Meet Draper Wynston | Actor, Author & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Draper, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is two things. One, is self motivation. I learned a long time ago that you have to stop looking for others to make your dreams happen for you. You have to want them more than anyone. If someone wants them more than you. Then, you either need to change your dream or get going. Number two is discipline. I played basketball in high school and college. To make it in college you need discipline. You have workouts, film sessions, practice, and class. I just applied the discipline I learned there from to my acting career and entrepreneur lifestyle. I have shoots, rehearsals, call times, and so much more. Along with that I am running multiple businesses. It takes discipline to be on top of everything.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an actor first, I also produce and direct films as well. But, acting is my passion. I love it, everything about it I love, The process of it. The creating the character to being in the scene. I love it. I am most proud of my recent showing on The CW’s “Walker” It was my first ever career tv appearance with lines. It was a glimpse of whats to come and more.

The way I got to this point was work. You can not dodge the work. Being on bad sets, failing, hearing no over and over again. Pushing through. The only way I was able to overcome was I kept my goal in mind. I had to learn to listen, take guidance, and continue to grow. I started reading more books, getting with other working actors and directors. I had to realize that there will be ups and downs. However if I stayed focused on the end goal, I will be just fine.

I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I want to be impactful. I want to impact and inspire others. I can not just do this alone or only for myself. I have to reach back and give just like someone did for me. Being famous is great and amazing, I want to be more than that. I want to be IMPACTFUL.

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?
Okay lets do this, I love taking on the city.

We would start the trip at the Commons Club in the Virgin Hotel. Love that spot, then the next day we would go to Honor Bar in Highland park. The shrimp Ceasar Salad is the best…chefs kiss. For a little fun we would go to Bowl Lounge , Bowl have some wings and play some games. We would absolutely go wind down at Astute Gentlemen Cigar Lounge. I am a member there and I love it. Of course we would have to hit a rooftop or patio. TeDeseo Is amazing and then Happiest Hour. I am a foodie and socialite, I love the city. There are so many other places!!!

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 want to dedicate my shout out to a few people. First is my wife, Celeste. I have an extremely hectic schedule. The way she handles to house and our kids is amazing. I wouldn’t be able to move the way I do without her. Her constant support, and love makes me continue to push harder to achieve more for her and our family. Next is my Brother in Law, mentor Kirk Franklin. His listening ear is amazing. Sometimes we dont even talk about the industry, we just talk. I never had a big brother, so he has filled that for me and has really guided me through. Next are my extended brother, Don & Colebain, they have been there since the beginning with constant support. My podcast team Assist 4 U( Shunda, Kelly, Grace) Then my line brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Wayne, Roy, Kevin, Marcus, Jerron, & Jarrett, my actual real life brother…DIB. Jarrett DIG Em. Lastly my family, my parents, and of course those in the acting community that I have grown to love as family.

Website: www.draperwynston.com

Instagram: @iamdwynston

Twitter: @iamdwynston

Image Credits
Deon Cole Kevin Allen Santos Paris