From Da Basement to Da Connect: Da Buket List

Syeara Dunlap, aka Dunlap “Da Connect”, is a part of Da Buket List, a developing entertainment company that aims to provide a platform to creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs to bring a new brand awareness to their projects. What started as a podcast in a basement in 2020 has grown into an agency that hosts showcases, fashion shows, and more. We had the chance to speak with Dunlap “Da Connect” about Da Buket List, where the idea came from, and how it’s taken off since then.

Can you give us some details about you and your background?

I am originally from East Point, Georgia and I’m a graduate of Howard University. I am a passionate individual who aims to serve others through various forms of advocation and community service. In terms of business, I have been told I have an aptitude for staying connected with various networks through genuine collaborations and relationships. I have also been accredited for creating innovating plans of execution to achieve both personal and organizational visions.

What exactly is Da Buket List and how did you get started?

Da Buket List is a lifestyle dedicated to achieving one’s dreams by crossing off things on your Buket List in a mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy way. It all started with a phone call. Dakhari and Kare Greene [KG] were talking one day and KG had an idea about starting a podcast. When Dakhari asked him what he would name it, Da Buket List immediately came to mind. From there, Da Buket List started in 2020 with Chase Moore, Kare Greene, and Dakhari filming in the basement with an iPhone and some Dollar Tree bukets.

Then, I was added to the team. I came along to help organize the ideas of the group. We have four different personalities and each person brings something different to the table. Chase and Dakhari are the tech and music specialists, KG is the visionary, and I’m the “spark” or balance of the group. Because of this dynamic, we have been able to start as a podcast and evolve into an entertainment agency that does fashion shows, parties, showcases, and merchandise.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from God. I aim to understand the different cultures, experiences, and languages of different demographics. Through these experiences, I am led to solutions, plans of execution, and results that allow me to see the positive impact on the lives of others. And that’s a major part of Da Buket List. We draw inspiration from the dreams and the goals of the people around us so that we can try to help and serve them as best we can.

Have you and your team faced any obstacles? If so, what do you do to stay motivated?

We have a saying within our team, “If there aren’t disagreements, it’s not a good team.” Nothing is a smooth road. One of our biggest obstacles is the fact that, as individuals, we are all successful people and that typically separates us and puts us in different locations. So to combat that, we utilize our biggest work peak — the summertime — to knock out personal episodes, some interviews, and events to keep a consistent level of content flowing. Because we are all different personalities trying to work as one, some other obstacles for us were learning to operate as a collective team, being patient in learning how to communicate, and figuring out everyone’s roles to create an easier transition.

What are you currently focused on? Most proud of so far?

We are currently focused on finishing and releasing Season 3 of Da Buket List Podcast and hosting a fashion show. Although we have had several successful events and interviews, we are most proud of our team’s commitment to continuing our work as Da Buket List. With new content and new departments being created as well as new team members being added, we are really proud of our expansion.

What does “success” look like to you?

Success looks like living your life and your dream in real-time, regardless of the circumstances surrounding you.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?

No, because we believe in the concept of, “everything happens for a reason.” Without our past failures or even accomplishments, we collectively wouldn’t be the individuals we are today in this organization. Da Buket List is about achieving and moving forward. We all understand that the past shaped us into this amazing media agency that we are today, and we’ll continue to stick by that and progress through any forms of adversity.

What can we expect from Da Buket List next?

Music, fashion, gaming, cooking, celebration, and more. Da Buket List will be the next greatest platform to have your content featured. So you can expect Da Buket List to be entering into new creative spaces and collaborating with more amazing individuals.

You can find Dunlap on Instagram @justcallme_dunlap and Da Buket List @dabuketlist. Find out more about upcoming events here and be sure to follow their You42 Channel for more interviews and content.