An Inspired Chat with Dana Mason of Santa Monica

Dana Mason shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Dana, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I start my day with my morning meditation. When I wake up, I immediately go into my first meditation of the day for 20 minutes. Next, cue up John Coltrane (anything by him) and make my favorite cup of coffee. Most days, I’ll write in my gratitude journal a short list of people, places or things I am grateful for. Other days, I’ll walk down to the beach and do my meditation there. A slow quiet morning is everything!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an accomplished veteran in both the music entertainment industry and the realm of holistic healing. With a career spanning three decades, my journey has been marked by astute leadership, adept management, innovative solutions, creative finesse, and a profound dedication to personal growth and transformation.

In the music entertainment sphere, my expertise has shined brightly in a series of leadership and marketing roles. From my early days in the 90’s at Priority Records in Los Angeles, where I collaborated with iconic hip hop and rap pioneers such as Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, and Master P and more, to my tenure at EMI Distribution working on legendary projects with artists like Tina Turner, The Smashing Pumpkins, Lenny Kravitz, and David Bowie, my behind the scenes influence was felt far and wide.

Continuing my career path, I co-launched the urban division of JCOR Entertainment through Interscope Records, discovering exceptional talent and driving strategic marketing and promotion efforts. Artists like Slum Village, Tech N9ne, and 8Ball & MJG were some of my favorite and memorable projects. My journey eventually led me to Hidden Beach Recordings, where I excelled in creating and executing marketing and promotions plans, contributing to the success of Grammy Award winners such as Jill Scott, Bebe Winans, Mike Phillips, and many more.

As General Manager for Guerilla Union and Pangea Agency, I skillfully navigated business development and operations, managing multi-million-dollar corporate clients and co-producing national and global multi-day music festivals. With a host of gold and platinum records and over 300,000 concert tickets sold, my love of music and working with creatives gave my career and life purpose meaning.

Throughout my amazing career, my passion for personal growth and holistic well-being steadily grew. Drawing on my spiritual studies and empathy-driven nature, I embarked on a new path as a skilled healer, advisor, and holistic practitioner. Earning numerous certifications in various healing techniques over the course of two decades, The Wellness Academy was born. I crafted a unique approach that blends counseling, sound healing, and intuitive guidance to facilitate transformative journeys for my clients. I also co-facilitate a mental health practice called Rhythms of Healing, with my partner Dr. James Norris. Using the power of Hip Hop music, clinical psychology and Eastern medicine, we facilitate group mental health sessions for underserved communities.

Recognizing the intricate connection between the subconscious mind and the body, my holistic healing sessions emphasize the importance of addressing emotional and physical trauma. Through compassionate guidance, I empower individuals to address the root cause and encourage healing from a mind and body perspective, with the end goal of fostering lasting change and self-discovery.

My ultimate goal is to exemplify the harmonious fusion of mind and bodywork, positively impacting the lives of individuals seeking personal growth. My journey from the music entertainment industry to helping others has been influenced by the profound healing power of music and its role in my personal transformation, which led to the unwavering commitment to empowering others on their path to wellness and self-discovery.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Dishonesty and disloyalty…period. Trust is everything. Trusting someone allows you (your nervous system) to feel safe. When someone lies, it completely breaks the bond of safety and throws your nervous system into a state of flight. Being guarded is no way to live and having people that you trust allows your soul to flourish and expand. Restoration happens with accountability, consistent changed behavior and forgiveness.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that her kindness and empathy is her superpower and to never let anyone or situations make you feel less than because of having a big heart.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say that helping people really matters to me. As a young child, my mother & father were strong examples of philanthropy for the community. Whether it was giving back to those less fortunate, or visiting nursing homes with people that did not have family, my parents instilled in me to show up and help others. Today, I sit on two amazing philanthropic boards, Hav A Sole & Magic Lemonade Stand and work with other non-profit businesses that have dynamic programming that supports underserved communities.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope that people would remember me for being genuinely kind and a supportive friend. I would want them to remember how I made them feel and that my energy, love and support came from my heart with no strings attached.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danamason.me
• Instagram: @atdanamason.me
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danamason11/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rhythmsofhealing

Image Credits
Photographers: Jason Clark for Jason Clark Foto, Todd Westphal for Todd Westphal Photography, Dad
Podcast & Image: Lisane Basquiat for Shaping Freedom Podcast