We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel T. Edwards a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is Long Story Short…the Caribbean’s FIRST & ONLY bi-monthly storytelling showcase/live music experience. The concept was introduced to me in 2015 by my mentor Kevin Wallen who said to a group of three of us “tell me a true story about yourself in five minutes,,,” I instantly fell in love with the idea, especially being a story junkie myself. My initial thoughts were how amazing the experience of hearing so many diverse experiences and perspectives was reinforcing the fact that we are ONE and more alike than we’re different. My love affair with this movement began then and deepened and expanded until it entered the physical realm on September 7th,2019 on the 100th birthday of Jamaican cultural icon Ms. Lou. We persevered through the pandemic and emerged even bigger than before and are continuing to expand our reach & impact with the help of our team, fans, sponsors and donors.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Daniel T. Edwards is the Chief Visionary Officer of The 180 Vision-the company behind T180 & Long Story Short… T180 is the Caribbean’s FIRST & ONLY lifestyle brand for men designed around three pillars-aspire, motivate & transform. One which Mr. Edwards created to productively
combine his three passions- Personal Development, Wellness & Psychology.
A trained public speaker & presenter. Mr. Edwards launched his series of T180 workshops in 2017, the first being through corporate client Sagicor Life Jamaica Ltd. In September 2018, he took the bold step of launching the Caribbean’s FIRST men’s YouTube channel which has transitioned into a personal development hub for all.
In September 2019, he launched Long Story Short…the Caribbean’s FIRST & ONLY monthly storytelling experience/live music experience.
In October,2021 he made his authorial debut in the Amazon.com #1 international best-selling book-“We are the Sacred Masculine Rising”. The book shares the 8 international authors’ journey through self-discovery, healing & transformation.
In September 2023 he graduated from the Richard Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme & in November 2023 he copped thethird prize in Kingston Creative’s “Best Pitch Forward” Competition. He lives his life by adhering to his personal mantra-“life is too short to be small.”
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
We need significantly more funding, training, networking opportunities and connections to the diaspora and global marketplace. We as a people also need to support our homegrown creatives more. Buy a ticket, purchase a product, follow a page and support their work. Many of us are literally starving for our art but can’t stop because we are answering a call from the God force and must report to duty no matter what it takes.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
watching a seed that was planted in me by the universe germinate and become a living, breathing thing that will ultimately develop into a powerful, undeniable force for the greater good of humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://longstoryshortjamaica.com
- Instagram: @longstoryshortjamaica @t180lifestyle @danieltafareye
- Facebook: Long Story Short Jamaica
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-t-edwards-9884b8143/
- Twitter: @longstory876
- Youtube: Long Story Short Jamaica, T180 Lifestyle
- Yelp: N/A
- Soundcloud: N/A
- Other: N/A
Image Credits
Orane Meikle, Matthew Morrison