Where did you grow up and how did that have an effect on who you are today? 

I grew up in Miami, FL. I lived in the hood, but I went to school on South Beach. I had an amazing advantage with that. I got street smarts from the hood, but I also got a well-rounded education. Going to school on Miami Beach exposed me to a lot of things I wouldn’t have known or seen otherwise. It was, to me, a better way of living and thinking. I got the best of both worlds which was great.  

Who had the most influence on you growing up? 

My mother. She’s beautiful, she’s humble, hard working, and she never complains. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her complain in my entire life. She’s immensely hardworking. She worked tirelessly to make sure me and my sister had everything we needed, that we stayed in decent neighborhoods, that we had food and clothes. I’ve never heard her gossip or be negative about people. She’s always been positive towards us and encouraged us to do the things we wanted to do. When I told her I wanted to move to LA she was like, “Bye! ...by all means you should experience that.”  

Who are your biggest inspirations? 

My mother and my father. Will Smith, Oprah, Beyoncê, Denzel Washington, and Jim Carrey.

What’s a typical day like in the life of Sir’Twon? 

I wake up at 7am. Go to the gym. Come home and make breakfast. Answer emails. Then I leave the house. It’s teaching, it’s rehearsals, it’s shoots. Once I’ve left, I’ve left for the day and I don’t get back until pretty late. When I do get home, I rip off all my clothes. Hop into the shower. Figure out dinner. put on a good movie and then pass out.  

What makes you want to pursue a career in the entertainment world?

I love entertaining! [laughs]. It’s great to be able to explore yourself, to go inside your body, your mind, and your spirit. Acting, for example, allows you to go inside yourself and to become a completely different person for the art. I love that. 

If you weren’t pursuing a career in acting, modeling, dancing, etc. what would you do and why?

I would be in Fashion. I got my degree in Fashion Merchandising and one in Marketing. I worked for Gap, Inc. for 12 years. I love retail, I love fashion, though I didn't care for all the logistics. My favorite aspect was that you can become a completely different person, you can dress up or dress down, and clothing can help you with your confidence. I love when someone puts on an amazing outfit, and they look in the mirror, and their posture changes. It changes their life. 

What are some of your favorite fashion brands?

H&M, Zara, and I love shopping at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales. I also like little knick knack shops: a store you wouldn’t think to go into, but you go in and you find some dope shades or a cool hat you love. 

If you had to pick one genre of music to listen to for the rest of your life, what would that be and why?

R&B because it’s so soulful and I grew up on blues and soul, and jazz. When I was a kid my grandmother would call me in the room and say “Come on and put on this tape for me."  So there's a real connection for me. It all just has so much emotion and tells so much story.  

What are some of your all-time favorite albums?

Self-titled by Beyoncé, Off the Wall by Michael Jackson, and 8701 by Usher

How do your talents help you deal with or move through your everyday life?

They keep me inspired. It’s a great way for me to express myself. If I’m feeling angry or down, I go into my talent. It's also a great way to learn myself.  

What would you say is your greatest achievement?

Finding myself is my greatest achievement. 

What is your all time favorite book? 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 

What are some of your favorite movies?

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2; Beauty & the Beast [laughs] -- it’s just a beautiful love story, how love can change a person’s life; Sleepless in Seattle; The Lord of the Rings; The Dark Knight 

What is your dream role in a movie or play?

My dream role is to be a bully, or a bad ass -- because that’s not something I am [laughs]. Or a superhero. 

What would you say is your greatest fear?

To live this life without ever knowing what it’s like to truly live or be present, or to reach my fullest potential. Like doing the things that you want to do to be happy. To live without purpose or ever touching people’s lives, inspiring others to live or express themselves, to be themselves, that's the biggest fear. 

Where do you hope to be in the next 10 years?

Coming off a very successful modeling career, still acting, a home in Malibu. I will have at least one child by then, and hopefully married. My company -- SJB productions -- would be a multi-million dollar company. And Sir’Twon: a multi-BILLION dollar brand.  

--Interview conducted by C. Williams at Psytex