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

Hi John, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk-taking is one of the most important things in the process of excelling. Taking risks can sometimes align with having faith. Not knowing exactly what is going to happen or come of the steps that you are taking, but knowing that the reward is great. I see it as a spiritual thing that has opened doors for me. I am from rural southwest Georgia, a place where goals and dreams can be somewhat fuzzy. The lack of opportunity forced me to trust my gift, launch out my net, and wait. The best thing I could have done was take a chance and bet on myself, even when I knew most of the world was dealt a loaded hand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The thing that sets me apart from others is that my path to get to where I am now is different. Not many can tell the story of a filmmaker from the seat of Georgia, population 2000, and the most popular profession is farming. I am most proud of my travels around the world, where strangers appreciate my work and craft.
I got to where I am today by pure determination after almost losing myself on a journey to playing professional basketball. This loss taught me that things will be thrown at you from all sides. They will be small and some will take years to get over, but by all means muster up some strength and hurdle over them.
To get to where I am was not easy. I had a lot of lonely days and cold sleepless nights in the back hatch of a 2007 Dodge Magnum. It was there that I figured out what patience really was. Understanding that timing and sacrifice was the key. In the back of that car with sheets against the window, I found that the darkness and isolation were the time for me to find light in myself and use it to go hard.
Along the way, I learned that the one single key to success is showing up. Even in my darkest days when I was told to give up by the people closest to me and prayed, I wouldn’t make, I would still push my chin up, put feet to faith and walk in doors where I knew the person in charge was holding the info to my breakthrough. I want the world to know that my story is just one of a few tales that inspire growth, resilience, and faith. It’s one that echoes a sentiment from Langston Hughes, “hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the city, the first thing that we would do is pregame at The Crab Trap House in Lake City. It’s always a vibe there with themed drinks and Florida style seafood! One other stop that we’d have to make is Atlantic Station. You never know what you’re going to get when you go there. One of my favorite things to do that I don’t get a chance to do much of is game! So, on this visit, two of my favorite adult activities are Top Golf and Sandbox VR. Nightlife in the city is almost endless, so on this weeklong venture, the places that we have to check out are Randevoo Restaurant and Lounge, Apartment 4B, and Red Phone Booth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my wife and mother. When my dreams were bigger than the room, they never put a glass ceiling over me. They instead found a way to expand with my vision. When my arms were tired from carrying a heavy load, they allowed me to rest without judgement. Then, whenever my name is called, they didn’t compare me to any Denzels of the world. They affirm that I am the one and only John.

Instagram: The.Urbangentleman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.anthony.865150

Image Credits
Slingshots Atl

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