Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly McDowell.
Kimberly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began ButterFlyWerks in 2017 with the intent of producing a documentary about CJ Wiley’s recovery journey after a near-death ten-hour brain surgery, an ordeal that entailed multiple subsequent operations.
Prior to CJ’s diagnosis of Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), he was a successful master barber and tattoo artist with a deep clientele. The aftermath left him disabled. His strength and will to overcome inspired his pursuit of a career in filmmaking. During his recovery phase, he was asked. “What do you want to do with your life?” He responded, “I want to make films.” I said, “Okay, let’s do it.”
I quickly found myself enjoying the “Executive Producer” life. This led to subsequent productions in film, music, and live entertainment. To date, ButterFlyWerks has partnered with childhood friend Screwroy Rice to film his comedy special Screw The Rules, “Somebody Call The Cops,” and another special, Screw The Rules, “I’m GROWN GROWN”, currently streaming on all platforms, including Peacock.
Our body of work includes the “Love, Paint, and Soul” live entertainment franchise, a partnership with Terry DidUm of Terry DidUm Designz. Love, Paint, and Soul is an annual event that features performing and visual artists performing live in tandem. The results are sonic and visual masterpieces. Love, Paint, and Soul is a total experience, complete with award-winning poets and comedic relief. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres, top-grade bartending, and most importantly, positive energy that’s rooted in love.
To establish a footing in entertainment administration, we have partnered with super music producer Ervin “EP” Pope, a master talent whose body of work spans multiple genres. EP’s extensive knowledge in entertainment navigation, coupled with ButterFlyWerks’ expertise in execution, will promote our presence and sustainability.
ButterFlyWerks’ production endeavors also extend to music. We underwrote Arianna Shalee’s West$ide Love$tory, released in 2022, and produced her “On Hood” and “Lucid Dream” videos. During the pandemic, we recalibrated our business strategy and partnered with music producer Dom Harris. The partnership resulted in the creation of DÖM eau de parfum, “The quintessential fragrance for the refined gentleman”, which launched in December 2021.
Additionally, we have a non-profit organization named ButterFlyWerks Giving. Its purpose is to operate an organization for the underserved portion of the community whose focus is providing programs that promote positive self-image, scholarly success, community leadership, and entrepreneurship.
At ButterFlyWerks, we permeate positivity in all endeavors and provide quality entertainment, strategic awareness, and sustained renaissance. We are a collective enterprise.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Building the brand and finding great vendors, solid consultants, and the perfect staff has been a wonderful journey. We have discovered new opportunities and become strategically agile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
ButterFlyWerks is a collective enterprise with a focus on quality and appreciation while fostering entrepreneurial partnerships and strategic awareness.
Our guiding principles are directed by reliance (trust), accountability (responsibility), honesty (integrity) and fun. Our vision is to be recognized as an enterprise that successfully infuses experience, entertainment, awareness, beauty, personal care, and community.
We specialize in project-based partnerships that underscore our purpose and drive sustainability. Our project-based model sets us apart due to the structures of accountability (time, scope, and schedule) and project management methodologies employed.
We are most proud of the opportunities extended to those with which we have worked. Our projects are creating an ecosystem of economics and business relationships within our community.
The ButterFlyWerks enterprise includes film production; Screwroy Rice – Screw The Rules, “Somebody Call The Cops”, and Screw The Rules “I’m GROWN GROWN”; music production; Arianna Shalee – West$ide Love$tory. Live entertainment – Love Paint and Soul, entertainment arts administration, and a men’s fragrance line entitled DÖM eau de parfum.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned is to trust the process and plan appropriately with qualified resources.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.butterflywerks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterflywerks/?hl=am-et
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butterflywerks/
Image Credits
Aianna Shalee, Amauri McPherson, Kimberly McDowell, and Terry Bolen, Love Paint, and @Cinematicradeo
