Conversations with Dawn McCarthy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn McCarthy.

Hi Dawn, 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 started out working for a local health magazine where I headed up the Marketing Department in Los Angeles. I worked with lots of PR firms featuring their products in my “Dawn’s Corner” spotlight section in the magazine of new finds to buy. When the magazine closed after 10 years – I ended up connecting with a wonderful publicist on the East Coast and we decided to go into business together. She had connections in the Beauty world, and a few TV stations in Utah, Carolina and in Arizona- Sonoran Living Live where we would feature our client’s products.

One day we received a call from a producer in Utah who said, please no more models, or wanna be actresses building their reels-we want someone on air that is real, genuine, and cares about what they are featuring and talking about. So we talked, and decided I would start representing our clients and connections on TV, and lucky for me my first show in Utah was a hit, and I was asked back. In August 2015 we dissolved our working relationship, and I created Dawnscorner.com – It’s all about the Products! Since then, each year I feature over 200 plus products a year on TV across the US in top markets, attend Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy gifting suites and attend yearly several top Lifestyle, Travel, Beauty, Food, Tech, and Pet Expos.

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?
Having my own business has been a learning experience every step of the way. Every TV segment I do is different, every studio set up unlike the next, and always a surprise on who I get to host with in many cities, or who is in the studio that day – Just when I really thought I had a rhythm to everything, Covid happened-I went from being an On-Air TV Host guest- to now producing, designing, writing, learning to use a teleprompter, and building a taping studio in Utah.

I was lucky to collaborate with a very special friend (who I met on set years ago in Utah) Make-up artist- Missy Lovett. She does all my make-up,  taping and editing for my Pre-Records & Live Skypes. Being on TV is so much more than just featuring a product; it’s the design, finding the right products that fit the themes and markets you are in. You need to know everything about a company or product and be able to talk about it in 45 seconds. You need to make sure your clothing does not clash with what you are featuring, and hitting the amount of time allocated for the lifestyle segment- which is always a nail-biter when doing Live TV.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a TV Host, & a Beauty & Lifestyle Advisor- I specialize in finding products to feature on TV that no one has heard of, or may not know about, to new releases of products with a few national brands you can find anywhere too. I am known for having amazing tabletop set-ups, and a few stations use images from my shows to send to others on how to fill a table who will be coming on air. as guests. I am most proud of the fact that I actually go to events, expos, and shows to learn about the industries I talk about.

You would be surprised in my industry how many people just call themselves “Experts”. Every year I step out of my comfort zone-This year it was attending the Fancy Food Show. I get to meet the people behind the products I feature, or founders and find the latest trends.

I think what sets me apart is that I am true to who I am On Air. I don’t feature products I would not try,  recommend, or think useful to someone else. I don’t have to work or feature products I don’t want to, or don’t feel are a fit. I am proud to turn away companies for instance- If I know I am working with a Vegan host- I would not feature your Beef Jerky brand as the host would be put in a situation that would be uncomfortable about. I look at the big picture as much as possible.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can collaborate with me by emailing me at Dawn@Dawnscorner.com or following me on my Instagram @shopdawnscorner, Facebook-Dawn’s Corner, website www.dawnscorner.com or Youtube Channel @DawnscornerTV. You can also Tune In and watch me every month (been on now for the past 8 years) doing TV segments on Arizona Midday- https://www.12news.com/arizona-midday

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dawnscorner.com/
• Instagram: @ShopDawnscorner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopdawnscorner/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-mccarthy-3545542/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DawnsCornerTV