Growing up in The Bronx in New York City, Donna Jarrett-Paris witnessed firsthand the sacrifices needed to be a successful entrepreneur, thanks in part to a humbling hard-working Parents.

In 2008, During the worst Economic Crisis, Donna was laid off from the Financial Sector and her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of “It Takes A Village Today” an online marketing company. As Founder and CEO, she offered exposure to fledgling businesses struggling for recognition and financial assistance in the crowded commerce and media markets by staging Networking Events throughout New York City.  It is at these events she was also able to create huge opportunities for young vibrant filmmakers and actors by Producing and Co-directing the Off-Broadway Stage Play titled, “Love Hurts” which have sold out continuously for 6 months in New York City.

Donna’s relentless drive to pursue excellence, has made her a sought-after Motivational Speaker who imparts personality, confidence and authenticity.   She is the proud recipient of the Heroes of Humanity award from the Rockland County Commission on Human Rights.

As the author of “You’re Not My Mommy, WARNINGS from an Ex-Stepmother”, Donna recounted her experience of love and marriage as she once lived in the very modern dynamics of a blended family lifestyle. The book has garnered her interviews with prominent radio shows such as Sirius Radio “Sway in the Morning”, Bronx net Television, as well as being guest speaker at women’s groups and organizations to candidly share the trials and tribulations of being a stepmother.  Donna is currently pitching to a few cable networks promoting the book as a television series motivated by her personal responses that the relevance of her words has engendered.

Donna was also the CEO and Co-Owner of Paris Hair & Beauty Supplies, LLC.  She astutely assessed that the U.S. commerce for Black haircare products, which is a half a Trillion-dollar industry, was being monopolized and corralled by Asian manufacturers, distributors and retailers.  Donna continuously sought to remove the barriers with “Operation Take Our Hair Back” with a steady aim to broaden the market share for African American entrepreneurs within manufacturing, distributing and retailing sectors for natural quality-based products and accessories as well as to educate the consumer about the strength of their buying power.  Paris Hair & Beauty Supplies was awarded in 2017, “The Celebrity Entertainment Business Award” (C.E.B.O) was recently recognized as one of the best, most successful Black Owned Businesses in New Jersey awarded, “Best In Natural Beauty” from New Jersey Black Business Association. 

Donna is currently writing scripts for film & Television based on the lives of African Americans in various genres of life due to her love of romance and the need for our stories to be told to a wider audience.  She currently resides in New Jersey, married to her childhood sweetheart, Drew Paris.