Bio & business History
Bio & Business History
Early Life
Mychel Dillard, also known as Snoop, is a Serial Entrepreneur based out of Atlanta, GA. Originally from Detroit, MI, Snoop grew up in the inner-city, with her two younger brothers. After her parents faced marital troubles as a child, her mother fled the city and relocated to Nashville, TN– where Snoop spent most of her teenage years. At the tender age of fifteen, Snoop became a mother, but this did not deter her from remaining dedicated to finding her purpose in life. Snoop knew at a young age she wanted to take an alternate route in life, and she always dreamed of playing in the WNBA. However, her hoop dreams evolved once she discovered her passion for entrepreneurship and business.
Business Career
In 2008, Snoop broke into the entertainment industry and started Wet Dymes, a calendar and DVD series featuring twelve models from Nashville. The calendar was such a success, a promotional tour took place across metro cities to help promote the collection. Snoop went on to start KRD Media Group, a talent management group, where she managed local talent, including rappers, models, and rising artists. Snoop enjoyed the excitement of introducing new talent, but the business was not lucrative enough to scale.
In 2009, Snoop opened her first night lounge in Nashville, called The G-Spot. Although it seemed like the right move then, within 90 days, she lost over $35,000 that she initially invested into the business. This was a pivotal moment in her career.
It was only open for three months and I lost over $35,000. It was a huge failure, but it taught me a lot about the business and doing things the right way to protect your investment.
The rush of starting businesses soon became a norm for the serial entrepreneur in the making. In spring 2010, Snoop and her business partner started Face-It, a $1 weekly publication of arrest mugshots. Unexpectedly, her business partner betrayed her and changed all of the bank account information, and stole thousands of dollars from the business. Instead of fighting with him in a legal dispute, Snoop decided to walk away from the business– cold turkey.
Snoop used this experience as a valuable learning lesson, and decided to start another newspaper business in Knoxville, TN. Caught-Up was very successful and required little attention from Snoop. Her team included a business manager, and a staff of employees, and she was fairly hands-off when it came to daily operations. The paper grew, and resulted in three new editions in Louisville, KY, Western, KY, and a small city in Florida.
Snoop decided she needed a change of scenery and a trip to Atlanta immediately caught Snoop’s attention. Snoop loved everything about Atlanta and decided to relocate from Nashville to Atlanta in winter 2010.
But, in business there are ups, and there are downs. In 2011, Snoop noticed a drastic change in her relationship with her business manager. Out of nowhere, in one week, all of her employees quit. She went to Knoxville to see what was going on, and found out her business manager started his own newspaper, which almost immediately put Snoop out of business. He also stole all of the customers, the business model, and money out of the company bank accounts, and Snoop was devastated.
After that happened, I got in complete hustle mode. I had just moved to Atlanta and I was selling T-Shirts, water bottles, and even smoothies in my partner’s boutique. At the end of the day, I had to provide for not only me, but for my daughter as well.
The business-savvy in Snoop was wise enough to know to always diversify investments. One thing that kept Snoop afloat was a familiar territory—real estate. Snoop bought a house to flip in Atlanta, for investment purposes only. Right when she was down to her last thousand dollars, a year later– the house sold!
Snoop earned $30,000 off of this deal, and it was the perfect opportunity to come up with the next successful business venture.
Present Day
As a business owner, it’s easy to get so involved in the growth and daily hustle of the business that you forget about taking care of you. In her 20s, Snoop had to experience several speed bumps along the path of entrepreneurship, but they all played an integral role in her ability to successfully manage multiple businesses at a time.
Now, in her early 30s, Snoop has an edge of wisdom that she brings to the table, which also serves as a hedge or protection over herself, her family, and her business ventures. Snoop has adopted self-care habits that contribute to her personal growth. Snoop enjoys traveling the world, fine dining, reading up on the latest business trends, playing basketball, and getting massages at least once a week.
Life is not all about business. You can be a boss at work, but once you leave the office and return home, you have to stay authentic to who you are, at home. Personal development is just as important as professional development.
With the momentum gained over the past 5 years in Atlanta, Snoop has earned a lot of respect from different communities across the city. Snoop has grown into a role model for women who want to start a business, but are unsure how to overcome the many challenges women face in business and other male-dominated industries. Snoop has been able to garner new audiences, including reputable women’s organizations, such as the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a non-profit membership organization for women presidents, CEOs, and managing directors of privately held, multimillion-dollar companies. WPO hosted an event at Escobar Restaurant and Tapas in early 2017, and it was confirmation that Snoop is on the right path.
I want to inspire others and I don’t limit myself. As a mother, daughter, sister, friend— for all womanhood– I take the limits off of who I can inspire.
“No amount of money is worth my peace of mind.” – Snoop
Accomplishments
Shortly after moving to Atlanta, Snoop bought her first Party Bus with the profits from her successful real estate investment. Founded in 2012, Party Bus Kings, is an entertainment transportation service company based in Atlanta, GA; specializing in mobile entertainment and courier services. The first year was such a huge success that additional fleet was added within the first six months. Today, the company still operates in Atlanta and Snoop serves as a hands-off co-owner.
After Party Bus Kings did so well, the rest was history.
Snoop’s ultimate dream was always to open her own night lounge. After failing so hard at her first attempt in 2009, she was sure not to make the same mistakes twice. In summer 2014, Snoop’s dream became reality when she opened The Hookah Hideaway, located in in downtown Atlanta. Snoop attributes the success of The Hookah Hideaway to simply being a good person.
The rapid growth of The Hookah Hideaway came from the ground up, I didn’t invest in a lot of forced marketing. This time, I went into business by myself, and did everything by the books. Today, it’s like the neighborhood bar, with a friendly vibe, a lot like the TV show Cheers.
Snoop is fearless when it comes to entering new markets and taking the necessary steps to achieve success. In 2015, Snoop was a co-owner of Posh Ultra Lounge in Macon, GA for six-months. Within 2 years, she successfully launched her mobile app, Girl Talk, and opened Escobar Restaurant and Tapas–a joint venture with 2 Chainz.
Future Plans
Snoop is a strong advocate of service and pouring back into the community. Snoop has sponsored many events in Atlanta including the 2017 Back to School Skate Party and School Supply Drive, Girlz Business Camp 2017 hosted by Ladies Who Brunch Atlanta, youth mentoring with Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta, an annual Friendsgiving Food Drive at The Hookah Hideaway, benefiting ATL Mission, and annual Christmas charity participation, to name a few.
Snoop plans to start a non-profit organization that provides shelter and advocates for at-risk youth and teen pregnancy. Snoop is interested in film writing and production and has enrolled in classes to learn more about the industry as well. With the success of both The Hookah Hideaway and Escobar Restaurant and Tapas, Snoop has decided to open a third entertainment venue in Atlanta by the end of 2017.
Snoop’s story is evidence that failure is a part of the process, and this is only the beginning. Snoop’s journey is a clear depiction of how adversity can be used as necessary building blocks for your success.
Snoop currently resides in Atlanta, GA and continues to live up to her title of a dedicated “Serial Entrepreneur.”