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

Hi Dee, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Regular Exercise and preparation

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have served 21 years in the United States Army as a Communications Officer. I have also served and retired from federal government service as an Air Force civilian with 15 years of
faithful and honorable service. I did well in the military and government service because of my
desire to learn and grow while striving for excellence in everything I did. No, it was not easy, but
I managed to stay strong by relying on my belief and faith in God to see me through the tough
times. I started my brand Dee Bryant Inspired, LLC in 2017 to give back to our youth through my
life's insights and valuable military experience. I am a published author of two books, Holding
On and Not Giving Up on Self, and Girls Wear Combat Boots Too. I am a podcast influencer on
Spotify and Anchor under Dee Bryant Inspired. My podcast is focused on motivating and
inspiring young people towards military service in the Army. My passion is to do what I can to
help inspire our young people toward positive change. I am starting to become a community
volunteer in my community public schools, and I am an active member of my local church. I am
extremely proud of being chosen by the International Association of Top Professionals as the
Top Inspirational Speaker/Author for 2023. I am also happy about being inducted into the
International Society of Female Professionals in September 2022. I have learned over the years
that anything worth having will not come easy, and progress is slow. You must learn to trust and
believe while never giving up.

I understand that you recently made both the New York Times and the LA Times where both of
your books were profiled, can you please tell us about that?
Yes of course, my business partner Mr. Darren Lane has been God sent in helping to get my
brand and my name out there based upon what I have been able to achieve thus far. His focus
has always been on both of my books and my unwavering efforts to help others. To be selected
and profiled by the New York Times, and the LA Times were a very competitive process, which
leaves me in awe still today. As I reflect over the last six years of my life starting with the birth
of my first book, it is a dream come true to have my work profiled in such a prestigious forum. I
was recently profiled on Dec 11, 2022, in the New York Times Best Books Review of 2022, and
on Christmas Day, Dec 25, I was profiled in the LA Times Christmas edition. I would like to
encourage everyone to go out and download a copy, and share them with that special young
person in your life today! And when you do please reach out because I want to hear from you.
Please be sure and check out my website at Dee Bryant Inspired and follow me on all social
media platforms.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Maryland, which is just outside of Washington, DC. I love DC because of its rich history, which includes free museums in the heart of D.C. I would love to show my family and friends the Smithsonian Museum, The Lincoln Monument, the George Washington Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial, and the National Museum of African America History and Culture. I would have to introduce my family and friends to the awesome Metro system, which conveniently connects DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Since Maryland is known for its blue crabs, I would take my visitors down to the Fisherman’s Wharf for some delicious seafood. Also, during this week-long trip, I will have to fit in a Broadway show at the Lincoln Center in DC because I love the theater. I would top off the visit with a nice leisurely stroll along the National Harbor with vast shopping and diverse eateries.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am a spiritual person. That said, I must give the honor and glory to God for making it all possible for me along with all the great people he has put in my path to help me along the way. I
must give a shoutout to my grandma Frankie, she was very religious, and she prayed with me
and constantly encouraged me as a little girl to strive to become anything that I wanted to be.
My 10th-grade teacher Mr. Fleming was the American history teacher that always made me feel
empowered even while being very shy and insecure, and my big sister Jefonda. My sister
managed to serve as my informal spiritual advisor starting as a teenager up to this day, and her
love and support are continuous. I recall in my early 20s when I read my first complete book by
Vincent Norman Peale, it was the Power of Positive Thinking. That little book changed my mind
set and life for the better.

Website: deebryantinspired.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deebryantinspires

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetris-bryant-265297189

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deebryantinspire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dee-Bryant-Inspired

Other: Youtube is being updated TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@deebryantinspired

Image Credits
Photographs by Ms. Karen McCoy.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.