Antwon Russell of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Antwon Russell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Antwon, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I always start my day with gratitude, thanking God for another chance to show up fully. I dive into scripture, praise and worship, and meditation to align my focus. After that I have breakfast, do a quick scroll through emails and social media, and then the gym. That first 90 minutes usually gets me centered, energized, and ready for that day’s mission.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, it’s me, Antwon Russell. I’m a DJ and Creative Curator in Los Angeles, and I love creating moments and experiences that make people feel good. Behind the scenes, I work as a Social Media Manager. I help brands navigate the digital space, build genuine connections, and bring fresh ideas, intention, and positivity to every project. My brand is simple: creatively creating creativity, all with love, light, and swag. I’m always looking for ways to create, inspire, and connect with new and longtime supporters.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful came through music. Singing, dancing, writing, performing, I wanted to do it all. Watching Michael Jackson on TV sparked something inside me as a kid. I would mimic his moves in front of the mirror, sing every song at the top of my lungs, and show off everything I had learned every time my family got together. Who’s BAD?! I was! From that moment, I knew music was going to be at the center of my life as I grew up.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most was the fear of not being enough. Over time, it turned into perfectionism and people-pleasing. I adjusted myself to be more likable, more acceptable, even when it meant dimming parts of who I really was. There were times when I felt like I was just going with the flow to fit the part and had forgotten who I was.

After a few hard seasons of feeling unhappy and disconnected from my calling, I knew something had to change. Reconnecting with God reminded me who I truly am and what I’m here to do. It brought clarity, restored my vision, and reintroduced me to my inner child. I found my spark again, my confidence again, my drive again, and my joy again.

Now I move forward knowing I don’t need to change for anyone. I am enough.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say what really matters to me is connection and how I show up for the people in my life. I care deeply about being present, intentional and genuine. Whether it’s celebrating wins, help getting through life’s challenges, or just kiki-ing (laughing), I try to be fully there for the people I care about. They know I value honesty, growth, and peace, and that I’m mindful of the energy I bring into a room. I bring the same intention and energy to my friends, my community, and my work, creating space where the people closest to me feel seen, supported, and safe. I love my friends, and nurturing those bonds is central to who I am.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Doing what I was born to do means showing up fully, and DJing is where I feel most alive. It took courage to quiet the noise and trust my own rhythm. Faith has a different relationship with time than sight does, and trusting that gave me the confidence to lean into my creativity even when I couldn’t see where it would take me. Every mix I make, every set I play, is me showing up and being a light, sharing energy that others can feel and carry with them. The path may be unknown, but music knows the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://antwonrussell.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/imantwonrussell
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/antwonrussell

Image Credits
Photographer: Oscar Fregozou (instagram.com/oski.photo)