From Fired to Founder: Dontae T. Muse on Legacy, Art & Reinvention

In this powerful conversation, Cultural Producer and Artrepreneur Dontae T. Muse joins Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation to explore his journey through creativity, community, and legacy-building in Black art.

Dontae shares how getting fired became his catalyst for stepping into purpose, how he built Above Art Studios into a cultural home for creatives, why documenting knowledge became part of his mission, and how he is shaping the future through his roles at the Harlem Fine Arts Show and Newark Symphony Hall.

This episode dives deep into self-trust, creative reinvention, community leadership, impact, and legacy — all themes resonating with the Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective, your sanctuary for Black women 50+ designing bold next chapters.

🔥 Key Topics We Cover

• Dontae’s origin story: choosing himself, trusting his gifts, and walking away from “stable” careers
• The early days of Above Art Studios and how he built legitimacy and community from scratch
• What he learned about legacy, consistency, and creating opportunities for others
• Why he writes, how he educates emerging artrepreneurs, and the myths that still hold artists back
• Inside the Harlem Fine Arts Show — the largest and longest-running diaspora-focused art show in North America
• The Centennial Program at Newark Symphony Hall and preserving 100 years of Black cultural history
• The future of Black art entrepreneurship — and how creatives can adapt
• Wisdom for Black women 50+ reclaiming their creativity, power, and purpose
• What legacy means to him and what he hopes listeners take away

🎧 Listen If You’re Interested In…

• Black art ecosystems
• Building legacy through creativity
• Leaving traditional careers for purpose-driven work
• Artrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and community impact
• Reinvention after 50
• Stories of resilience, self-belief, and intentional design

💬 Memorable Quotes “I wanted to create opportunities for other people — that’s legacy.” “Whatever I’ve been able to do, a Black woman can do three times over.” “Say yes — and figure the rest out later.” “There’s always a way to use your strengths and your perceived weaknesses.” “Legacy is how people remember the way you touched their lives.”

🌟 About Dontae T. Muse Dontae is a Cultural Producer, Artrepreneur, and best-selling author whose work sits at the intersection of art, culture, and community.

• Former Owner, Above Art Studios
• Co-Founder, HEArt Festival
• Director of Artist Relations, Harlem Fine Arts Show
• Centennial Program Manager, Newark Symphony Hall
• Author of best-selling guides supporting emerging artrepreneurs

He is a creative force shaping the future of Black cultural expression and creative entrepreneurship.

📍 Connect with Dontae

• Instagram: @iamdmuse
• YouTube: youtube.com/@iamdmuse
• LinkedIn: Dontae T. Muse, MPA

💫 Connect with Deneen If you’re a Black woman 50+ ready to reclaim your creativity, joy, and reinvention, explore the Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective — a sanctuary to Dream, Design & Drive™ your next bold chapter. 👉 deneenlgarrett.com

Join the Movement The Dream Lifestyle™️ Collective is our weekly newsletter for Black women 50+ who are ready to dream boldly, decide intentionally, and drive their vision → Join here

Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is a Top 20 Women’s Empowerment Podcast, ranked in the Top 5% of 4M+ podcasts worldwide, with 200+ episodes and counting.

Subscribe · Leave a Review · Share with a woman who needs this today.

Host: Deneen L. Garrett is a Cultural Alchemist and Media Architect helping Black women 50+ dream boldly, decide intentionally, and drive their vision. Catch WOC Live every Thursday at 1PM ET on YouTube @DeneenLGarrett. Learn more at deneenlgarrett.com.

WOC Live | August 2026 — The Legacy Series: Lead. Transform. Leave a Mark.

📅 August 6 — Isimemen Aladejobi 📅 August 13 — TBT/Replay: Dontae T. Muse (Ep. 189) 📅 August 20 — Rachel Pierre 📅 August 27 — Season Finale