When most people think about family, they think about love, support, and shared memories. For me, family means something more—it’s the heart of my creative journey and the backbone of my career in Hollywood. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to build not just a successful career, but a family business that thrives on collaboration, trust, and a shared passion for storytelling.
I’m proud to say that my wife, kids, sister, and nephew all work with me. We don’t just share a last name—we share a vision. Together, we’ve created a creative dream team that not only tells authentic Black stories but lives those stories every day. This family connection has shaped my work in ways I never imagined, and it’s taught me lessons about creativity, leadership, and legacy that I want to share with you.
Family: The Foundation of Our Work
Hollywood can feel like a tough, impersonal place at times. It’s competitive, fast-paced, and often driven by numbers and trends. But when you work with family, it brings a level of trust and commitment that’s hard to find anywhere else. My wife, Valicia, who serves as art director and set decorator on many of our projects, brings a unique eye and a steady hand that elevates every scene. She understands not just the aesthetic but the culture and the story behind each set we build.
My son Bentley Jr., who starred on one of my shows, brings his own creative energy and passion to the work. Watching him grow as an actor and a young man has been one of the greatest joys of my life. My daughter KyLee, a talented writer, adds her voice to our projects, bringing fresh perspectives that keep our stories relevant and real.
Beyond immediate family, my sister and nephew are also deeply involved as writers and producers. This creates a strong, supportive network where ideas flow freely, and everyone is invested in the success of the project. There’s no ego, just a shared goal to tell stories that matter.
Collaboration Built on Trust
Working with family isn’t always easy—no family is perfect. But what makes our creative team work is the trust we’ve built over years of knowing each other inside and out. We know how to communicate honestly and respectfully, and we hold each other accountable.
When you collaborate with people you love, you’re not just coworkers; you’re invested in each other’s success on a personal level. That means we push each other to be better, to tell better stories, and to make sure our work represents our community with integrity.
This level of collaboration has allowed us to take creative risks and innovate in ways that might be harder in a more traditional work environment. When everyone is pulling in the same direction, fueled by passion and family loyalty, amazing things can happen.
Creating Opportunities Together
Hollywood has historically been a tough place for Black creatives to break into and succeed. That’s why building a family business in this industry is so powerful—it’s a way to create opportunities where there might not have been any otherwise.
By working together, we lift each other up and open doors that might have been closed to us individually. I see it as a way to build a legacy—not just for my family, but for our entire community. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed, and that creates momentum.
Running a family creative business also means we get to make decisions together about the kinds of stories we want to tell and how we want to tell them. That kind of creative control is rare in this business, and it allows us to stay true to our vision and values.
Balancing Family and Work
Mixing family and business can be tricky, and I won’t pretend it’s always smooth sailing. It requires setting clear boundaries and respecting each other’s roles both at home and on set. But the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
We’ve learned to support each other through the stresses of production schedules, deadlines, and creative disagreements. Because we share a family bond, we bring patience and understanding that helps us navigate tough moments.
At the same time, working together gives us a unique chance to spend more time together and share in the joy of building something meaningful as a family.
Legacy and the Future
One of the things I’m most excited about is the legacy we’re creating. This isn’t just about the shows we make today—it’s about laying the groundwork for the next generation. I want my kids and family to have a path that’s clearer and more supported than the one I walked.
That’s part of why mentorship is so important to me. Whether it’s through our family team or by helping other young Black creatives, I want to make sure the door is open wide for more stories to be told from our community.
Our family business is a living example of how Black creatives can build something sustainable, powerful, and true to who we are. It’s a dream team made not just of blood, but of shared purpose, respect, and love.
Building a family creative team in Hollywood isn’t just a professional choice—it’s a personal mission. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who understand your story, support your vision, and challenge you to be better.
I’m grateful every day to work with my family and create stories that reflect our culture, values, and dreams. Together, we’re proving that family can be the strongest foundation for creativity and success in an industry that often feels uncertain.
If you’re thinking about how to build your own team—whether with family or close collaborators—remember that trust, respect, and shared vision are key. When those elements are in place, you’re not just making work—you’re creating a legacy.