Diversity Rules Magazine

Get ready to create your greatness. Dwight Al- len O'Neal provides the tools needed to inspire, empower, and aide you in believing you can do anything, just redirect your mindset and posi vely shi your thoughts to create every day greater than the last. Trained at the American Musical and Drama c Academy and an extensive background in beauty. Dwight Al- len O'Neal is a mul - talented industrialist with a strong por o- lio of varied speaking engagements and a wealth of knowledge (from Entertainment, Beauty, or Entrepre- neurship). It's been said that our mistakes are the sculptors that shape who we are. In Dwight's new book Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda! he explores some of his own missteps, and reflects on how they have affected his per- sonal journey. In a series of vigne es ranging from lighthearted to trauma c, Dwight lets you know what happened, what he was thinking, and how each experience changed his life. JRK: Before we get into the interview can you tell readers a bit about Dwight Allen O'Neal, where you are from, and all that good introductory stuff? DAO: I am from Li le Rock AR and tagged the "gay boy next door" I work to help my followers by sharing with them things I wished I knew before making vari- ous life choices. Being a Lifestyle Expert, I have been an advocate for HIV/AIDs, Trans Rights, and worked in beauty and con nues to grow, build, and launch pres ge brands. I also host podcast "Shoulda Coulda Woulda," that hysterically takes my listeners through some of my and my special guests' life learned les- sons. I also just launched a non-profit organiza on, Beauty with a Cause (BWAC), that focuses on as- sis ng LGBTQ individuals in securing careers in the beauty industry. JRK: You have published your first book en tled, "Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda!" Can you tell us a bit about that? DAO: DAO: It's been said that our mistakes are the sculptors that shape who we are. In my new book Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda! I explore some of my missteps and reflect on how they have af- fected my journey. In a series of vigne es ranging from light- hearted to trauma c, I share with readers what happened, what I was thinking, and how each experience changed my life. Each chapter teaches as it entertains; I hope that you will doubtless find yourself returning to Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda! again and again. JRK: What are some of the defining "shoulda, coulda, woulda" moments that prompted you to write your book? DAO: There have been several moments to really in- spire me to write my first book. To be completely honest I felt that my podcast (with the same name) had some topics that I felt needed more depth and details. The book allowed that to become a reality. I also used the book to live my truth, when my mother read it she told me that she finally felt like she knew me. Considering my mother is my best friend it made me happy that she can finally say she knows me, and s ll loves me. Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda! A Chat With Dwight Allen O'Neal By Jim Koury, Editor/Publisher 4 | Diversity Rules Magazine | July 2020

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