6 minute read
The Creator-Bryant Marshall
Interview By Teresa B.
The Heat Seekers Magazine: Thank you for creating Atlanta’s Hottest Awards! Since THS was awarded as the Hottest Magazine in Atlanta, I couldn’t wait to interview you! Tell us: Who is Bryant Marshall?
Bryant Marshall: I am just a man who loves God, and people, spreading love and living life to the fullest. I come from a close family unit that helped shape my love of family and community. I developed a love for entertaining others at an early age as my family realized I could sing; I was often called upon to sing at various functions. I grew up discovering the many gifts that I had been blessed with, among those, singing, dancing, acting, modeling, writing songs, and producing music. I also discovered a knack for organizing events and creating entrepreneurial endeavors early in life which extended into adult life. I am a man of strong faith in God and I am driven and determined with a no quit attitude. Motto. "If there is no door. make one and kick it open"
THS: When and how did Atlanta’s Hottest awards come to fruition?
BM: Prior to the ATL's Hottest Awards I was producing events from fashion shows, weddings, expos, parties, concerts, and more I was motivated after hearing multiple individuals and businesses claim to be The ATL's Hottest I had a vision to create a platform that would shine the spotlight on those who were truly providing quality experiences and doing great work. I wanted to allow the fans and followers to vote on who they felt was the ATL's Hottest in various categories of entertainment. The 1st Annual ATL's Hottest Awards took place in 2009.
THS: Did you have anyone that influenced you along the way through this creation process?
BM: Yes, over the years there have been many people who have been a part of the shaping of the awards from the early days till now.
THS: How was the response from the community the first year? Where was it held and how many attendees?
BM: The first year was met with a mixed bag of reactions from mostly positive to a few not so positive I chose to focus on those who would participate and focus on attention making the awards so good, so big that others would have no choice but to get Involved. Any difficulty came from the fact that no one had ever produced a club award and some just didn't know why I was the one who wanted to do it and there were of course financial struggles. How do we pay for this and how to get the right people involved? The finances came and so did the people. Overall there was enough positive reception to continue the vision. The first year, the awards team pounded the pavement going from venue to venue introducing ourselves and the concept of Atlanta's Hottest Club Awards which was the original name. The 2nd year brought great growth and three times the attendance of year number 1. This growth came as a result of hard work and the addition of the entertainment awards categories such as hottest band, vocalist, and many others There was no such awards show such as ours named after and dedicated to the ATL Entertainment scene The first year saw about 150 attendees
THS: Are you an Atlanta native? If so tell us about growing up in the “A”. If not tell us about where you grew up and how you came to ATL.
BM: Yes I am a Georgia native, literary born in a hospital in downtown Atlanta. However I was raised primarily in cities surrounding downtown, but I spent a lot of time in and around the ATL as my family was all over and I was performing everywhere as a singer with my group Raggtyme
THS: It's sometimes difficult to start communitybased projects and services. Did you get any assistance from anyone outside of family and friends?
BM: Yes, I received assistance and well wishes from people who saw and understood the vision The assistance came in the form of small sponsors, advice and connecting me with others who had shared interests.
THS: What advice can you give other individuals who want to create and assist the public?
BM: I would say know your what you want to do and know your "why" you want to do. Educate yourself on the topic and don't be afraid to hear the word no. Use it as fuel to keep going. Know the joy of victory is worth any difficulty you may face.
THS: Any other interests/hobbies outside of your business that you would like to share?
BM:I love taking walks through the woods exploring nature, and spending time with my family and friends. I am the Minister of Music and Director for Piney Grove Baptist Church in Carrollton GA. I love cooking, grilling, and entertaining.
THS: Do you plan to continue your journey with the awards show? Have there been new categories added this year? Where and when is the next show?
BM: The ATL's Hottest Awards celebrates 15 years of Awards presentations and we look forward to many, many more years. New categories have been added such as ATL's Hottest Social Crew and a few other modifications. This year the ATL's Hottest Awards Winning Week is November 25th-December 3rd which is the Grand Finale of a week's worth of awards events.
THS: Who inspires you the most? Is there anyone you could think of that you would like to work with?
BM: Media mogul Byron Allen is my inspiration There is no one particular person I'd like to work with but I am always looking for the opportunity to connect with positive, like-minded individuals
Please list your website and/or your social media platforms
BM: ATLHottest com and PKCE tv
THS: Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?
BM: Just know that I am a man who loves people, having a good laugh, and God I am a man who does not quit I love making a difference in the world by putting a smile on someone's face and hope in their heart Then, my mission has been accomplished.
Georgia native and multitalented professional Bryant K. Marshall is making his mark in the business, media, and entertainment world. Founder of the PassKeyChoice Global Network, PassKey TV and Media, ATL's/America's Hottest Awards Association, and Co-Founder of OPE Enterprises along with Co-Founder Sammy Foster, Bryant is always looking to network and build business relationships. Throughout Bryant's life, he has always shared his creative talents as a singer, songwriter, producer, actor, model, music minister, host, and much more.
This year Bryant is celebrating 15 years of ATL's Hottest Awards, an award show created to recognize ATL's Hottest Entertainment, Events, Venues, Media, Personalities, and Professionals at ATLHOTTEST COM
For more information about Bryant, follow him @Mratlshottest on Instagram or visit PKCE tv to join the PassKeyChoice Global Network Community