We had the good fortune of connecting with Deonte’ Bolden and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Deonte’, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In the aftermath of my brother’s untimely passing, I found solace in an artistic path, transforming grief into creativity. Battling depression and suicidal thoughts, writing and storytelling became my therapeutic journey, a divine revelation guiding me to my purpose. Despite years of rejection and disappointments in forging connections, I took charge of my destiny, establishing a production company, and creating my own community and opportunities.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Deonte’ Bolden, an Award-Winning Atlanta-based author, filmmaker, host, and playwright, is the creative force behind Deonte’ Bolden Productions. Hailing from Washington DC, he marked his directorial and playwriting debut with the acclaimed stage production “Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places,” captivating Atlanta audiences with four sold-out performances. A distinguished figure, Deonte’ authored “Purpose Pains,” which clinched The PEACH Theatre Literary Award in 2020. Additionally, his children’s book, “Differently Abled,” a tale of self-love, acceptance, and confidence for children with disabilities, garnered substantial attention, earning him interviews on Atlanta’s 11Alive News and Atlanta Live on WATC TV 57. Currently, Deonte’ is crafting a series of impactful works inspired by his life experiences, set to resonate with generations to come. Notably, he has recently introduced The Bolden Awards, a platform celebrating individuals who’ve triumphed over challenges on their path to excellence, embodying the essence of boldness and greatness..
Along with his creative journey, Deonte has launched his own Nonprofit “The Bolden Experience.” The Bolden Experience is a non-profit corporation dedicated to assisting, equipping, training, and empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence. He saw a need to help others to enter the entertainment industry and also assisting others on how to tell their stories. Their motto, “Where boldness experiences greatness,” suggests a focus on encouraging people to embrace bold actions as they strive to reach their goals.
He also didn’t want to stop acknowledging others for their BOLDNESS and GREATNESS so he decided to launch his own magazine titled “Bolden Magazine” where he features BRAVE- OVERCOMERS- LOUDLY- DEFEATING- EVERY- NAYSAYER. The first issue debuted on September 13th, 2023 in honor of his late brother.
He continues to push through the challenges of losing his brother, along with pushing through depression and anxiety by using his FAITH and CREATING HIS OWN DESTINY. It hasn’t been easy, but he continues to make it look easy while letting others know that you can overcome any challenges while pursuing your dreams
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?
My friends know that I am a beach person so we would definitely plan a trip to Florida to visit a beach, preferable KeyWest or Miami, but I’ll also make sure to hit Coco Beach. The beautiful scenery along with relaxation is much needed.
We would eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant La Catrina which has the best tacos and quesadillas .
We would end the evening going to a planetarium because if you know me then you know I am a nerd for science and I’m obsessed with planetariums. We would head to Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to Shoutout Brandon French, from The Wave Community for his dedication and commitment to all of my creative projects. We started working together back in 2019 when he designed my first logo for my production company “Deonte’ Bolden Productions,” and ever since then we have bonded creatively, and now he has designed my logo for my award show “The Bolden Awards” and became the creative editor for my magazine Bolden Magazine, where we feature Brave- Overcomers- Loudly- Defeating- Every-Naysayer.
Website: www.deonteboldenproductions and www.theboldenawards.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/deonteboldenproductions and www.instagram.com/theboldenacademyawards
Twitter: Twitter.com/deontebolden
Facebook: Facebook.com/deonteboldenproductions
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@deonteboldenproductionsdbp4188?si=ctZIug-I_tyEIvWO
Other: Clapper.com/deonteboldenproductions www.tiktok.com/@deonteboldenproductions
Image Credits
Phil Jackson ( Shootworks Photography) Brandon French