Meet B. Danielle Watkins

 

We were lucky to catch up with B. Danielle Watkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi B. Danielle, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I don’t think that anyone ever fully overcomes Imposter Syndrome. I think what happens is we experience a cycle of acceptance and humility that includes imposter syndrome. No matter how successful we are, the moment that next level thing happens, no matter how large or small, we question our validity of being in that space, because we know ourselves as the previous person. We know ourselves as the person without the achievement. Then we proceed with questioning worthiness.

I know for myself that when it happens, I take the day to feel it. It’s okay, but the thing about that is, even allowing yourself to feel it, you need to remember that you deserve it. I always feel and then say I worked for this. I worked hard to get here, and I deserve this. As crazy as it feels, as foreign as it is. It is mine, and I earned it.

Then the cycle begins again.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

New York, the “City of Dreams,” is famous not only for its hot wings, historical museums, and the breathtaking One World Observatory but also as my birthplace. I am B. Danielle Watkins, a native of Buffalo, New York, and I am a best-selling author, an internationally award-winning filmmaker, and an actress, actively forging my path to success through remarkable accomplishments.
At just nine years old, I began laying the foundation for my career. By the age of 15, I had my first poem published in the “Poetry Gems Collection” by the Famous Poets Society. In 2011, I published my first of five novels, and by 2013, I entered the world of screenwriting. Making history, I became the first and only African American filmmaker to write, produce, and star in a REVRY original series, “3030,” and to have my work featured at the Cinema Systers Film Festival, the first all-lesbian film festival in the United States, a moment captured in my documentary “Parallel the Documentary.”
In late 2020, I ascended further by becoming the Chief Programmer and Long Form Content Coordinator for iElevate, a pioneering black LGBTQ+ television network.
By 2023, I aimed to solidify my status as one of the most sought-after screenwriters and a media mogul, accepting the role of Vice President of Media and Film at Squirrel Vision TV in Las Vegas (launching in 2025). Shortly after, my LGBTQ-centered religious film “The Calling” premiered on the NBC affiliate streaming network, Peacock.
A lifelong true crime enthusiast, I ended 2023 as the field producer for TV One’s top show, “Fatal Attraction,” affirming my status as a versatile talent in literature, television, film, and media.
As the world has taken notice, I received recognition as a winner of the Woman in Media award in March and the Rising Star award in October. I have become a two-time best-selling author and an International Impact Author Award winner, accumulating several other accolades in both literature and film.
With films available on over 25 platforms, including Peacock, Prime Video, and Apple TV+, my work reaches audiences in more than 100 countries, marking just the beginning of my journey.
As a graduate of HBCU Winston-Salem State University and The Los Angeles Film School, and a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., I embody the spirit of perseverance and empowerment. Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, I am a trailblazer on the move. As hip-hop artist Tobe Nwigwe would say, it’s time to “EAT”!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Integrity: In the entertainment industry, integrity is crucial because it builds trust and credibility. When you consistently act with honesty and uphold strong moral principles, you earn the respect of your peers, collaborators, and audience. Integrity ensures that you stay true to your values and commitments, which is vital in an industry where reputation can make or break a career. It also helps in maintaining long-term relationships and partnerships, as people are more likely to work with someone they can trust.

Faith: Having faith, whether it’s in yourself, your abilities, or a higher power, is essential in the entertainment industry. This field is known for its unpredictability and fierce competition, and having faith can provide the inner strength and confidence needed to navigate these challenges. Faith helps you stay positive and motivated, even when faced with setbacks or rejections. It allows you to believe in your vision and keep pushing forward, knowing that success is possible with hard work and dedication.

Perseverance: Perseverance is the ability to keep going despite obstacles and difficulties. In the entertainment industry, success rarely comes overnight. It often requires years of hard work, dedication, and resilience. Perseverance enables you to overcome failures, learn from mistakes, and continue striving towards your goals. It is the driving force that keeps you moving forward, even when the journey seems tough. Those who persevere are more likely to achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact in the industry.

If I have any advice, it would be to do it… Don’t Quit. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how dark it feels, or how heavy it becomes…never give up on yourself.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne was given to me by my Godmother, who happened to have the same name (God rest her soul), and that book truly put me in a head space that I could achieve anything I believed in. It took me on a journey of belief and self-confidence, and self-worth. Then the movie came out, a nd for YEARS I would watch it every December 31 before the clock struck 12 to make sure that as I walked into the new year I would have my mind clear, focused, and ready for the journey ahead.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Xavier

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