Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Darren Hawkins of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Darren Hawkins and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Darren, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In conversations, most people share the parts of life that feel manageable, polished, or “on track.” But beneath that surface, many are silently carrying struggles that never make it into the open. One of the biggest challenges people face today is learning how to speak honestly about hard things while still protecting their peace through healthy boundaries.
A lot of individuals are afraid to admit when they feel overwhelmed, drained, or lost. They don’t want to disappoint others or seem like they aren’t keeping up. In reality, so many people are battling the pressure to meet expectations that were never theirs to begin with. They stretch themselves thin trying to be everything for everyone, often forgetting to save space for themselves. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish it’s survival. And it’s one of the hardest skills to learn because it forces us to honor our limits and communicate them clearly, even when others may not understand. Another silent struggle is financial literacy. Many of us grew up without being taught the fundamentals budgeting, credit, investing, or how to build long-term stability. Instead, we learned through trial, error, and sometimes painful mistakes. As adults, people often feel ashamed to admit they don’t fully understand money, especially in a world where everyone seems to be “doing well” on social media. The truth is, many are quietly playing catch-up, trying to build knowledge and stability that should’ve been introduced early in life. That pressure combined with comparison leads to another hidden battle: losing yourself while trying to keep up. Too many people move through life reacting instead of planning, surviving instead of progressing. They chase timelines, trends, and the appearance of success, all while their real goals sit on the back burner. It becomes easy to forget what you truly want when you’re constantly measuring yourself against everyone else. When we talk openly about these struggles, something powerful happens: shame loses its grip, and community takes its place. Honest conversations about boundaries, financial growth, and personal direction allow people to breathe again to realize they’re not alone, they’re not behind, and they’re not failing. They’re human. And sometimes, that honesty is exactly what we all need to finally start moving forward with intention instead of pressure.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Darren Hawkins, and I’m a creative professional who balances a full-time career while running a growing production company. In my work as a director of photography and editor, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients bring their visions to life whether through film, branded content, or storytelling that leaves a lasting impact. What makes my brand unique is the care, intention, and collaboration behind every project. I don’t just create visuals I help people shape their stories in a way that feels authentic and true to their voice. At my core, I believe every day is a marathon, echoing the philosophy of Nipsey Hussle. Life will always throw curveballs, setbacks, and unexpected challenges, but what defines us is how we navigate through them. I’ve learned to approach each obstacle with patience, faith, and a mindset focused on growth. Manifestation has been a powerful tool in my journey; speaking things into existence, working hard toward them, and trusting that everything unfolds when it’s supposed to. Outside of work, I’m committed to living a balanced, grounded life. I enjoy bowling, exploring places that spark new perspectives, and finding inspiration in the world around me. Between managing my 9–5 and my production business, I’ve been blessed to create for many clients and continually evolve as a storyteller. This chapter of my life is about building, believing, and staying consistent one step at a time.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has shaped how I see myself more than anything is the one I have with my family. They are the foundation of who I am well-educated, passionate, strong, and grounded in faith. My family has always inspired me to want more for myself and to aim higher than the limits placed in front of me. Growing up, I watched my family work hard, push through challenges, and continue striving for a better life. They never backed away from obstacles; they faced them head-on with resilience, determination, and prayer. Seeing that kind of strength at a young age left a lasting imprint on me. It fueled my drive, shaped my character, and taught me the importance of perseverance. Today, I’m proud of the man I’ve become and the man I’m still growing into. Family means everything to me, and their influence continues to guide me in how I show up in my work, my relationships, and my purpose. I hope to continue building on the traditions and values they passed down carrying their legacy forward while creating my own.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the deepest wounds of my life has been losing a parent or losing anyone who loved me unconditionally and helped shape who I am. That kind of heartbreak is something no one is ever truly prepared for. When it happened to me, on more than one occasion, it crushed me in a way that still leaves parts of me numb. There are days when I find myself lost in my thoughts, replaying old moments, or wishing I could go back to when they were still here. What’s helped me most are holding on to the memories, the laughter, the lessons, the love and letting those moments give me strength instead of breaking me. Healing hasn’t been a straight line. It’s a process I’m still working through and still learning how to live with. Some days are easier than others. But even in the pain, I try my best to use their legacy as fuel. I push myself to be a better man, not just for me but for them. Picking myself up, moving with intention, and continuing to build a life they would be proud of has become part of how I honor them. Even though the wound is still healing, it has shaped me into someone stronger, more grounded, and more determined to make my way forward.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, the difference between fads and real foundational shifts comes down to purpose and longevity. I’m focused on growth both personally and as a man so I don’t let trends or flashy moments dictate my direction. Fads come and go, but I’m building something that lasts, something that creates generational wealth and stability for myself and my family. I stay informed about what’s new, especially if it has the potential to improve my life, my business, or my mindset. But I always pause and ask: Does this align with my long-term goals? Does it add real value? Will it make me better? If the answer is no, then it’s just noise. True foundational shifts are the things that elevate you, sharpen your vision, and support your growth over time. That’s where I put my energy on what builds, not what distracts.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to do something, you owe it to yourself to give it your all. That’s the only way to see real results. Whether it’s bowling or building my AdarenProductions brand, I refuse to cut corners or give anything less than my full effort. The work I put out is a reflection of me, and I take pride in producing my best every time. I’d rather pour everything into a project and feel satisfied with the outcome than hold back and wonder if I could’ve done better. I’m a stickler about that because at the end of the day, I’m doing it for me. I want to look at what I’ve created and know I honored my own standards. Even if no one praises it or even sees the work behind the scenes, I know in my mind and heart what it took to get there. Every accomplishment big or small makes me proud of how far I’ve come and the challenges I continue to overcome. My self-pride is the reward, and that’s more powerful than any applause.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adarenproduction.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adarenproduction/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlashPoseProduction/videos
• Other: https://www.adarenproduction.com/store

Image Credits
P.D.A Parade