Story & Lesson Highlights with Don Napoleon of Suburbs of Bowie Maryland

We recently had the chance to connect with Don Napoleon and have shared our conversation below.

Don, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day set the tone for everything that follows. I start by stretching to wake up my body and release any tension from the night before. Then I move into meditation — a quiet moment to center myself and connect with my intentions.

I keep a dedicated notebook filled with words and sentences that serve as my daily mantra. I read and recite them each morning to help manifest focus, creativity, and alignment in my work. After that, I turn on my frequency music, which helps me program my energy and mindset for the day ahead.

Each day, I take time to reflect, process, and reprogram — this rhythm keeps me grounded and adaptable. I follow a strict routine because discipline brings clarity and structure, allowing me to approach each day with purpose.

Before stepping into the day’s challenges, I prep for my CrossFit workout — that’s where I sharpen both my body and my mind. This entire flow keeps me balanced, motivated, and ready to perform at my best.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Don Napoleon: Storyteller, Director, and Creative Visionary

My name is Don Napoleon, and I’m a storyteller and documentary director, leading my company The Napoleon Complex Project. In addition to my creative work, I also serve as a Permit and Locations Coordinator for the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), where I support the film commission by managing film permits and coordinating locations throughout Washington, DC.

What I love most about what I do today is that every position I’ve held throughout my career has shaped me into who I am — and continues to influence the way I approach my work. From starting out as a Production Assistant, to roles as a Business Assistant, Casting Agent, Producer, Locations Manager, Cinematographer, and now Director — each experience has added a layer of understanding that supports my creative and professional vision every day.

During the pandemic, I had the rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the roots of my craft — storytelling. That period of stillness gave birth to a new extension of my creative world: Storyteller Certified. It’s more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of the creative spirit. We started by making beanies (because I love to wear them) and sweatshirts that have become a kind of “creative superpower outfit” for my students, peers, friends, and clients. Each piece carries the same energy I bring to my films — authenticity, purpose, and pride in the story we tell.

Right now, I’m continuing to grow both my film projects and the Storyteller Certified brand — always with the same goal: to tell meaningful stories, inspire others to do the same, and celebrate the creative process in all its forms.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Who Was I Before the World Told Me Who I Was

I’ve always believed that we are all sent to this planet with a purpose — and that true fulfillment comes from living a purpose-driven life. For me, that purpose has always been rooted in storytelling and helping the next generation of creatives find their voices.

Even as a kid, I was curious and full of questions. I was the last one to leave the dinner table, always wanting to know why and how my dad thought the way he did. That curiosity shaped the way I see the world — I never wanted to tell a story without first seeking the truth. I was drawn to cameras early on; I loved being behind them, in front of them, and immersed in old movies and shows. That passion naturally evolved into my love for documentary storytelling, where truth and creativity meet.

Throughout my journey, I’ve carried that same energy into every role I’ve held — from mentoring interns to directing films. My desire to help others grow led my wife and me to create Exposure Media Project DC, a nonprofit that helps small college and HBCU students gain exposure to real opportunities in the media industry. To date, we’ve helped more than 2,000 students secure internships and jobs — a reflection of the same purpose that guided me since childhood.

Before the world told me who I was, I already knew — I was a storyteller, a seeker of truth, and someone who believes in lifting others up through the power of media and storytelling.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One Thing I Would Say to My Younger Self

If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be to be present — truly take in every moment. Pay attention to the signs the universe sends you, and don’t ignore your intuition. I’d tell myself to learn about your culture and ancestors early, because that understanding will ground you and shape you into the person you’re meant to become long before the world tries to define you.

I’d remind myself to lock in, but have fun — stay focused on the mission, but never lose the joy along the way. Be aware, stay humble, and continue to serve others. Every day is a gift, so love fully, forgive freely, and keep moving forward.

I’d tell that young version of me to protect your brothers, keep your circle strong, and never forget that your energy can manifest the life you dream of — even as a child. Manifest it, believe it, and live it with purpose.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the Public Version of Me Really Me?

If you ask my friends, they’ll all tell you the same thing — Don is Don. I’m the same person at home, at work, or out in public. I don’t switch up for anyone. My wife and my mom love to joke that I’m “the same a**hole all the time,” but they’ll be the first to admit — it comes with good intentions. My mom always tells me, “You’re special, but you’ve got an amazing heart.” Go figure, right?

The truth is, I’ve always been guided by logic and honesty, and sometimes that can be hard for people to take. I believe in speaking truthfully, but I also know not everyone is ready for it. So my rule is simple: Don’t ask me if you don’t want to know.

What you see in public is exactly who I am in private — straightforward, real, and grounded in purpose. I don’t perform for the world; I just show up as myself, flaws and all. That’s what keeps me authentic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I Feel Most at Peace

I feel most at peace in the early mornings on the weekends — those rare moments when there’s no work, no deadlines, no rat race, and no clock to chase. Sometimes I wake up before everyone else, when the house is still and quiet. That’s my time with God, my moment to reconnect with my inner self before the world starts moving again.

I’ll sit in my Malasana pose, breathe deeply, and just exist in the stillness. There’s something powerful about those early hours — no car sounds, no sirens, just me, the sun, and life. It’s the most peaceful feeling.

That quiet space gives me time to process, reflect, and plan — to align my spirit and intentions before the day begins. It’s where I find balance and clarity, and it reminds me that peace doesn’t come from the world around me — it comes from within. For me, it begins in the early mornings — in stillness, in meditation, in that sacred moment before the world wakes up. But peace doesn’t stop there. Each year, I challenge myself to grow, to step into something new that tests my discipline and focus. This year, I found peace in training Jiu-Jitsu.

The culture, the respect, the brotherhood — it’s all in alignment with who I am. True warriors of mind and spirit, learning together, sharpening one another. Jiu-Jitsu has become more than a practice; it’s become a new form of peace.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Deuce Bradwell Photography
Erica Napoleon Photography
Twon Dosa Photography

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