We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Hampton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My view on risk is if the result doesn’t end in me dying do it. No one has been successful without taking a risk. Some people will think limiting risks or not taking chances will reduce disappointment or failure. It works the opposite in my experience, when I don’t jump out on a calculated limb I feel like I’m in limbo and stagnant. The reality is nothing is safe, that job, money, success, routine can all end at once. My biggest fear is regret, I can take failure. Failure in itself is an illusion, it’s a redirection, a course correction to find your path. I’m not saying it’s easy but once you realize it’s all a part of the plan it’s more manageable. All of my “failures” have catapulted me to my biggest successes. The road blocks that are in our head to stop us most of the time never happen. Just do It, what’s the best that can happen?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I graduated from the great Morgan State University as a journalism major. From there, I did several projects locally in DC and PG County, Maryland, from writing, to tv shows, to interviews. Eventually, I decided I had to move to LA, NYC or Atlanta to be in a city with a national entertainment industry presence. I started writing and doing interviews for HIpHopDX, and I wrote a book entitled, Trust Your Vision, about everything, the trials and the triumphs of my journey. The book went #1 on Amazon for New Releases in 45 minute Self Help Short Reads. The core of it is to listen to the wisdom inside of you. Only you can discover your purpose and live in it. There were several things I did in my life that didn’t make sense to other people, like leaving CNN in DC and moving to Atlanta to chase a dream at 34. Until it worked and everyone that doubted me and encouraged me not to do it, congratulated me. I don’t say that arrogantly only to highlight that you have to ignore everyone around you when it comes to your purpose and life, even those closest to you. Only the Creator and you know. People will try to limit you based on the version they know of you or themselves, either way it’s not important to your dreams and aspirations.
It’s not easy, there will be many challenges. It’s always darkest before the dawn. I’ve interviewed several people and they all have the same common theme. Right before their big break they went through one of the most challenging situations of their life. At this point is where most give up, but success is right around the corner. My advice is to keep going you don’t want to leave the movie before the best part. I felt like giving up a few times and did briefly but never quit.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is a great city with many options. I would eat at Poor Calvin’s, hang out at Ponce City Market or The Battery, each have numerous places to eat, drink, shop, hangout, etc. Downtown College Park as well. Bar Vegan and Cru Food & Wine are my favorites from each. The High Museum of Art and Trap Museum are my go tos for museums. If you’re a Hip Hop fan you have to do the Trap Museum escape room. Stone Mountain is great for hiking and being in nature, along with The Beltline, Piedmont Park, and Cascade Springs Nature Preserves. There are several vegan options for full or part-time vegans like myself. Tassili’s (Raw Reality Care), Local Green Atlanta, Kale Me Crazy, Plant Based Pizzeria, True Food Kitchen, etc.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, this list is long, so many people have been instrumental in my success. First, is God, the Creator, the Universe or however people refer to God. Without my spiritual intuition, I wouldn’t have direction. My parents gave me a great childhood and instilled values that live in me. I always felt like I could accomplish anything. I lived in an era where a village raised a child. My Tor Bryan neighborhood where I met my lifelong friends and their families all embraced me like I was their own. At New Fellowship Baptist Church I received so much love, guidance, community and encouragement. All of my teachers from elementary to Morgan State University, and so many friends who encouraged and supported relentlessly.
Also, being a part of Brothers United ATL, which is a great group of African American men who meditate, pray and encourage each other to be the best versions of themselves. The books The Alchemist, Think Like A Monk along with Jay Shetty’s Podcast (On Purpose) were all aligned and inspiring to my mindset.
Website: www.labeltypedifferent.com and https://linktr.ee/oneofthem_ones
Instagram: iambrian444
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSnRvhqaG0fgTYDQRP2D5A
Image Credits
@HeathFilmandPhoto