The Heat Seekers Magazine - Jan 2021

ExclUsive Interview With

Dyshon Benson

FOUNDER and CEO

Theresa B. Howell

www.teresabhowell.com

EDITORS

Theresa B. Howell

Olivia Shaw-Reel

David R. Navarro

CREATIVE

design&print

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Theresa B. Howell

Lissha Sadler

Nayomi Charnelle

Olivia Shaw-Reel

David R. Navarro

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION

TB Productions Media Group

TeresaBProductions+ads@gmail.com

Maurice Scriber

COPYRIGHTS

The Heat Seekers Magazine is sole property of Teresa B. Howell. Which is owned by Teresa B. Productions and any articles and pictures are sole property of The Heat Seekers Magazine and any likeness. The Heat Seekers Magazine has been copyrighting since 2021.

Letter from the Founder and CEO

This year has been unprecedented and full of disbelief and tragedy. Although we all were impacted in some way—whether setback, loss, or hardship—2020 allowed each individual to self-reflect and appreciate the gift of life. God continues to provide and watch over us. As we accept our new normal and impart positive light to those around us, I am hoping that the launch of The Heat Seekers Magazine will help to bring positive vibes to everyone.

As the Founder and CEO of this publication, I want 2021 to be a year of reflection and positivity. As you read each article on how each artist has made it through the trials of 2020, congratulate and appreciate their willingness to overcome. I will call 2021 our “new beginning.”

As we begin the process of healing, restoring, and evaluating all around us, let’s remember to still celebrate one another. Without God, this magazine would not be possible. Without hope, I would have stopped midway in the year. Without courage, I would have dropped everything and settled for second-best.

Instead, I decided to use my gift of spreading joy and love and compress it into colorful pages and images of individuals that I honor and adore. Thanks for joining me on this new journey of journalism; I wish you peace, happiness, joy, and prosperity for 2021.

Remember: “Quitters never overcome, and overcomes never quit!” Blessings to all of you!

Teresa B. Howell Founder and CEO, The Heat Seekers Magazine

tablE oF ConTEntS

Page 4

LaQueisha

Malone Page 6

Ervin “EP” POPE

by liSSHA SADlER

Page 9

Top 5 GoSpEl

ARTiSTS

Page 11

MAWULE

by DAViD R. navarro

Page 15

EXCluSivE IntERviEW WITH DYShon bEnSon

by tERESA b. hoWEll

Page 19

ThE AmEn CoRnER

by Nayomi Charnelle

Page 20

DonvinniE boykin

by liSSHA SADlER

LaQueisha Malone

Multi-Award-Winning Author, LaQueisha Malone was born and raised in Arkansas, where she currently resides with her family. She has worked as a Psychiatric Aide at a children’s Habilitation Center for 9 years and worked as the Education Administrative Assistant at the same Habilitation Center for another 5 years.

Writing has always been a part of her life. She began writing fiction stories and poetry about the age of 13. It was her way of coping with everyday situations. She accredits Dr. Maya Angelou for her love of writing poetry. Her poetry has been entered into numerous contests, and many of them were published in book and CD compilations through The International Library of Poetry. She also won many awards for these publications. Even though, LaQueisha Malone, got her start as a published author writing poetry, as of recent years she has been writing books and short stories in the genre Young Adult Fiction and Adult Fiction.

Even though, LaQueisha Malone, got her start as a published author writing poetry, as of recent years she has been writing books and short stories in the genre Young Adult Fiction and Adult Fiction. These stories are near and dear to her heart because they are Real-Life Issue related genres based on lessons she has learned and is learning.

She taught Creative Writing at The Lighthouse of Wisdom for three years and has released three books A New Pair of Shoes Step In Mine, Cell of the Mind, and A Walk In My Shoes. She has a featured short story in the Love, Marriage, & Divorce Anthology (2016), Sex, Lies, & Church Anthology (2017), Rebuilding Your Life Going Forward (2018), A Mother’s Day Nightmare (2020).

She has been featured several times online from Blogs, Radio, and Magazines such as Sledge Rock City, NuSouth Magazine, KnowUrEnemy BlogTalkTadio, The1Essence Radio, One West Radio, SiRR Magazine, the Larry Love Show, the Author’s Corner with H. D. Campbell, the BluePrint with Treasure Blue, Strawberry-Lit Magazine, and Urban Grapevine Magazine.

In 2013, LaQueisha Malone launched her own publishing company Strawberry Publications, LLC. She wants to offer Authors a ripened experience of publishing. In 2015, LaQueisha Malone was Awarded 2015 Poet of the Year at the AAMBC Literary Awards in Atlanta, GA. She launched Strawberry-Lit Magazine in 2016. In 2018, she was awarded the 2018 Helping Hands Awards from Book&Music with MizAuthorT at The Literary Affair in South Carolina.

Join her Street Team, TEAM LOVELY here facebook.com/groups/authorlaqueishamalone

Social Media Links:

Facebook: facebook.com/laqueishamalone

Goodreads: goodreads.com/laqueishamalone

Twitter: twitter.com/laqueishamalone

Instagram: instagram.com/laqueishamalone

BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/laqueisha-malone

Amazon: amazon.com/author/laqueishamalone

Newest Release: A Mother’s Day Nightmare, 2020, Synopsis & Purchase Link

Upcoming Release: Secrets Amongst Friends, TBA, Synopsis & Pre-Order Link

Awards:

2018 Book&Music with MizAuthorT, A Literary Affair, Helping Hands Award

2015 AAMBC Literary Award, Poet of the Year

Editorial Reviews:

“It was refreshing to read a story that delved deep into the hearts and minds of so many diverse characters. LaQueisha Malone pens a powerful story of faith, trust, and distrust, friendship, love, and—most importantly—life-changing secrets. This is one story that’ll have you thinking about your own innermost secrets, as well as the secrets of those around you.”

~Jordan

Belcher, author of Hush Love and Status

“I knew when I cracked this cover and read the first few paragraphs I was going to be treading a familiar ground or territory...This author delivery of the story was gripping and real, but I know she could have given us a lot more. I felt like I was cheated. I craved more! I gave this novel 4 stars.”

~Reviewed by MizAuthorT (Bookworm Reviewer for The Urban Release Magazine)

“..a nice beautiful topic...people don’t write like this anymore. I love it...”

~Reviewer Patrick Washington

“The book was really good, well-written, and something that’s not usually talked about. It was an eye-opener on reality...”

~Reviewer T. Porter

“I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed [Secrets Amongst Friends]. The story flowed and kept me engaged throughout. I found the characters charming...with real depth and substance.”

~Reviewer Dimpra Kaleem, author of Yesterday’s Dreams

Ervin “EP” Pope

Man Behind The Music

Interview by Lissha Sadler

Ervin “EP” Pope is a mega music producer and film composer. Born into a talented musical family that was deeply rooted in music. Raised in Watts, EP still found peace in music living in a city that was plagued with gang violence, drug dealing, robberies, and murder. He began playing the organ for the church at the age of 16, saving every dollar he earned to buy studio equipment piece by piece. He continued playing for the church where he built on his skill to retain music while also developing writing skills.

These skills allowed him to work as a session musician for Dr. Dre’s music label, “Aftermath”. This was a huge accomplishment and a milestone that catapulted Ervin’s professional career into producing and playing for award-winning artists such as Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo, Kanye West, Diddy, Brandy, Twista, Snoop Dogg, G-Unit, Common, Ben Harper, Scarface, Mack 10, Angie Stone, Rick James, Jamie Foxx, Swizz Beatz, and many others. His scoring and theme credits include Mission Impossible 3, My Wife & Kids, Classic Comic View, Starbucks, Deion & Pilar: Prime Time Love, Being Terry Kennedy, The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, Bad Girls Club, Khloe & Kourtney Take Miami, and Keeping Up with The Kardashians.

Ervin owns his own production company, The Furnace Music Group, where he produces his artists and has successfully produced highly acclaimed projects of his own – to include the soundtrack to the celebrated “Bastards of the Party” HBO documentary and three Smooth Jazz projects: “With These Hands” (2011), “Infectious” (2012), and “October 42” (2015). His latest accomplishments include executive producing hip hop legend Scarface’s latest release, “Deeply Rooted”, which gained critical acclaim from the most notable and respected music historians and outlets in the industry. “God”, a favorite track from that project, was featured on an episode of the popular TV series, “Empire”(2018). One of EP’s most recent and proudest accomplishments is an Emmy nomination for his original track, “You Gone Live On”, which was aired on the final episode of the stellar series “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.”(2018) He is also The Game’s musical director and his band, The Furnace Band, has just completed its third world tour with The Game, a crowd-pleaser who continues to sell-out performances worldwide.

Currently working on his 4th Independent Jazz project, “Anomaly.” EP was a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy) in 2019. He has created music with recording artist Maez 301, a promising multi-faceted rapper/singer signed to his production company whom he was also successful in signing to a production partnership with Strange Music, the number one independent rap label in the world.

LS: How would you describe your musical ear?

EP: I would describe my musical ear as being a gift from God. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to many different genres of music early in my life which has definitely lent towards the development of my ear and my music palette.

LS: What does the power of your music mean to you?

EP: Music is life and means everything to me. Through music, I have the power of controlling people’s emotions, their thoughts, their feelings. Through music, I have the ability to leave something on this earth that will last forever. That’s an amazing power. I am very blessed.

LS: Where does your creativity flow? How do you avoid burning out?

EP: it just naturally flows for me. Strangely, it’s hard for me to pinpoint a time when I run out of creativity.

I guess it’s because I’m fortunate enough to produce several genres of music. When I get tired of one I switch to the next. For instance, If I get burnt out on the Jazz project, it’s time to work on a film, then a HipHop project will come across my desk, by the time I have to switch hats again to learn or go over a song for Church on Sunday. If not that it’s time to hit the road and tour. I’m sure this prevents me from burning out.

LS: What services do you offer?

EP: I guess a better question would be what do you need Music for? I Score Film and Television Music Production. I Produce HipHop, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Alternative, Rock, and Blues. I offer Musical Directing and Live Band services for Touring and Local live shows or parties.

LS: You are a very accomplished producer and artist, you have been the music behind many popular sounds. What made you create the series Plaques?

EP: The Pandemic. I was sitting in my studio just thinking of a way to stay relevant while the entire world was paused and I looked to my left and saw my Jay Z Plaque and simply thought, there’s a story behind this Double Platinum Plaque. I’ve never seen it done. I’ll just tell my story and experience

for each Plaque on the wall. After doing a few, ideas kept coming which made me dive deeper and include some of the motivation, inspiration, technical pieces, and supporting cast to the mix at the same time. That’s how the Plaques series was born.

LS: You have become a pioneer in the music industry, how does that make you feel?

EP: Completely humbled. It also comes with a sense of responsibility as well. I remember like yesterday fighting so hard just to be heard and so desperately wanting the OG’s to just listen or at least pass down some gems and wisdom. So here we are today where it’s on me to pay forward the same thing I so desperately needed in the beginning.

LS: Tell us about your latest jazz project, “Anomaly”? When will it release?

EP: Anomaly is the fourth addition to my Jazz catalog that is due to be released the first quarter of 2021. It’s a blend of smooth jazz and hip-hop. I’m featuring several very talented musicians and singers that I admire most in which can be found on my previous Jazz releases. For a sample of what you’re in for, go to my very own Pandora Station “Ervin Pope Radio” where my previous Jazz releases live.

LS: Tell us about the vision behind your music?

EP: The vision behind my music is to simply meet you where you are and lift you higher. My vision is to infuse quality and substance into every song or project I’m involved in.

LS: If you could change anything about the music industry what would it be?

EP: I would level the playing field. It would not be so political. Give more ownership to the Artist and Writers. Your success would be based less on popularity and more on your social impact and talent.

LS: What advice do you have for aspiring producers and artists?

EP: Work as if you’re competing with the number one Artist on the charts and the Number one producer in the game, Cause you are!

LS: What is next for EP Pope and Furnace? What will your top priorities be moving forward in your career?

EP: I’m currently developing a few shows for Television and Streaming Platforms. Instead of continuing to chase directors and writers to get music placed in Shows and Film, I’m creating my own content, owning it, and placing my artists and music production into the content.

LS: What would you say the secret to success in the music industry?

EP: You have to outwork everyone. It takes Patience, Consistency, and Relevancy.

LS: Have you ever felt like giving up?

EP No! Where most would want to give up, I had something to prove.

Follow Ervin “EP” Pope at:

Facebook: @ervineppope

Instagram: @epmusic

Instagram: @theofficialfurnaceband

Website: www.ervinpope.com

MAWULE

Going Above & Beyond

Interview by David R. Navarro

Mawule, is an R&B/Soul singer-songwriter, and music business entrepreneur based in Denver, Colorado.

DN: When did you first get into music?

M: I was born and raised in Ghana, and singing was an integral part of my upbringing growing up in the church. It wasn’t till the age of 13 when I decided to pursue a path in music. Since then, opportunities keep coming my way, and I’ve never looked back.

DN: Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

M: Life circumstances and experiences inspired me to pursue a career in music. I found myself at a very young age gravitating to music that gave me hope. From that, I found writing lyrics to make meaning of my own life an everyday habit.

DN: How would you describe the music that you create?

M: I would describe my music as catchy rhythms cloaked in empowering and thought-provoking lyrics. Listeners find my music as a comfort source, and that is a joy as a songwriter.

DN: What was it like creating “Black is Beautiful”? How did it come about, working with Glenn Sawyer, Bianca Mikahn, and Ill Seven? Please share your video link with us.

M: “Black is Beautiful” was a last-minute addition to the album. In collaboration with Glenn Sawyer, Bianca Mikahn, and III Seven, we wrote the song to highlight Black pride and the challenges people of color experience with racism and oppression. Reflecting on the album’s content, I felt that it would not be complete without a song on liberation and maintaining tenacity in the face of adversity. The recording experience was filled with dialogue and countless reflections on Black experiences and Black identities. As artists and educators, we wanted a balanced message that would inspire and meet every listener’s place of awareness and understanding of this disease called Racism. The whole project, from start to finished, was very memorable. We were pleased with the overall reception of the music and music video.

Black Is Beautiful - https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eG1jjQCgaA0

DN: How has your music evolved since you first began creating music?

M: When I started the business, I wanted to prove that I was an artist and a songwriter that could write to any genre. I confirmed

that with my “Reflections” EP and “Chosen” album. On that journey, I found my sound in R&B and Pop Music.

DN: If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion, or pride, and why?

M: Love would be the emotion that drives me to stay in this business. I enjoy writing music and appreciate the creative process. Knowing that what I create is a source of inspiration for others inspires me to write.

DN: Tell us about your newest release, “Red Light”?

M: Red Light is a warm pop song with an electronic flare. I wrote this song in 2015 to spread a message of self-consciousness, self-preservation, and self-love. “I’m tryna save you from me cause I’m not in a good place, to give you all of me.” The song reminds us to be honest with ourselves when we need time for reflection, restoration, and healing before sharing our life with someone else. Red Light was uniquely produced backward by Codakolor as a personal challenge for himself, making this his most technical piece to date.

DN: Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

M: My grind and work ethic is my unique quality. I have been able to get this far, not knowing how to read or write music from a theory aspect. Everything has been self-taught from a very young age. I now understand the music industry with my knowledge growing day by day. I see the future, and I am determined to paint it.

DN: What has been your biggest challenge as a musician/ singer-songwriter? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

M: There’s only so much you can do when it feels like no one is throwing you a bone to nourish you for the next journey ahead. I’ve overcome that by identifying all the resources at my disposal, like LinkedIn, and leveraging my network to fill in knowledge gaps to keep my fire burning for success.

DN: A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

M: When you don’t see the fruits of your labor, self-investment leads to internalizations that can break you down. Within that, pivoting upon new learning along the journey will always lead to new pathways. Nonetheless, building a career is a path of suffrage because nothing comes easy. You must always find ways to take the paths that lead you to new opportunities.

DN: How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

M: The internet has created many channels for people to get discovered. Every artist’s smart thing to do is learn how algorithms work on all social media platforms and tap into them. Artificial Intelligence and algorithms are the future, so we music evolve alongside these changes.

DN: What is the best advice you have received?

M: One of the best advice I’ve received was to understand that the music industry was 90 percent business and 10 percent passion. No one cares about why I wrote a song or the meaning behind a song if it can’t make money.

DN: If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

M: Many kinds of music go unheard every year, so I want more talented artists to be recognized. I want better inclusion and recognition of musicians of color within the industry and the academy.

DN: What are the five albums that have helped make you the person you are today, and why?

M: “Once Again” by John Legend is the only album that helped shape me into the person I am today. The entire album is filled with positive messages. It’s the only album that guided my direction with my music.

DN: Tell us about your current project.

M: Currently, I have a bunch of collaborative EPs with local musicians like Kédence, Codakolar, Britney Jane, Eman, Glenn Sawyer, and Sombo music. I’m sitting on a lot of new music and will release these projects in the months to come.

DN: What’s next for you?

M: I want to build an empire! I have big plans to run Mawule Music Company as a music company with strategically built music services to support independent artists. I see my future more on the industry’s business side and look forward to helping artists with their careers.

DN: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

M: Anymore looking to connect with me can find me using @musicmawule on all social media sites. Anyone can reach me via email at musicmawule@gmail.com and at: https://linktr.ee/musicmawule

DYSHON BENSON

R&B Recording Artist + Songwriter + Producer

MUSIC BEHIND THE SMILE

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

DyShon Benson a Philadelphia native, is an R&B recording artist, songwriter and producer who started singing since the tender age of five years old. His genuine talent and ability to entertain the masses was evident as a child that he was definitely “Born to Sing”, a fact that was proven in his first performance in the junior high school talent show - where his road to stardom began.

DyShon was an original member of the 90’s musical group, Az Yet. Best known for their hits, “Last Night” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”. After leaving the group in 1995, DyShon began writing, producing and recording with other local groups which led to a collaboration project with a young rapper by the name of “Squabble” with whom he recorded two singles for the Lionsgate film, “O”. The single, Thug Lady was charted on Billboards single cd sales at #3 in 2002.

As he continued to write and produce music Dyshon would release a 12 song album in titled My Story. After that, receiving a call from founding members to rejoin the Group Az Yet for three years, working on new singles, shows and a, album with producers such as Neyo, BSlade, and Babyface camp producer Antonio Dixon. Currently, after creative differences DyShon decided to leave the quintet to continue pursuing his career Solo.

DyShon has been hard at work on establishing his solo career and he’s currently working on his New Album with the current release of a Babyface cover, “The Loneliness”. So, if it’s good music that you have been yearning for, DyShon Bens

TH: Being a male R & B artist in such a competitive market do you feel things are a lot harder for you?

DB: No, because I believe in myself and my talent. All things are possible to achieve anything in life you put your heart, mind and passion behind. What I do is limitless. With one focus, to be successful.

TH: Tell us little bit about yourself?

DB: I am a hard working singer-songwriter, and producer who is very passionate about everything I do whether it’s music or hobbies. I love gangster, drug dealer, action, and superhero movies. I love hard, I adore family and my friends. I keep a very small circle close to me. I’m very competitive and take any challenge.

TH: You have a large catalogue, what was your favorite song in your catalogue?

DB: There’s one song in particular that I wrote called, Misery, where I speak directly to love and how it hurt me. I thought it was pretty cool and different concept.

TH: How long have you been in the music industry?

DB: I’ve been in the music business since 1994 Had interest for the business since I was 12 years old.

TH: What other things have you done, other than music? Please explain.

DB: I’ve worked for DIRECTV SBA certifications for satellite DBS, I have pre-wired newly constructed homes, worked for different truss companies, construction companies building and refurbishing houses, as well as installed security systems.

TH: What made you decide to get into the music industry?

DB: After singing around in my neighborhood and people telling me how good I sounded, I decided to give it a shot. After seeing Boyz II Men make it out of Philadelphia, I was inspired.

TH: Which artist were you most influenced by and why?

DB: Michael Jackson, not just loving his songs but the way he dances and moves the crowd.

TH: What would you say is the #1 key to success in your music business?

DB: First and foremost, putting out great music that’s current, authentic and being dedicated and never giving up!

TH: What advice can you give other artists who want to follow in your footsteps?

DB: For starters, to work hard on your craft endlessly, stay authentic and never give up no matter what anyone says. Most importantly, remember that you are enough. What you bring to the table, you’re not gonna please everyone, but don’t let that stop you. Continue to just keep moving forward, your day will come.

The one thing I love the most is, never forget where you come from and the people who helped you along the way when you had nothing, because if not, bad karma will follow you.

TH: What has been your biggest success story while being in the music industry?

DB: Gaining interest through Hard work in Philadelphia from Mr. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds to give our record deal to Laface Records and how he noticed me and my talent naming me as a lead singer it was a great honor.

TH: Why do you think it was a success?

DB: Cause a little south Philly guy like me coming from the hood from the city of a bunch of great talents to have a mega producer

singer songwriter put such a honor on me it was one of the most amazing honors in my life.

TH: What does a typical day in your week look like?

DB: Thanking God for the day, spending time with family trying to stay creative writing songs creating new tracks listening to music and most importantly staying authentic.

TH: What keeps you going when things get tough in your business?

DB: Sheer determination to complete the goal and that is to be successful I love music my passion For music drives me.

TH: Do you have a website or social media?

DB: I’m currently working on the website, but you can find me on and follow me on Instagram @dyshonbenson and on Facebook please like my artist page: @dyshon

The Amen Corner

by Nayomi Charnelle

The most beautiful sound that God loves to hear is when his children praise Him no matter what. Even with the most the confusing year 2020 behind us, we have got to thank God for pulling us through.

When I hear the song “Satisfied” by “The Walls Group”, it allows me to think of my lifelong journey from being a heathen to being saved. “Satisfied” is the most beautiful composition with the most powerful vocals of 4 millennial siblings that ever hit the gospel charts.

The group was discovered by musical genius Kirk Franklin over 10 years ago and they have been singing their hearts out ever since.

The lyrics simply ask the question, if we as children of God should never be chosen to be famous with our names up in lights, would we still be satisfied with having just God? If we never get to own that mansion on the hill complete with, butlers and maids, would we still be satisfied with just God? If we never achieve fame no matter how gifted we are, would we be satisfied with just God?

God wants us to live a prosperous life. He gives us free will to make choices and all he asks is that we build that relationship with Him and we acknowledge and trust him no matter what life throws at us.

Would I be satisfied with just the Lord? I absolutely would be.

donvinniE boykin

Conversation with Author and Celebrity Stylist

Interview by Lissha Sadler

Celebrity Stylist, Model, Entrepreneur, Actor, Producer, and now Author of his new book called R.E.V.E.A.L, Donvinnie Boykin is a multi-talented force. With a passion for wardrobe styling & event planning, Donvinne led to work with Bronner Brothers Fashion and hair show as a Creative Director and Stage Manager. Which led to his first Celebrity Client Bre From America’s Next Top Model.

He began his start to entrepreneurship starting his first company Glam Life Entertainment in 2009, a fashion production company specializing in fashion show production. As Ceo & Creative Director of the company, Donvinnie saw the need to produce high fashion, high energy shows as well as mentor and teach and train others in the fashion and entertainment industry. Moving his knowledge of production to television in 2010-2011 and worked with the Bet Hip Hop Awards along with the Bet Soul Train Awards.

Through this exposure, he then landed on the sitcom Meet The Browns, Season 3 for an episode shortly after he made another film credit in Rockmund Dubar Pastor Brown, even though the roles were small, it fueled him to rebrand his company, and in 2013 renamed his company to Encore Entertainment groups. Through Encore Entertainment Groups Boykin relaunched his vision not only as a Production company but as an Entertainment Agency. Focusing on Marketing, Branding, Client Placement, as well as Production of small films.

LS: Tell me how your journey started?

DB: While I was in college, I met a photographer by the name of Erica Holmes, who is now my best friend, and the one that introduced me to modeling. She had a little side hustle and asked me to do a photoshoot with her. At the time, I was working at Sam’s Club as a cashier. I was excited once I got my photos back, and I went to get them printed out. The lady that was working behind the counter asked to look at them. Intrigued by a couple of my pictures, she asked if she could have one, so I gave her one. Well, come to find out her daughter was a casting director in New York. I ended up meeting her daughter and she asked me if I’d ever modeled before? I told her no, and before I knew it, I was on a flight to New York and cast as a model for Ralph Lauren. I truly fell in love with fashion during this time and I was able to meet a lot of people in the industry. I did this for a few years but after some time I became a bit tired of being front and center in fashion so I started my production

company by the name of Encore Entertainment Group. And in 2017, I launch my skincare line called 717 by Donvinnie. The idea was to have a skincare line for African American men that was organic and all-natural. It was a coconut oil-based product that I made myself. This line was near and dear to me. It started for men but is really for everyone. After the passing of my father, I have to put this production on hold and will relaunch it after the release of my book.

LS: What has excited you the most about your powerful journey?

DB: Well, I come from a small town. I think it was like 83 people in my graduating class. And out of the 83, five of us left the state of Tennessee. So just being able to take that courageous journey was major. I am my mother’s only child, and sometimes it’s harder when you’re the only child to push away from your parents.

LS: Tell me about your book?

DS: That book is entitled Reveal, it’s the acronym for realization, emotions, vulnerability, rage, alienated, and loved. All of those things are what I experienced the first year after the loss of my father.

LS: Tell me about your writing process?

DB: I started journaling my thoughts for therapy. I wasn’t comfortable with actually talking about my feelings to an actual therapist. Primarily because that is not something we do in our culture as African Americans. But I have always been a lover of words, journaling and just writing poetry. I also thought about bringing awareness to mental illness because of the depression I went through during that time. I revealed in my book that I turned to drinking very heavily. I just did not have an outlet and my relief became alcohol. As they say, a drunken man’s voice is a sober man’s thoughts. So, with that voice, I was able to become even more vulnerable and I wanted to start a campaign called ‘A Man Behind The Mask’. I wanted to give black men a voice to be able to talk about different adversities, trials, and tribulations. As I talked about my story, a lot of guys were going through the same thing. They just didn’t know they could talk about it. I know for me growing up and being around strong, prominent African American male figures, I was always told you can’t express your feelings. If you express your feelings, you’d be considered weak or vulnerable. But I have

learned those are important conversations that we must have.

LS: Who has inspired you the most along your journey and what was the best advice you’ve received?

DB: My father inspired me a lot. He was a go-getter. He was tough as nails but he was just a huge inspiration. He taught me so much about life from hunting, fishing, to getting my first car, and pushing me to be better in life. I’ve had trials and tribulations, but he was just always there by my side. And the biggest advice that I could say that I got was from a high school Professor by the name of Linda Hawk. We were in high school, and she told us this phrase, “life is hard, and then you die.” And that always stuck with me. We do have an expiration date. You know, when you lose someone, you realize they aren’t meant to be here forever.

LS: When you think about the contributions of African American men to the literary industry, what is the impact you want your writing to have?

DB: I’ll just go back to the first poem that I ever read, which was by Langston Hughes, who was a literary author and poet. He was just such an inspiration to me. And that was years ago, during the Harlem Renaissance era, and people still know his name. African Americans, are powerful that’s black and white. These pages will be here forever, my legacy will live on through my name, my children, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren.

LS: How do you think COVID has changed the modeling and fashion industries?

DB: I have a lot of friends that are not working because of it. I have seen a lot of people depressed. I’ve heard of a lot of people committing suicide and losing loved ones. So it’s a sad time for us. Being quarantined has put some in a dark place mentally, as well as economically. But on the upside, I think us being in quarantine, has brought out a lot of creative ways for the industry to grow.