Meet Dante Sellers | Actor & Owner & Producer

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

Hi Dante, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes is, “if life knocks you down, try to land on your back because if you can look up, you can get up”. This speaks volumes about the everyday challenges we experience, and how important it is to take action on improving your circumstances. “Looking up” shows the mental toughness to understand where you are in life, and know where you want to go. “Getting up” is the action you are going to take to get where you want. I have used these two initiatives every time I run into a personal or professional hurdle in life. Failure is a common challenge that we all will share at some point in our lifetime. But the process of fighting through failure is what creates our own journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started acting at the age of 5 on stage. Although I had one line, I knew from then on, I wanted to be an actor. The passion to inspire my community through arts has always been something that motivated me. Throughout my years, I did anything and everything possible to be the best actor I saw fit at the time.

Also deciding to college and pursue Theater & Film Productions was a big success. Although people questioned my path, I never let them alter my dreams. Still to this day, you will run into people that love arts but are afraid of the idea of not having a stable job, or not making a certain amount of money. I learned early in life, that no amount of money will make you truly happy, find something that you love and chase it. As my favorite rapper, Fabolous said, “Would You Do It For The Love”

After graduating and being in Atlanta for over 6 years, I have learned networking and partnerships don’t alter your goals, the right ones can enhance them. I encourage everyone, no matter what field they are in, to find a group of people that increase their mental, physical, and spiritual growth. You should never be the smartest person in your group in all areas because that limits your growth. Find ways to be inspired, motivated, pushed, and appreciated. This gives your personal and professional life longevity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is a melting pot of different entertainment. I always start off in the parks. Piedmont, Grant, and even the Beltline (not necessarily a park) will always have something excited going on. As far as restaurants, we eat at least three times a day. Busy Bee’s, Virgils, Peach Cobbler Cafe, Trap Wingz, Mary Mac’s, need I say more. No matter where you are in or around Atlanta, you will find some great spots to eat. Make sure you head to brunch on Sunday, everywhere you can get chicken and waffles with a hookah!

Take advantage of the food spots, because you won’t get them anywhere else. NIghtlife is CRAZY, depending on the vibe, the ideas are limitless. Catch a Braves game at the Battery, Watch a movie at IPIC in Politan Row, laugh at the comedy clubs in the Southside, or catch a performance at FOX Theater. Don’t forget the festivals, it’s really one every weekend.

I am missing plenty of things, but just know that Atlanta will keep you entertained every day. There is nothing like ATL!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed to have some great people, mentors, and friends in my life that help me become the man I am today. For acting, I few names I have to shout out are Shon Middlebrooks, Carol Welter, and Tre Floyd. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents, and ALWAYS putting me in a position to learn, and take action.

As for my company Black Heart Pictures, I have to give a shout to my team, Maquita Eaton, Ashleigh Mannery, Bre’Ana Taylor, Will Gary, and Ashley Moore. Without them, BHP will not be getting off the ground. Not only are they my business team, but they are also a great group of friends.

Lastly, always have to include my mom, Tuanna Koonce, my biggest supporter, She motivates me to be my best everyday. “You are appreciated”

Instagram: @staysmoothsells

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dante-sellers/

Twitter: @PhreshPrince06

Facebook: Dante Sellers

Other: Be on the lookout soon. BlackHeartPictures.com Also on IG/Facebook/TikTok/Twitter