Meet Dontae Peoples | Artist

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

Hi Dontae, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Frankfurt, Germany but raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Ive been fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in different countries and states at a young age which made me a well rounded person. My background and upbringing impacted me the most by being exposed to different cultures, ethnicity and social classes and having the ability to adapt in any room. Ive had the opportunity to be exposed to so much over the years and its taught me that the world is much bigger than just the area you’re from and wanting to make an impact not just locally but globally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a creative thats always had an entrepreneur mindset. Since a kid I was alway drawing or designing something then It progressed to selling cds at young age to designing and selling shirts, hats, coffee mugs, condoms etc etc. whatever I had a vision for id be locked in until I turned my idea into a reality. I take pride and joy in the process, the fun part for me has always been seeing my idea come to life. I take pride and giving someone a great quality product and great packaging / presentation and I believe thats one thing that sets me apart. Its crazy to look back in see where I started to where I’m at now, it wasn’t over night but a gradual transition. Jan. 3, 2021 I self published my first book “The Cure: The Ambiguity of Love” (avaible online wherever books are sold, Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon etc). Publishing my first book the beginning of 2021 led me to write and direct my first film which is based on the book “The Cure” that I’m excited to premier the first quarter of 2022. I feel like everything I did prior has lead me to this point in life. The book and movie definitely required the most research and focus out of me, a lot of late nights and early mornings but I enjoyed the process. Id often watch videos of Nipsey when I would get discouraged though, “if you’re going toward what the vision looks like, which is greatness…it ain’t suppose to feel uncomfortable..its suppose to stress you.” Im not where I want to be but I’m going in the right direction and I’m most proud of that. When you see Dontae Peoples attached to anything, just know you’re getting a quality product that I put my heart into.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Im a Dallas transplant so I’m still learning myself but a few spots in the city that I hit up would be Soiree Coffee in the morning, then since you’re on that side hit up Ronald Kirk Bridge in trinity groves for the views of the city. The Dallas famers market is a must stop, Saturday and Sunday they have the outside market and we’d have to hit up Deans Smokin’ BBQ and Berkshire Farms winery and grab a bottle of Tempranillo and its plenty of options inside as well. Cant be in Dallas and not hit up Deep Ellum. If its basketball season we’d have to hit a Mavs game. Its plenty of spots with great food and always something going on in the city and thats one thing I love about Dallas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely have to shoutout Chi Chi for recommending me for this interview. My parents and brother for always being supportive in whatever endeavor I take on and also my countless friends / family (way too many to name without leaving someone out) that not only support me but push me to be great! I love each and every one of y’all and will forever be grateful.

Instagram: @Itsstilldonp / @73homage / @shortfilm.thecure

Image Credits
Chris Barnsey , Kiana Pierce, Mark Ragunton