We recently connected with Deloris Akins and have shared our conversation below.
Deloris, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
As I get older, I realize that everything happens at the right time. I also believe we have to take action in order for things to change. I do think the actions and decisions I’ve made directed my path. I would have loved to start working on my creative gifts sooner. When we are working with purpose, things are worth it. We can learn from others or learn from our own experiences. Having a son at 15 was not the easiest mountain I had to climb. Having the responsibility of motherhood, my focus was to raise my son. When you have certain responsibilities, thoughts of following your passion go out the door. It’s not done purposely, but you are in survival mode and don’t even realize it. One thing I can say is that if I went through high school and college focusing on my gift of acting, things would be different. Being a part of the drama team was something I didn’t even think about because all attention was on my baby. I became a hands-on learner, learning from my experiences. God was my provider, and he guided me in my career. I am not sure I would want to change my experiences for something different, I have met great people along my journey. Who knows if I would have met them if things were different?
Deloris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Since a young age, I’ve always loved acting. My now-deceased father told me, “Deedee, you can be whatever you want to be,” and I never let go of those words. At the age of 15, life took me for a spin as my decision caused me to be a teenage mother. My life changed; all my time was spent raising my son. I moved from upstate NY to Houston, where I studied business and received my Bachelor of Business Administration in 2005. My passion for acting had grown strong while in college and throughout. I had a hard time figuring out the entertainment industry. So, I decided to put myself on stage. That’s when I started my own production company, which is now called As 1 Akins.
What I enjoy the most is helping other people. Seeing others grow in their passion and gifts is a heartfelt desire. Since I started the production, I noticed many actors desired to act but did not have the training. Remembering my personal struggles getting into the industry, I made a commitment to work with those that are in need of training. Growing up and into adulthood, I used to feel like I was not good enough. As I grew and found myself, I learned that I was and still am good enough. My goal is to encourage others and uplift them, also to know that they, too, are good enough.
Now having a community theater, the goal is to share uplifting entertainment. Our classes provide a place for beginners to grow in their skills. Our theater and acting studio host various events, including plays, youth and family nights, and so much more!
You always hear the saying, “Our children are our future” I truly believe this. Growing up, I remember having the boys and girls club and park activities. It was fun, and I enjoyed and learned from it. I started the 501c3 organization, Youth Acting Corner. I wanted to do my part in creating opportunities for our youth. The Acting Corner utilizes acting to enlighten the minds of our youth.
*Boost Self- Esteem and help bring out the talents within each child.
*Our program allows children the ability to learn and express themselves in a safe environment.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Since a young age, I’ve always loved acting. My now-deceased father told me, “Deedee, you can be whatever you want to be,” and I never let go of those words. At the age of 15, life took me for a spin as my decision caused me to be a teenage mother. My life changed; all my time was spent raising my son. I moved from upstate NY to Houston, where I studied business and received my Bachelor of Business Administration in 2005. My passion for acting had grown strong while in college and throughout. I had a hard time figuring out the entertainment industry. So, I decided to put myself on stage. That’s when I started my own production company, which is now called As 1 Akins.
What I enjoy the most is helping other people. Seeing others grow in their passion and gifts is a heartfelt desire. Since I started the production, I noticed many actors desired to act but did not have the training. Remembering my personal struggles getting into the industry, I made a commitment to work with those that are in need of training. Growing up and into adulthood, I used to feel like I was not good enough. As I grew and found myself, I learned that I was and still am good enough. My goal is to encourage others and uplift them, also to know that they, too, are good enough.
Now having a community theater, the goal is to share uplifting entertainment. Our classes provide a place for beginners to grow in their skills. Our theater and acting studio host various events, including plays, youth and family nights, and so much more!
You always hear the saying, “Our children are our future” I truly believe this. Growing up, I remember having the boys and girls club and park activities. It was fun, and I enjoyed and learned from it. I started the 501c3 organization, Youth Acting Corner. I wanted to do my part in creating opportunities for our youth. The Acting Corner utilizes acting to enlighten the minds of our youth.
*Boost Self- Esteem and help bring out the talents within each child.
*Our program allows children the ability to learn and express themselves in a safe environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ddshowbiz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delorisakins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deloris-Akins-Creative-100833959294588
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deloris-akins-09bb0145/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0PTxVRVTJJTIlYaSgrgCw
Image Credits
Ferrell Phelps