Meet Deloris Akins | Director, Writer, Producer, Coach

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

Hi Deloris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I can remember when I was a young girl my brother and I would collect cans to make money. We would use the money to have small little parties and also make lemonade and snack stands. I also had garage sales out of the things that my grandfather didn’t use anymore. So for me, the business has always been there. So I guess I can say my thought process behind starting my own business was something I’d have always wanted to do . I have a passion for the theater arts and community so I created a business that combines them both. My inspiration for starting my own theater company emerged from several different areas. I knew I wanted to own a business and I knew I wanted to be an actress but it was very hard for me to figure out how to do it because there was no one to guide me in that process. While in college I wrote skits and a play. I was encouraged by Tyler Perry to make my own play and share it with the world. It was by the grace of God that I received a role in a local stage play I stand at the door and knock by Joyce Todd. There is a wonderful story behind it that I can share later.. I was encouraged by Mrs. Todd because God showed me that it can be done. The Lord has guided me through this from the beginning and I see how each experience has been connected. My thought process behind starting my own business came from what God put in me the talents he has given me. So I combined my talents to my business background of over 20 years and created my business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a creative, I come straight gift! All my talents were given by God. I did not go to school for any of my creative backgrounds. My degrees are in business, marketing, and mental health counseling. Of course, I learn things in the entertainment industry as I continue to excel. I wouldn’t be on this path without the encouragement of others. I fought myself for a long time, back and forth about the entertainment industry. It can be very, well, I am trying to speak things in a more positive way. As we attract what we say (I laugh). In the past, things were difficult. Now as I work through life, I understand that people will have situations come up that are unexpected. It is how we deal with them that affects the outcomes of what we are doing at the time. My life started off with a mother and father whose families did not see eye to eye. A white woman and a black man in love. From there I had broken homes, teen pregnancy, verbally abused relationships, lost family members, and had mental breakdowns. I mean I am scratching the surface for this article.

I got to where I am today by never giving up. Working toward goals while crying at night, using the last dime to my name, and having faith through prayer. I go by the saying “I am good enough”. Growing up and into adulthood, I had the notion that I was not good enough. I always felt like others were better than me because of my weaknesses. Today, those thoughts try and creep back up in my mind and I have to remind myself of who I am. God made me wonderfully and I am enough!

One lesson I will share today is that hurt people hurt people. We hear this saying a lot but I am not sure if people really understand it. I learned that I had to sit back and observe my own actions and how they affected those around me. Whether I thought I was doing good or not. Because sometimes we think we are doing good, but not helping at all, even making things worse.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting I would take her to DD’s Showbiz of course! I would create an event around her coming so she can see what I do. For food, I love to cook for family and friends when they come. In regards to eating out, it depends on what they have a taste for. There are so many options in Houston. For nightlife, I love going to Chicago Bar and Grill. The atmosphere is nice, the food is good and the music gets you dancing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
By the grace of God. My family is my everything, they are so supportive and I’m very thankful for them. I could not do this without my husband, children, and close relatives. I want to thank my close friend Bridget Sandlin because she allowed me to utilize her venue space for no cost when I started my production. I wanna thank my brother Ronnie Hervey for building my stage for me I didn’t have money to build a stage and he did it for free. I want to thank my close friend Takara Bey that encourages me and has faith in me just like my family does. Other mentors such as Carlos Wallace and Joan Montreuil.

Website: www.ddshowbiz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delorisakins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ddshowbiz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0PTxVRVTJJTIlYaSgrgCw

Image Credits
The main photo was done by Ferrell Phelps