We recently had the chance to connect with Dennis Haynes II and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dennis, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me a lot of joy lately is being a dad. I have a toddler at home who brightens my day every day. Coming through the door after a day of work and hearing my daughter yell, “Dad!” is just amazing. I walk in and she’s immediately ready to play or color and she’s just happy that I’m home. It’s awesome! We’re now at the point of intentionally taking her new places so she can explore the world and be introduced to new things, and it’s exciting seeing her light up at different things. It’s a fun and joyous time in my life right now.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a 2x international author finishing up my third book and already starting on my fourth one. Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” I took that to heart and now I write about a wide range of topics that interest me and hopefully interest my readers.
My company/brand is Black Light Project and the goal of my company is to shed light on our communities and celebrate our heroes and she-roes. I’m currently growing as an author coach as I enjoy working with upcoming authors to help them write and self-publish their own books. In the future, I co-wrote a cookbook with one of my friends and plan to co-write more books and publish other authors under my own company as well.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My maternal grandfather taught me the most about work. He was a hard worker, even after he retired. Part of what pushed my granddad seemed to be knowing his “Why”. He knew why he would wake up early every day and get to work – his family. My grandfather was a big family man and worked to provide a life and legacy. Growing up, my granddad would take my older cousin and I with him to different houses and projects he was working on and even put us to work. He taught me consistency and the importance of simply getting the work done that needed to be done. I implement those lessons today in my writing, my 9-5, and many other aspects of my life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to be kind to myself. Life is going to be hard sometimes and nobody is harder on you than you can be on yourself. Learn early on to forgive yourself. You’re human and you’ll make some mistakes. Don’t only focus on when you messed up, recognize all the good that you do as well. Make sure that you give yourself some of that love and grace that you give out to others to yourself sometimes. You’ll continue to learn and grow through it all, and you’ll be good in the long run.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. I believe in being authentic and being hated for who I am, instead of being loved for who I’m not. As an author, I open my mind and heart up to my readers as I share my thoughts and beliefs. Also, since writing books takes so much time and effort, I only write about topics that genuinely interest me. With that being said, I am also still growing as a person and going in front of the world in some ways as well.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
As a writer, what I will regret not doing is writing all the books I already have in mind. I enjoy writing books and I want to leave a legacy of sharing what I’ve learned in hopes of helping other people. We’re all human and our time is limited, so I work to be efficient with my time in general. Writing books takes a lot of time and dedication, but overall I’d regret my unfinished projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dhaynestheauthor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhaynestheauthor
Image Credits
Will Utley
