand sponsorships (nothing too bigtime yet) which has been incredible in terms of gaining support and love from the folks that follow me and connect with what I stand for so I appreciate them as well since some of the opportunities and connections I’ve made have been solely from Instagram.
God has been my everything of course. Both making time to read the Bible and praying, I’ve seen the most amazing answers to my prayers that leave no doubt in my mind that I’ve got his support. To me, it’s all I need to accomplish my purpose on this Earth.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dvoya_/