Today we’d like to introduce you to Harriet Burnette.
Hi Harriet, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Whitakers, North Carolina, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of my mother and grandmother singing around the house. Those moments planted a love of music and singing in my heart that has remained with me throughout my life.
By the time I reached high school, singing had become an important part of who I was. During my senior year in 1979, I was introduced to modeling. At the time, I had no idea that modeling would become such a tremendous blessing and an important part of my life’s journey.
After attending Winston-Salem State University, where I majored in Music, I moved to Washington, D.C. In 1985, I founded Del-Carlos Production Models, beginning a journey that would allow me to share my knowledge, passion, and experience with others. Over the years, I have had the privilege of training and mentoring young people through modeling workshops, one-on-one sessions, and other opportunities designed to build confidence, self-esteem, and character.
In 2022, I became a spokesperson for Peace Is Priceless Collection by Acy Brown , adding another meaningful chapter to my career. By God’s grace, I was introduced to acting in 2013, opening the door to opportunities in stage plays, television, and film. I have been blessed to appear in TV One’s Fatal Attraction and in several films available on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Maverick TV.
My acting journey has also brought me incredible recognition. I am honored to be the 2025 ACE Award Winner for Best Supporting Female Actress and the 2026 ACE Award Winner for Best Female Lead in Film. These accomplishments are blessings that I am deeply grateful for and reminders that perseverance, faith, and dedication can open doors we never imagined.
I am also honored to serve as one of the Board Directors for Beyond The Bell Academy, an organization committed to helping our youth reach their full potential through love, care, support, education, and positive guidance. Being able to pour back into our young people is especially meaningful to me because giving back has always been one of my greatest purposes.
I am truly grateful for every person who has believed in me, encouraged me, opened a door, or played a part in my journey. I know that I did not get here alone.
Today, one of my greatest purposes is to reach back and give back to our youth the same love, guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that were given to me. I want young people to understand their worth, discover their gifts, build confidence, and know that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.
And above all, I am blessed to be a grandmother to five beautiful granddaughters who look up to me to set a good example. They inspire me to continue growing, serving, creating, and leaving a positive legacy.
That is what I live for—to inspire, empower, give back, and leave a legacy that will continue long after me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but what road worth traveling ever is? I made a decision a long time ago that any dream worth having was worth whatever it took to achieve it.
The entertainment industry comes with its share of challenges. You will be overlooked because of your looks, your height, your weight, your age, or simply because someone doesn’t see what you know you have inside of you. But I learned that you cannot allow rejection or other people’s opinions to determine your worth or your destiny. You have to work harder, prepare better, and continue to show up.
You have to stay focused, keep your eyes on the prize, and never lose sight of why you started. There will be obstacles, disappointments, closed doors, and moments when you may question whether it’s all worth it. But those moments are not the end of your story.
I believe that when you allow God to order your steps, He will guide you exactly where you are meant to be. The journey may not always be easy, but every challenge can build your strength, your character, and your faith.
So I keep going. I keep believing. I keep working. And I keep God at the center of it all.
Because when God orders your steps, victory is not just a destination—it’s part of the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a proud model, singer, and actress with a passion for inspiring and empowering others. I am honored to have received several awards for my acting and to have been featured in numerous magazines for my modeling career. I also train and mentor both aspiring models and actors, helping them build confidence and develop their talents.
One of my greatest joys is working with our youth and helping them recognize their worth, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential. I love encouraging them to embrace who they are, pursue their dreams, and understand that with confidence, determination, and self-love, they can achieve anything they set their hearts on. That is what I love most—helping others discover the greatness within themselves. What sets me apart from others is my integrity—I never make promises I can’t keep. I believe in letting my actions speak louder than my words and always following through on my commitments.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I envision Del-Carlos Production Models LLC growing into a nationally recognized company that provides modeling, acting, and self-esteem workshops, as well as one-on-one coaching for both children and adults. My goal is to take these opportunities across the country, empowering individuals to build confidence, discover their talents, and pursue their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Harrietdburnette.com
- Instagram: Hburnette50
- Facebook: Harriet Burnette
- LinkedIn: Harriet Burnette
- Youtube: @harrietburnette717
