We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynn ‘LA’ Adams King and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lynn ‘LA’, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been an entrepreneur most of my adult life. I am a career private investigator (20+ years) and we’ve had our own agency since 2008. I also am the founder of a 501c3 nonprofit, DreamBIG Angel Network. I always found the structure of a 9-5 very restrictive; it made me feel like a caged animal. I knew my DNA prohibited me from adhering to this type of routine lifestyle. I am wired in a way that sees unusual opportunities in the most mundane circumstances. I have been a closet content creator without an outlet for a very long time. When I was unceremoniously fired from a position (March, 2023) I highly valued, I knew that would be the very last time I would EVER allow anyone else to dictate my circumstances in life. After I got over the hurt, shame and embarrassment, I birthed a baby and named it DreamBIG Productions.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
DreamBIG Productions is another division of my DreamBIG brand. DreamBIG Angel Network is my 501c3 nonprofit that hosts one event per year. It is a Christmas Extravaganza for community children who may go without Christmas, but for our efforts. I know what that’s like to wake up on Christmas morning with no presents under the tree. I promised God years ago that if he only gave me a little extra, I would always see to it that at least one child would not experience Christmas like I did. Over the years we have gone from privately assisting a handful of families to forging partnerships that have allowed us to provide toys for hundreds of children each year.
DreamBIG Productions: God has given me a vision for content that provides representation for the under-represented. My concepts will prove to be revolutionary and life-changing for people who never thought a TV producer would coming calling for them. I am clear on my purpose in life, it’s very simple: To create opportunities for people who thought any shot at living their dreams had passed them by. Each of my concepts involve an untapped market that has been largely overlooked and highly underestimated. I have almost ZERO TV industry experience and no credentials to speak of. What I do have, is a vision from God and the ability to impart the vision into a team of individuals who have experience and credentials. I formed my company in July, 2023 and shot my first concept in October. An overnight process? Hardly. Overnight took a LOT of prayer, resilience; the ability to take a lick and keep on ticking. Just a few examples of this:
A number of years ago I thought my big break was coming when NBC planned to do a show featuring an all female private eye group conducting infidelity investigations. As fast as the wave came in, it rolled back out to sea, leaving me disappointed and disillusioned. The most unbelievable set of circumstances evolved in that deal. One of the worst-case scenarios I could’ve imagined, played itself out and that was the end of that!
I was in pre-production for another version of Studio 5.0 in 2019 with plans to launch in 2020. I had a team of female producers with tv industry experience; I expected it to be the biggest year of my life. But was left devastated and heartbroken like so many others when the pandemic hit like a tsunami and washed all my plans away.
In December 2020, I met an upcoming studio owner who had tremendous backing from a very well-known film producer. The story he told of his incredible journey from security attendant to studio owner left me awe struck. I ran him down after he gave this inspiring keynote and told him my story. He looked me eye to eye, grabbed me by the shoulders and promised with every ounce of sincerity in his eyes that he would give me a meeting in the first quarter of 2021. I cried, praised God and begged him not to forget me. He showed me that my business card was the only one in his pocket and again promised me he would call. He never called. Again, I was left devastated and disillusioned. It was later that I learned the rejection was actually for my protection.
In 2021, at the last minute I accepted an invitation to a high profile elected official’s brunch. In an entire room of people, I sat next to a woman who works in a powerful position in the film/entertainment arena. Once again, I felt like it was divine providence that the two of us would be seated next to each other in this crowded room. After conversing about my aspirations, she too agreed to help me. We connected after the event and went on to establish more of a girlfriends-type friendship, as she was going through a tough time personally. Soon after, an unexpected loss hit her family and my professional position at the time allowed me to be instrumental in helping her get through that tough time also. Since then, I’ve not heard from her. I really began to question the soul of humanity. I second guessed my belief in people as a whole. Are there people out there who genuinely care about others?
Then I was FIRED from my coveted position which brought me so much pride and interpersonal fulfillment. Body blow after body blow. I give so much of myself to others in need, surely those people who I helped would offer support to me in my time of need. They were nowhere to be found. I was alone; feeling isolated, ashamed and rejected. It took several months to regain my footing but then the clouds parted and sun began to shine again. The creative juices began flowing again and I KNEW – now was the time!
What I Know: Every seed you sow in life (good or bad) WILL – without a doubt – bring forth a harvest. While you may not see the evidence of the seed planted, it is underground germinating, developing, strengthening, and preparing for the tiniest sprout to break through. I now realize I was not ready for this journey years ago when the pathway was dark, cloudy; hazy. No matter how hard I tried, breakthrough would not come. I agonized and argued with God. I would say, ‘God, I am pregnant with 8 babies! If you are not going to bring them to birth, ABORT THEM ALL! Allow me to be content as an average person, living an average life, with an average job, seated on my average couch, watching my average TV!’ It was just too painful carrying those babies and not being able to deliver even one of them. However, secretly I knew that WHEN the first baby came out, they would all begin to slide out. This has 100% played out in reality. While I did not understand it at the time, I’m grateful to be in a place in my personal/professional life to have sustained success in my quest to make the dreams of others come true!
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.
Prior to their arrival, I would check out sites like Eventbrite and others that advertise local events. Depending on that person’s taste, I would curate experiences for them to experience the best of Atlanta. We could go to one of the numerous comedy shows. State Farm arena is always jumping with great events to take in. In the summer, there are always free wind-down concerts in the park. I love the chill vibe of Atlantic station to be able to just grab good food, cocktails and sit in the center court and people watch. Shopping at Lenox and Phipps. A rooftop experience at LOA. Dinner at Lock and Key restaurant. A massage at a Massage Envy location or Heavenly Foot Massage on Ponce. City Winery is a must!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Whewww …. Where do I begin? (Let me apologize in advance for the lengthy answer.) I owe a debt of thanks to so many people. First and foremost I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the vision, the strength, determination and courage to live out the vision that was placed in my heart many, many years ago. Without the Wisdom and Favour He has shown me, this would never be possible. I promise to always be a good steward over His Blessings and to give opportunities to others as my outward demonstration of gratitude.
My husband, Percy King is my Forever Rider. He has wiped my tears, held my hand and encouraged me, and most importantly – PRAYED FOR ME – during my darkest times when I questioned if the vision God gave me would ever see the light of day. My daughter Destiny Tolbert who gives so much of herself to loving and serving her ‘Momma Lynn’ and ‘Pops.’ My nephews Kenny, Kendrick, EJ for always giving me strength and encouragement. My dad Slim Binion, my brother Thomas and Sister Curessa, Cousins Ann, Donna, Vicki and Terri.
My Riders: Nicole Pryor, Naseera Chong, Pam Cumberlander, Clifton Moseley (We Luvv Rare Grooves Podcast); Ed and Sheryl Causey, Bill Garrett who always have my back, without fail, no matter what.
My Mentors and Supporters: Captain Hattie Cotton-Tukes (City of South Fulton Police Dept) and George Franco (Fox 5 News and the Good News Auctioneer).
My D1C (Day 1 Crew) – This includes the entire DreamBIG Production Team who believed in my vision and came on board knowing there was little or no paycheck attached to the job: Jonathan Armour – Director; Tiffany Cunninham – Executive Assistant; Queene Nicole Borders – 1st Producer; Ceola Garrett – Production Coordinator; DJ Montego Heard – my Day 1 DJ.
I owe the biggest thanks to EVERY SINGLE PERSON who showed up for our first shoot on October 14, 2023. They are part of D1C Family and will be for a lifetime. We shot the first round of auditions for ‘mature’ dancers for Season 1 of Studio 5.0 Atlanta. My heart will forever be bonded to our celebrity judges: Felton Pilate (Lead singer and founding member of the Legendary R&B group ConFunkShun); Donna Schiele, Podcaster and radio personality at 102.9; Reec Swiney, Podcaster and radio personality at Majic 107.5; Kim Hall, vocalist, The Celebrity Band. My co-host for that episode was popular Atlanta personality, DJ Jelly. The Legendary Funkmeister himself, Felton Pilate even performed a mini concert for us during a taping of the sizzle reel. I am so Blessed and Honored to call Felton and his beautiful wife Jennifer, FRIENDS.
D1C Dancers came from all over Atlanta and surrounding cities to audition, and they did not disappoint! The energy in the room was electric. The D1C partiers in the stands who came to cheer on the contestants blew the roof off the place. There are too many people to name but they all know who they are. They will ALWAYS have a special place in any DreamBIG Productions endeavor. My caterer who always looks out for me, Markie Darling of Daddy’s Girl BBQ, fed us well and put smiles on everyone’s faces. Special shoutout to my longtime friend Renai Artis who printed our beautiful Studio 5.0 t-shirts, ballcaps, and mugs. Terri Andrews who printed our Studio 5.0 polo shirts and giveaways at the last minute. South Fulton Chamber of Commerce rep, Merlin Knight (who brought down the house with his dance moved). Business owner Dwight McQueen who always has my back. My forever riders Cynnamon Brown and MD Caples. There are many other family members and friends who came together to make this event a success and they will never be forgotten.
Special thanks to Shoutout Atlanta for giving me the privilege of sharing my journey.
Special thanks to my publicist Tia Culver for believing in me and the vision of Studio 5.0. Thanks to Lady Jae, radio personality OG 97.9 and the Chubb Rock Show.
A life-changing book for me: The ‘E’ Myth, Michael E. Gerber
Website: www.dreambigproductions.tv
Instagram: Studio5.0tv
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-adams-king-9068902/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DREAMBIGPRODUCTIONSTV
Other: TikTok: Studio5.0tv