Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Mckelvin.
Devon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a creative soul, my journey in life has been a constant battle of fighting my fears. Learning to overcome the limitations, I mentally place on myself whether it be in my work, relationships, or career. Four years ago in 2015, I went through a chaotic situation which seemed like the worst. I was falsely accused of rape which led to me being kicked out of school, fired from my job leading to me becoming homeless. Why me was the only question I asked myself. I thought I was cursed at that time. This was when I began to struggle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. It was in the midst of all that junk and darkness that forced me to look at myself in the mirror realizing I had been living my life deep inside a comfort zone I built as a result of fear. This fear stemmed from being teased and bullied as a child which left me feeling like I was less then. Causing me to struggle with self-esteem issues as a teenager and adult which I learned to hide well. I felt that if God allowed such harsh circumstances to invade my life out of nowhere at this point then surely there was a reason behind it. It was at this point where I was introduced to acting. Six months before my expulsion from the university, I found an interesting hobby in modeling. I auditioned for actors models and talents for Christ for modeling where I had to read a script as part of the audition process. I had done church plays as a child but never really thought it would be possible for me to become an actor. I was blessed to be accepted by Amtc which gave me the courage and hunger to really wanna pursue a career in acting. After all, I had nothing at this point, so I literally had nothing to lose.
It was April 1st, 2017 where I packed my car with all my belongings to move to Atlanta to pursue a career in acting. It was scary as hell but as I look back now it was totally worth it. Monday, July 8, 2019, I made my first television appearance on Tvone as part of the hit show Atl Homicide playing the role of Ricky Love. One week later, on my birthday, I was blessed with a guest appearance speaking role on the hit show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”, which airs later this year. It’s funny how God gets our attention sometimes to put us on the right path. Today, I realize that as a man, artist, and creative, the self-love and courage I need to succeed in this world was buried down deep-lying dormant under all my many levels of fear, doubt, and excuses. Before I was able to reap any level of success , I had to learn how to live in a space of peace spiritually. Meditation, self-love, and getting to know myself without judgment and outside expectations is how I’m able to overcome my fears to this day to maintain that peaceful space where I can authentically live my truth. As I look back at all my shortcomings, trials, and misfortunes in life, I often ask myself the question “if I could go back in time, would I do anything differently.” The answer to that question is no. Even though certain situations in life were uncomfortable, it was those uncomfortable situations that make me the man I am today.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. While chasing this dream of acting I face many struggles. Emotionally dealing with rejection when I work hard on an audition only to be told no or not be told anything at all can be very draining. Also financially, walking away from the comfort of a full-time job just to have the time to be able to make auditions is a challenge as well. Strict budgeting and planning has been key these last few years. Sacrificing short term pleasures to make time for classes and studying to perfect my craft. Also, mentally being able to pick myself up after not getting a role I really wanted or going back to a survival job I hate after finishing up a role that I loved is tough. But at the end of the day, these challenges are what every dreamer signs up for so these struggles are what make the end goal that much sweeter.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
At this phase of life I’m completely focused and dedicated to being my best self. Career wise I’m continuing to master my craft while inspiring others in the process. I’m most proud of my spiritual grounding. I think for any artist to be successful you have to be a master of self in all aspects especially spiritually. Knowing your energy is knowing your power. I once heard someone say whatever type of energy you put into your work is the exact type of energy your audience is going to receive when they watch you. That was powerful for me. I also feel because of my story which is a unique case, it is my responsibility to inspire others. Everyone in life goes through dark times but it is the stories of survival that we see and hear others overcome that keep us from giving up.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the culture of Atlanta. Atlanta is so incredibly rich in black culture. From the art to the nightlife, to the people. I love the reality of always meeting new people that are in pursuit of they’re dreams and the fact that the opportunity can be literally right around the corner. That’s amazing to me and so inspiring. What I like least about Atlanta, of course, is the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: Devonmckelvin.weebly.com
- Instagram: Devonmckelvin_
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9458900/
Image Credit:
Slingshots Atl
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