Meet Darian Holt

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darian Holt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darian, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand has been authenticity. From the beginning, I’ve always shown up as myself whether in the classroom as a mentor, online as an influencer, or in the community through Apple Fried Apple Inc. My journey wasn’t built on trying to fit into someone else’s mold or space but instead on connecting with people through genuine energy, humor, and encouragement. I’ve always been true to myself and people truly appreciate it. That authenticity created trust, and trust opened the door for opportunities with major brands, strong relationships with my audience, and the ability to impact youth in a meaningful way. At the end of the day, people resonate with realness, and that has been the foundation of everything I’ve built

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been a unique journey that blends education, mentorship, and influence. I started as a teacher passionate about making an impact in students’ lives, and that passion grew into my nonprofit, Apple Fried Apple Inc., which turned a fun moment in the classroom into a movement that inspires thousands. At the same time, I’ve built my presence as an influencer, partnering with some of the world’s biggest brands while staying true to who I am..What sets me apart is that my brand is about fun, impact, mentoring youth, uplifting my community. At the same time it’s about joy, playfulness, enjoyment, and positivity .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited Houston, we’d kick things off with Sunday brunch at Clutch Bar for a fun, lit vibe. If I was going for a more chill spot with good food I’d hit up Grace’s cause their food is always on point. I love Houston food so we’ll be trying a little bit of everything. But on Wednesdays we’d have to burn it off and hit up Houston ZFT Run Club, a great mix of fitness, community, and fun. Fridays we’d head to Grooves for my favorite happy hour spot because they never fail me. Saturdays would be for exploring the city whether it’s local events or grabbing eats at the Galleria Food Truck Park. We’d definitely catch a Rockets game at the Toyota Center, especially now that KD is here or even catch a Texan game since it’s football season. We’d wrap it up with good music and energy at Chapman & Kirby on Sunday night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Emerging 100 houston. An organization of black men mentoring the youth which I happen to be a part of who have helped me with staying true to helping the youth in houston. My fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha foremost by installing traits in me to allow me to succeed. Also I can credit Netflix for helping me find me beautiful wife Jadejha who I met on The Circle

Instagram: Dee_holt

Twitter: D_1andonly_

Image Credits
None