Our Story
Dream and Manifest Now was started by Nia and Matthew Rickman who share a mutual passion for music and service. Initially founded as DAMN Entertainment, our purpose was to partner with developing artists to expand their business opportunities. As our organization has matured, we’ve focused more on music business educational experiences for those in need. In 2021, in partnership with Beyond Trenches, we launched From Bars to Bars - a transformative arts empowerment program that covered foundational music business curriculum and provided opportunities for creative expression to teenagers affected by mass incarceration. Through the execution of this program we’ve found more purpose in providing exposure to the music industry for creatives who lack the resources to pursue their dream, in addition to providing career-elevating services to our audience. This shift called for a re-introduction of our brand as we transitioned from an artist management focus to an organization dedicated to empowering the moguls of the future.
While Dream and Manifest Now is how we present ourselves to the world, the acronym D.A.M.N. was founded first with a meaning only known by the creators. D.A.M.N. represents the initials of the 4 Rickman siblings: Dalaina, Alaina, Matthew and Nia. It wasn’t until the concept of Dreaming and Manifesting came to Nia in a dream that we discovered an alternative meaning for the D.A.M.N. acronym - we then coined the phrase Dream and Manifest Now. Through our work we hope to help others achieve their goals and become the best versions of themselves through creative exploration.
Meet The Founders
The Leaders of Dream and Manifest Now
Nia
Rickman
I have 7+ years of experience in Artist Relations and management with a focus in A&R. I have a thorough understanding of the recording process from start to finish, from booking studio time and curating recording sessions to preparing songs for distribution. My experience working for a management company, publisher, major label, and independent label has provided me with an understanding of how to work within the label system and also how to maintain a career within the independent sector as well.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked under both Heads of A&R at Generation Now / Atlantic Records and reported directly to the President, Senior Vice President, and Senior Director of A&R at Epic Records / Sony Music. Some of the artists and producers I’ve been able to provide support for are Grammy award-winning acts such as DJ Drama, 21 Savage, Tyla, Giveon along with Making Movies, Beam, Bia, Playboi Carti, Landstrip Chip, Earl On The Beat, Jetson Made, Seddy Hendrix and many more.
In addition to career growth I prioritize mentorship within the creative industry and have served as a mentor in the Sony Music University Youth Mentorship program as well as spearheading initiatives such as Beyond Dreams, a music entrepreneurship initiative that helps disadvantaged youth learn about career paths within the music industry. My goal is to use my gifts and talents to uplift creatives and leave an impact on the music industry.
Matthew
Rickman
I am a marketing professional with over 4 years of experience working at a fortune 500 company in Sales, Supply Chain and Marketing capacities. I've been passionate about music my entire life, viewing it not only as a source of entertainment, but a mechanism of enlightenment and economic empowermrnt. So often though, artists are struggling to make enough money from their talents, so leveraging the skills I've cultivated in the business field, I work to unlock the financial opportunities available for creatives and design learning experience to bridge educational gaps. As a graduate from Howard University, service to my community is key which inspired the design of our Beyond Dreams program.