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

Hi Swaun, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been a free spirit with creative ideas. I was inspired by a group of friends that were business owners or worked in upper management in their careers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been in the trucking industry for 20 years. I have always had a passion for music and entertainment. As a child growing up in my household ,my grandfather was a musician and I use to love to hear him play his harmonica when he was front and center with his band. I decided back in 2014 to put my natural love for music and parties into motion. I created my brand name Pride One/ Sir Swaun Entertainment that evolved into Bonfire Dallas Pride. I’ve begun to network with other promoters from across the country, taking advantage of my career as a transporter to attend meetings and support their events. I have made some very grave mistakes along the way on logistics and strategy. It was tough to brand my entertainment business in a city that was content with their demographic and leaders. I decided the only way I can have the community to gravitate towards a new promoter is to consistently focus on bringing different entertainers from across the nation. I had to focus on the age group 40 and under and make sure my events is an experience for everyone to enjoy by being strategic in my efforts.

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.
I absolutely love the scenery at Lake Carolyn Promenade in Irving Texas. A nice walk parallel to the lake is so amazingly relaxing. I’ve never been a big fan of tacos until I moved to Dallas. I craved them now on a weekly basis. And when I do, my favorite taco restaurant is Fuel City. I spend my summer days on Cedar Springs, it’s LGBTQ friendly with several gay bars you can enjoy day or night.

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?
I explored the LGBTQ nightlife in my early 20s’ in Atlanta and I was inspired not only by C.J.Jones. Melissa Scott ,Girls in the Night Atlanta promoters but once I moved to Dallas I met some great leaders and promoters that have been in the business for awhile. Kim & Shay Ole Skool of Dallas, Betty Neal, W.O.D and Ms. Wanda.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theofficialbonfiredallas?igshid=1di8erl46pmlh

Twitter: https://instagram.com/theofficialbonfiredallas?igshid=1di8erl46pmlh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pride1sirswaunent/

Image Credits
Photographer: Enzo Corderio, Makeup Artist: Shere Stern, Life Coach Dr. S. Hawthorne.

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