Meet Bentley Didier | Entertainment & Music Strategist; Television Associate Producer; Convention & Expo Senior Executive Producer; Brand Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bentley Didier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bentley, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The concept behind Didier & Associates started in my freshman dorm room in Bethune Hall at Tuskegee University in 2005. I was being asked by a few media outlets the response to one of our students (Rich Boi/Recording Artist) new song “Throw some Dee’s” was doing and what the students thought of him and his music. From there I was asked to write a press release for Sean John private fashion show and thus launched my relationships in music and fashion while in college.

From there I was able to use my leverage managing expectations of opportunities to launch my public relations and talent management business. I had exceptional writing skills and used that to network with media and others in the media space to add my commentary, or edit their copy for articles/etc.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my company in my dorm room (Bethune Hall) at Tuskegee University my freshman year of college 2005. It was a momentous time for me; attending a prestigious and notable university and making lifelong friends on this new journey. I practiced public relations as a media coordinator for many years to follow after that. Roughly around year 7 of my business I was being approached to handle executive strategy planning for media departments, organizations, concerts, tours, celebrities, television networks, etc.

I took on so many jobs and responsibilities to learn what and who I am and also to learn what not to do. I learn fast from others, so daily I am constantly hearing of others downfalls, missed opportunities, mental processing, etc. I believe that you should renew your mind daily and to learn something new as much as possible.

Upon approaching my 10 year mark, I did my first brand overhaul and changed my company from The Bentley Didier Firm to Didier & Associates to encompass my new endeavors and services. My roster of clients over the years boasted the top in Music, Fashion, Entertainment, Television/Film, Sports, Automobile, and more. It was during this time that I realized that I was also living a double life; one part of my life is Public Relations the other is Television/Film Production. I was being called to handle various tasks and responsibilities with a number of hit television, film, and concert activations. I then created Didier Productions so I can be able to separate the two growing entities and ensure proper structure, order, and focus are put into their growth.

To date I own several businesses and invest in many as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I am LGBTQ+ and all the letters (LOL) so I believe in going to places that support me, wants my dollars, and has exceptional service.

For all my hookah lovers, we will hit several spots:
-Cru Hookah Lounge (many locations in ATL and across the continent)
-Sivas

Lite bites:
-Virgils Gullah Kitchen
-Local Green Atlanta
-Garden Parc
-Atlanta Breakfast Club

REALLY GOOD FOOD:
-Dat Fire Jerk Chicken
-Busy Bee Cafe
-Chef Rob’s Caribbean Kitchen
-Toast on Lenox

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success can be contributed back to my birth. I grew up with remarkable women who guided and raised me to be a gentleman and to put GOD first in all that I do. From my great-grandmother, Ethel Hughes Davis; her daughter, my grandmother, Willie Mae Frazier (my fashion icon; most splendid dresser and fashionista); my mother, Donna Davis; my sister, Yanetra Davis; my aunt Leona Wilson; my GodMothers- Saint Mary Stallings (RIP); Dr. Angela Martin (#1 Pediatrician in Northeast Alabama); Natasha Riggins; Rev. Alberta McCrory (this lady has been voted in unanimously 4 terms as Mayor with the city of Hobson City, Alabama); Darrylyn Jackson (my HS GodMother); Bernadette Jackson (First Lady).

There have been others instrumental in my professional development as well, such as (but not limited to):
Rahru Arceneaux (TV/Film Unit Publicist); Ronnika McFall (Global NonProfit Communications Director); April Love (Publicist); Saptosa Foster (Publicist); Sammi Haynes (Editor in Chief; Brand Strategist); Bishop OC Allen (My spiritual God Father); Rashad Burgess (My spiritual God Father); Allen/owner of Street Execs Record Label; Andrew & Tonja Prince (Concert/Tour Managers); Christal Jordan (Publicist); Frank Lewis (Owner of MBQ Magazine/Investment Manager); Sharita Childs (City of Chicago Treasurers Office/Black Women Expo); Clorissa Wright (Global Publicist); Dennis McKinley (TV Personality/Global Entrepreneur); and many more.

Biggest shout-out to my best friends for holding me down and keeping me grounded. Rearing me and encouraging me to be all that GOD has called me to be: Apryl Daniels; Kendra Cummings; Chelsea Moody; Deandre Watson; Sammi Ellis; Bryce Parker; Carissa Williams; Benny Hunter

Special thank you to these people for genuinely being in my life: Heather Watkins (my Cali Good Friend); Timeekah Murphy (My HomeGirl); Chanel Hudson (My Good Sister+); Shontae Davidson (Entrepreneur); Wan Campbell (My Senior Director of Communications); Joe Exclusive (Global Stylist); The Hair Extraordinaire (Twan); Christian Balenciaga (AGA).

And to the best brotherhood/sisterhood I could ever belong to: ALPHA NU, The Lighthouse Chapter. Thank you all for standing with me and supporting me all these years and entrusting in my leadership and guidance to keep me focused on the tasks that GOD has laid out for my life; there is no greater bond.

Website: www.TheBentleyDidier.com

Instagram: @ItzBentleyDidier

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/bentleydidier

Image Credits
Didier & Associates