Rising Stars: Meet Danielle Timmons of Los Angeles, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Timmons.

Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began writing poetry as a child to cope with trauma, later turning to hip-hop and songwriting as a lifeline during foster care. In my 20s I started recording, and by my 30s; while raising my child as a single mother, I fully committed to music, performing locally and performing with DJ Con/Rap-A-Con A NY based event that was held in Philadelphia.

Realizing passion wasn’t enough, I educated myself on copyrights, licensing, and ownership, joined BMI, and partnered with La Kia A. Gooch to rebrand my artistry while studying entrepreneurship. This blend of creativity and business allowed me to build a sustainable career.

Now, I’m developing a business to empower artists; especially neurodivergent songwriters, with tools to protect their work and thrive professionally. My mission is to ensure artists not only find their voice but also keep ownership of it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to the creation of Danielle Marie in Real Life #DMIRL has been anything but easy. My passion for music was born out of pain, including moments when I didn’t believe I’d make it at all. Life happens, I get it but at times I didn’t even think I could handle life anymore, let alone be successful. Still, I poured myself into my craft, working tirelessly on my flow, and sharpening my lyrics. I wanted to succeed at something.

At first, I thought music was my way out. I believed that success would erase the struggle, that it would allow me to give my family the opportunities I never had. I imagined that once I “made it,” the weight would lift. But what I discovered later was that the journey wasn’t about escaping, it was about transforming.

Music didn’t free me from hardship; it gave me purpose, and revealed that the real success lies in turning my pain into something powerful enough to inspire others.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Music wasn’t paying the bills, it was my outlet. As a single mom in survival mode, I still had to work, and I did everything from being a barista to a bank teller, eventually becoming a tax preparer with my own PTIN. Along the way, I developed many skill sets, but my true passion was always writing songs and helping others.

I came to realize that passion alone wasn’t enough. To truly build something lasting, I educated myself on copyrights, licensing, and ownership. I joined BMI, partnered with La Kia A. Gooch to rebrand my artistry, and studied entrepreneurship. That blend of creativity and business gave me the foundation to create a sustainable career.

Now, I’m using that experience to build a business that empowers artists, especially neurodivergent songwriters, with the tools to protect their work and thrive professionally. My mission is simple but vital: to ensure artists not only discover their voice, but also keep ownership of it.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I can’t say I have advice on how to find a mentor, but I was blessed to meet my soulmate, someone who inspired me and, without even realizing it, became my mentor. What I’ve learned is that building a solid team around you, one that genuinely cares about your wellbeing, is essential. It’s not always easy, but it makes all the difference.

That’s part of why I’m developing this business: to create a space where artists and songwriters can grow, develop their craft, and access resources without having to sign their rights away. My vision is to provide a supportive environment that values both artistry and autonomy, ensuring creators can thrive while keeping ownership of their work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stand4somethingmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niella99
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-timmons-00b41a54/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nielladelight

Image Credits
Image credits to STAND4SOMETHINGMEDIA Group, LTD and Dreskii Media