Meet Your Future Talent Manager
My name is Shawna Dawn Kossman. I was born and raised in a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now call Lexington, Kentucky, home. Music has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I loved to sing, but stage fright often kept me from sharing that passion with others. Overcoming those fears became a turning point in my life and inspired me to pursue not only my own artistic journey, but also a career helping other artists build confidence and achieve their goals.
Today, I am a singer, songwriter, artist manager, and the founder of Dawn Talent. My passion extends beyond creating music. I enjoy helping independent artists navigate the music industry by providing guidance in branding, marketing, career development, and long-term planning. I currently manage hip-hop and R&B recording artist DLil, working closely with him to develop his brand, secure live performance opportunities, coordinate promotional campaigns, and create strategies for sustainable career growth.
Along for the ride, is my inspiration and motivation for it all: my daughter Gabriella. Being her mother is the greatest gift life has ever given to me and everything I do is for her.
(one of my favorite photos of us together below)
Through Dawn Talent, I have gained hands-on experience in artist management, tour planning, event promotion, and music marketing. I have contributed to projects such as the Bash at the Bay Music Festival and have supported DLil throughout performances alongside nationally recognized artists, including Gorilla Zoe and Riff Raff. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of the business side of the industry while reinforcing the importance of professionalism, teamwork, and building lasting relationships.
As a songwriter, I believe music has the power to tell stories, inspire people, and create genuine connections. My perspective as both an artist and a manager allows me to balance creativity with business, helping me understand the needs of artists from both sides of the industry. I believe successful careers are built through authenticity, hard work, and a willingness to continue learning and growing.
I am currently pursuing an Associate of Science in Music Production at The Los Angeles Film School, where I continue expanding my knowledge of music production, copyright, artist management, marketing, and the entertainment business. My long-term goal is to grow Dawn Talent into a respected artist management company while continuing to develop as a songwriter and performer. No matter which role I am serving in, my mission remains the same: to create meaningful music, support talented artists, and make a positive impact on the music industry.
How I Manage
I'm truly glad you're here to explore how to enhance and elevate your career further. Whether you perform on stage, set up to sell at events, or put together your own events, our ultimate goal is to help reduce the stress and challenges that can often accompany your creative journey. You will be able to concentrate fully on your art and personal self-expression while I expertly handle the important details and logistics that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
I specialize in nurturing emerging and existing talent by providing personalized guidance to help you navigate the complexities of your career. Together, we’ll develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique strengths and aspirations, ensuring you stand out in a competitive market. With my extensive network and industry insights, I can connect you with the right opportunities to book events and/or performances, elevate your brand, and maximize your visibility. Let’s work together to achieve your dreams and build a successful, sustainable career in the entertainment world.