Conversations with Arion Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arion Johnson.

Hi Arion, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Arion Johnson, co-founder of Donyae, a faith-based social club designed to bring people together through authentic connection and intentional community. My journey started in event planning, where I discovered that what I love most isn’t just organizing experiences—it’s creating spaces where people can truly show up as themselves, connect meaningfully, and grow together.
Donyae was born out of a simple but powerful belief: real relationships are the foundation for personal, professional, and spiritual growth. Inspired by Matthew 13:31-32, I see every connection as a seed—when nurtured with authenticity, care, and intention, it can grow into something extraordinary. Our mission is to provide curated experiences, gatherings, and opportunities that empower members to collaborate, celebrate, and thrive together in a space rooted in faith.
As a prospective entrepreneur, I’m focused on building Donyae into a community where connections aren’t transactional, but transformative—where creativity, collaboration, and faith intersect to create lasting impact. I’m passionate about helping people find belonging, purpose, and inspiration in a space that honors both their ambitions and their values.

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?
The journey has not been easy. We are still emerging and growing, finding our space as a faith based social club and co-working community that truly connects people. Managing everything behind the scenes and bringing the vision to life has been challenging at times.
Through it all, Gods hand has been clear. The right opportunities, the right people, and the resources we needed have come at exactly the right moments. Those experiences remind me that this is not just my plan it is His, and I am simply stewarding it.
Even as we are still finding our footing, the process has taught me patience, perseverance, and the power of faith in building a space where people can connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m Arion Johnson. My journey started in event planning, where I discovered my love for bringing people together and creating experiences that truly mattered. Early on, I had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the world, including Mindy Weiss, David Rodgers, and on major events for clients like the Kardashians, Paris Hilton, the Academy Awards, and Beyonce. Those experiences taught me the power of attention to detail, creativity, and connection, and showed me how meaningful experiences can impact people’s lives.
Over time I also explored content creation and social media, sharing my perspective, my faith, and my life experiences with others. Through it all, I realized that my purpose has always been about helping people build authentic relationships, grow in their purpose, and find belonging.
That calling led me to co founding Donyae, a faith based social club and co working community. It’s a space where connection isn’t transactional but transformative, and where collaboration, creativity, and faith intersect. The journey hasn’t always been easy—building something from the ground up has its challenges—but Gods hand has been evident every step of the way, guiding opportunities, people, and resources into my path.
What I’m most proud of isn’t the high profile clients or events I’ve worked on, but the people and communities I’ve been able to impact. What sets me apart is that I approach everything with intention, authenticity, and faith, always seeking to create environments where people can belong, thrive, and grow.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways people can work with me or support what I’m building. One is by getting involved with Donyae, whether through membership, attending our curated events, or collaborating on projects that align with our mission of authentic connection and intentional community. I’m always open to partnering with creatives, entrepreneurs, and brands who share similar values and want to create meaningful experiences together.
People can also support by spreading the word, connecting me with others who might benefit from our community, or even by sharing ideas and resources that help us grow and reach more people. At the heart of it, collaboration and support are about relationships, and the best way to work with me is to show up authentically, bring your energy and ideas, and engage in a way that creates value for everyone involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donyae.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamarionj
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arion-johnson-5aa14137a/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/donyae-los-angeles-2
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/Donyae.co