Donovan Powell was born in London, England, into a large and tight-knit Caribbean family. Growing up in this environment, he felt immense love and support, learning early on the power of connection and community. These formative lessons would later fuel his passion for business.
At the age of nine, Powell’s life took a significant turn when his mother decided to move them to May Pen in Clarendon, Jamaica—a small parish on the island. She dreamed of setting up a new life for them in the United States. While she worked on realizing this dream, Powell moved in with his aunt and uncle. During this period, he observed his uncle running several successful businesses, which sparked his aspiration to become a successful businessman.
Three years later, Powell faced another major life change. His mother tragically passed away from advanced-stage cancer, and he moved in with his father in Harlem, the cultural heart of New York City. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new life in the city, Powell remained focused on his studies, graduating from Rice High School in just three years. Determined to have options at a young age, he applied and was accepted into the Columbia University Upper Bound Program before attending the University of West Virginia, where he majored in criminal justice studies.
However, Powell’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to leave UWV before completing his undergraduate program. He returned to New Jersey, determined to chart his own course. He first became a barber at one of the most popular shops in New Jersey and later opened and operated a fast-casual Jamaican restaurant. Yet, his ambitions didn’t stop there. Still insistent on achieving his childhood dream of becoming a successful businessman, Powell pursued his real estate license and became an agent in New York City. He then transitioned into wholesale purchasing and flipping residential homes in the New Jersey area, echoing the business practices he observed as a child in Jamaica.
After finding success in flipping homes, Powell aimed for commercial franchise ownership. His first attempt to partner and become a franchisee with a close friend in 2008 was thwarted by the market downturn. However, in early 2019, he reconnected with his friend and current business partner, Kevin Davis. With his extensive real estate and flipping knowledge, Powell led general contracting efforts for over 30 Phenix Salon Suites before owning his first location in Little Ferry, NJ.
Now, Powell and Davis are expanding their franchise efforts across the country. They are launching Workout Anytime Fitness—a boutique gym model offering 24/7 access and several luxury amenities. Additionally, they are opening a new cookie bakery concept called the Cookie Plug, inspired by hip hop and street art, which will offer made-to-order cookies.
Powell’s hard work and determination are not just about personal success. His passion for uplifting, inspiring, and providing opportunities for his community drives him to mentor young business owners pursuing their dreams. He currently resides between Bergen County, NJ, and Dallas, Texas.