Today we’d like to introduce you to John de Vinci.
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, I was focusing on having a career playing professional football all through Elementary to High School. Around 10th or 11th grade, the group that I was in called “MashLyfe” started working for Nappy Boy which was a Record Label started by T-Pain in Tallahassee, Florida. We never got a chance to meet T-Pain himself, but he had some dope individuals like DJ Lil Boy, Black, & Red Eyes running his label. We would go down to meet with them around FAMU Homecoming and create dance routines to be in their shows and performances.
Unfortunately, in a High School football game, I ended up getting an injury to my neck and since then never was as aggressive and motivated to continue my football career. While in school, I was having trouble succeeding in everything I needed to succeed in to get to college, so I ended up not getting my diploma. I was able to walk with my class, but I might as well didn’t. That night at graduation was very dark for me, and it lit a fire inside of me because seeing everyone take pictures with their loved ones celebrating the fact that they graduated and was moving on, I was still stuck in the same place. It was definitely embarrassing.
At that moment, I got closer to God and made a decision not to be in this situation with anything again. I wasn’t going to let myself feel this pain or be this uncomfortable with myself again, so I set some life goals and made them clear. I finally got a chance to retake some of the classes I had to take to get a chance to get my diploma and failed it once again. At that time, I was at my lowest but still wasn’t going to give up. I ended up signing up to get my GED. I went in and passed everything they threw at me within a week or two. I had everyone looking at me like I wasn’t supposed to be there. While I was working on my GED, I got another chance to retake my tests to get my diploma. The week after that, I was walking to the place to receive my GED & my mom called me in joy, saying that I passed the tests and I could receive my diploma.
After that, I signed up to Art schools in Atlanta and Orlando to hopefully get accepted. Luckily, Full Saul University called me back and had accepted me to come to college in Orlando, FL. I was more motivated & focused than Michael Jordan throughout college because of my high school experience so I ended up graduated with my Bachelors in Digital Design as Salutatorian of my class.
Now I’ve had a chance to work with companies like Disney, Universal Studios, Cox Media Group, Tom Joyner, ESPN, & more amazing businesses. Years after that, I started my own fashion brand, Fresh & Royal Club to remind everyone that life isn’t easy, but it’s worth living. With all the troubles and hardships in life, we all can keep a Fresh Mindset and lead ourselves to a Royal lifestyle.
I started my brand because of Nipsey Hussle and more individuals like my sister and OSS. Once I started my brand, we received an invitation to go to Los Angeles’s Fashion Week and have the clothing line in the fashion show which was a blessing. That was my first time going to LA, and we made a lot of great friend and connections that we still have till this day. We also did so good that we now get invited back every year.
With me being a musician and designer, I tie all my skills together and incorporate them in everything I do. I’m now able to make my own videos, marketing material, music, and clothes and help others do the same. I’ve released multiple music projects and singles out on streaming services, and I have major success doing so. My journey has made me resilient till this day, and I love every part of it. Definitely wouldn’t take anything back.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life isn’t easy, never will be. They always say if you ever receive something fast and easy, it’s not worth living for because you can lose it within a second. I’ve overcame not graduated high school but receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in college. I overcame not having anywhere to sleep after college but stayed dedicated and focused on God’s mission, and now we have a full family and a home. I’ve overcame getting paid off my job and not having anything to having my own business and creating multiple sources of income. I still have a lot to learn and grow from, so I remain resilient when times get hard. Knowing that it doesn’t rain forever.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional Digital Designer that paints pictures with lyrics. I’ve always been an artist and a fan of many styles of art. Whether it’s dancing, singing, rapping, creating music, drawing, designing, or even photography or videography. I stand out because of my story and my dedication to not give up. My creativity is impeccable & I see things in many perspectives. I’ve grown a lot because I wasn’t afraid to fail and take sacrifices. The things that slowed me down I got rid of. The people that didn’t believe in an idea I had or was feeling it, I got rid of. The ones that wasn’t dedicated as much as I was, I put them in a lane, and I stayed in my own lane. I love everyone, but your circle has to be smarter and even more dedicated than you. I’m proud of my journey, my relationship I have with God, and the way I can speak things into existence. I’m proud of my family and the fact that I didn’t give up on myself. I’m proud of my skills and dedication. Also, the way I stay resilient when times get hard.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Dedication, Hard Work, plus Preparation as Nipsey Hussle would say. Being able to take an “L” and learn from it other than letting it discourage me from growing. You have to be able to keep tunnel vision because on your way to the top, everything and everyone tries to pull you back down. Sometimes God put hurdles in front of you for a reason. At times he want you to slow down and smell the roses, take care of your family, and household before you move on to greater things.
Pricing:
- Custom T-Shirts- $35
- Animated Videos- $200
- F&R Shirts- $35
- F&R Hoodies- $45
- Photo & Video Shoots- $100 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johndevinci.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejohndevinci?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDeVinci92
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/JohnDinero
- Other: www.freshandroyalclub.com
Image Credits
Bryan Garces
Farlan Williams
The Lowdown
LA Fashion Week
