Avery West Interviews Khafre

There are so many things that could be said about how amazing this ambitious spirit is, but many may not know his story through his own words. Private and sometimes extrovert, Khafre has planted his seeds throughout the six years of his career as a curator in the entertainment industry. Rather it's being the genius behind a company’s tweets, creating a groovy playlist for his audience, or simply coming up with brilliant marketing ideas for some of your favorite festivals, events, or businesses, Khafre tends to remain a mystery to many of us. Raised on the east side of Atlanta, Khafre packed his bags during the pandemic and decided to conquer the west coast to pursue his dreams in Los Angeles. However, Khafre never officially closed the chapter of his alter ego, Avery. Although I am a best friend of Khafre, I must say it’s because of Avery that I (or anyone else for that matter) may not know everything about Khafre as Avery has kept many of us wondering what is next for Khafre. Luckily, I was able to get Avery and Khafre in a room together and somehow, Avery finally got Khafre to answer a few questions that people have been dying to know. We may never know how he got Khafre to talk, but we’re ready to find out what he’s been up to during his quiet time away from social media.

AVERY: So what made you want to do an interview? And to do it as Avery interviews Khafre?

KHAFRE: Maybe it’s my way with words, but I love interviews. I’m at a point in my life where no one knows me better than I know myself so if anyone gets to question me or tell my story I think it should be me. There are a lot of questions about me that people have and usually, I like to leave them guessing but I’m ready to answer them as my authentic self.

AVERY: Would you say you’re not an authentic person and what questions do people have about you?

KHAFRE: Hmmm, I wouldn’t say I I’m not an authentic person, but I know there are areas of my life that I’ve been very open about and other areas I have not. If you’ve been following me since the Panel ATL days you know I’ve always been open about my sexuality and sex life, but you never knew a person I dated. You knew about the relationship I had with my dad, but you never saw a picture of him and rarely saw any family members outside of my sister and cousin. For me, the things I don’t show are private to me. I think that’s where my pseudonyms like Avery, K-Jo, and KJ came from. I never knew who I was, but I knew who I wanted to be at that moment so that’s where those online personas came from. I’m just at a place now where I no longer want to be anyone but Khafre. As I continue to discover who I am, who I want to be, and what I like and don’t like, I want to showcase that through my true authentic self.

AVERY: What’s one thing you discovered about yourself that blew your mind?

KHAFRE: I’m a nerd! I never knew that, but if I’m passionate about something like sharks, the music industry, climate issues, or even cars, you’re gonna hear me geek out about it. I always looked at nerds as being a book worm and that’s never been me.

AVERY: Is that why there’s no more The Panel ATL? Did you stop being passionate about it?

KHAFRE: [Laughs] Wow so straight to the point huh? Ok, so I was producing and co-hosting the Panel ATL from 2017 to 2020. We originally started recording every week and then moved to record bi-weekly towards the end. I built that show to be what it was — with the help of my amazing cast — but I was becoming burnt out. I expressed to the cast that I wanted them to step up more, but at the time I didn’t feel like I was receiving the help I needed to keep the show going as well I don’t believe I really communicated what I needed help with.

AVERY: Got it, but to keep moving let’s get to the question I’m sure you get asked a lot…will there ever be more of The Panel ATL?

KHAFRE: I was just talking to a few people from the show about the possibility of bringing the Panel ATL back, BUT NOT in the capacity that you all think or would want. The reason is, every person on that show has grown or I hope has grown over the three years. Some of our viewpoints and most importantly our chemistry have changed. I don’t believe if we were to get back together the show will be as great as it was. Furthermore, we started the show in 2017 when about 46 million people were listening to podcasts. Currently, there are about 89 million people who listen to podcasts today. I’m not saying the podcast market is saturated, I’m saying there are thousands of other shows that picked up where we left off at. My goal with the Panel ATL was to provide a platform for different voices to speak on sex, love, dating, and current world issues. I can proudly say I accomplished that.

AVERY: Ok, I get that, but –

KHAFRE: Sorry for the rant, this is my first time publicly and hopefully last time answering this question. I just want to make sure I address everything.

AVERY: Everything? Well, why take down the website and remove the episodes from streaming sites?

KHAFRE: That was not me being malicious, I didn’t want to continue paying to host the website and content online. Plus, as I started growing and my viewpoints on sex, dating, and life changed I wanted to remove the content to be sure I wouldn’t be judged on something I felt three plus years ago without the opportunity to explain. With that conversation I was having with a few people from the podcast, I was discussing the possibility of one day putting the episodes back online and some other things, but I want to make sure it makes sense.

AVERY: Are you still friends with everyone from the podcast?

KHAFRE: I never was friends with EVERYONE before or during the podcast, but I am still cool with majority of the cast. There are a few people I did believe I would still be close with post the podcast, but we eventually grew apart. Overall, I wish everyone who was a part of The Panel ATL great success and thank them for helping bring my dream to reality. Anytime I can, I will always support any of them.

AVERY: You spoke earlier about questions people have about you, care to share those?

KHAFRE: [Laughs] Top, bottom, or verse…that’s one question. But nah seriously a lot of people wonder about what the hell I do for a career, money, or why I moved to LA. There are a lot of other questions, but we don’t need to address those.

AVERY: Well…are you going to answer them?

KHAFRE: I moved to LA to become a Music Supervisor. A Music Supervisor is a person who oversees all the music and sound in a movie, tv show, video game, or advertising as well as the contracts for those. It’s something I didn’t discover I wanted to do till like 2018. Career-wise, I’ve always done a lot. I got my start in the industry by doing social media for festivals like A3C and AFROPUNK to get in for free then eventually working as an Artist Liaison and on the Production team. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work for the Atlanta Pride Festival, and SXSW, and even created and managed a music and arts program for MARTA. Most recently, I did Brand Partnerships for the Sundance Film Festival. When I’m not working as a creative, I’m Bartender Bae.

AVERY: Yes! I remember you going viral for being in that picture with Pink at the American Music Awards.

KHAFRE: [Laughs] Yes. I’ve served a lot of y’all faves over the years.

AVERY: You moved to Los Angeles during the pandemic. How’s that going?

KHAFRE: If I’m being honest, moving here has been the worst and best thing for me.

AVERY: Really? You look like you’re enjoying LA.

KHAFRE: Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. [Laughs] BUT real shit I am. I love LA and I’m glad that I moved here, but I’ve been dealing with a lot of loss since moving here. My whole support system is or was in Atlanta. Friends that I thought I would still be close to I no longer am. My dad died the first six months after me moving here, my mother’s health became a concern shortly before that and recently my great aunt and dad’s brother died about six months ago. I’ve just been dealing with some much change and grief that I fell into depression without even knowing it. And those are just a few things I feel comfortable sharing. I just feel like I gave up so much of myself and the life I once knew to chase my dreams.

AVERY: Yea that’s a lot for anyone to deal with. How are you managing?

KHAFRE: The natural thing for me is to retreat into myself and cut the outside world out. I did that for a minute, but then I decided that I had to get past it. I’ve been working on being a better friend to those who are still in my life, meeting new friends in LA, deciding to get back in therapy, visiting my mom more, and honestly learning to take things one day at a time.

AVERY: Is that why you haven’t been on social?

KHAFRE: That’s part of it. I hate to use “empath” because I think so many people overuse it today, but I do absorb a lot of emotions and energy. I just knew that the things I was seeing on social media weren’t helping my mindset and my feelings about myself. I needed to take a step away from the madness and work on the energy I was consuming and putting out into the world.

AVERY: Have you been working on anything creative?

KHAFRE: Yes! I’m super excited about what’s to come this year.

AVERY: Are you able to tell us what it is?

KHAFRE: I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but just know I’ll be coming back to your headphones and speakers very soon. To hold myself accountable, I will say the news should be out by the end of this month.

AVERY: Wow, so this is coming soon! Are you nervous and what can we expect to see from you moving forward in the creative space?

KHAFRE: I’m hella nervous, I haven’t put out a project in three years, but I think this new project will give people a chance to see how versatile I can be and to showcase how much knowledge I know about the music industry. A lot of things will be centered around music, culture, and travel.

AVERY: I’m excited. Seems like you’re in a much better space. What’s something you’re afraid of while on this current journey of life?

KHAFRE: First and foremost, I’m scared to lose my mother. With all the other people who’s been influential to my growth as a person dying, it’s really scary to think I could be out here alone. To those who don’t know, my mom has memory loss. It’s something I’ve been dealing with for a few years now and patience has been my main challenge. Although I feel like our relationship has changed from her being the parent to me being the caregiver at times, I feel she’s still teaching me things I need to know. Next, would be me losing myself and not walking in my purpose.

 AVERY: You’ve yet to mention if you’re dating or not.

KHAFRE: I did meet someone. I know they say I move on too fast, but this one gon’ last cause his name is Khafre! [Laughs] I feel like for the first time in my life I’m dating. I’ve met a few amazing people and although it wasn’t a match, I’m still open to finding someone I like being with as much as I like being alone.

AVERY: One question I know people have that you haven’t answered is, what is your type?

KHAFRE: That depends on who you ask cause a lot of people will have different things to say. There’s also a TikTok about that, BUT to answer another one of y’all questions…I don’t really have a type. I’m an equal opportunity lover, I just ask that you be honest about who you are, and what you want and be working toward something in life. Everything else we can discuss in person.

AVERY: Let me just say I’m proud of you and I’ve learned so much about us during this interview. I want to wrap this up, but before we go, you turn 31 this year, what’s some advice you’ll give your younger self?

KHAFRE: I’m actually deciding to celebrate my 21st birthday again this year. Aside from not remembering shit about my 21st besides twerking on a toilet. [Laughs] I feel like I’m at this point in my life where I’m in the unknown, yet I’ve been given the tools to see things through. I associate that with being 21 for some reason. So, the advice I would give my younger 21-year-old self and the 21-year-old self I feel this year is to remember how amazing you are, trust yourself more and know everything will work out. You got this Khafre.

‘Intro’ written by: Travon Bracey

‘Body’ written & edited by: Khafre Johnson

Photo Credit: Stephanie Siomara

Creative Direction (Article + Photos): Khafre Johnson and Travon Bracey

Follow Khafre on IG & Twitter @fvckyourtaco

Kori James

​There are many independent artists that we listen to that we as a generation can be named real stars. However, there's always a moment where music lovers need to dig deeper into who is really behind the talent. Kori James, an Atlanta-based and Miami-born singer, and songwriter, is one of those hidden gems. His music of R&B vibes with sensual lyrics, and mediated vibes gives his sound and harmonies the music you've been missing. Kori has collaborated with the likes of Brik. Liam, a Morton Records recording singer-songwriter and close friend of his, and Re Lxuise, another Atlanta-based Grammy-nominated songwriter. Even though I wanted to interview Kori face-to-face, it was also during the time the release of his newest project, Words With Friends, Vol. 2, was getting phenomenal recognition that lead him to have a busy schedule. However, he still was able to take some time to talk to little old me about his life and career.

I want to start by saying that I love your new project, "Words With Friends Vol. 2". I know that it's an offspring to volume 1 but what made you continue the storyline to this brilliant sound of music you've created?

Thank you so much for listening, man. The idea for 'Words With Friends' came from me being tired of chasing placements. For those who don't know, a 'placement' in regards to creating music, means to have a song you wrote/produced picked up by an artist and used on a project. I've been at this for a long time, first, as a songwriter. Then, I taught myself to produce and started shopping records. I got a lot of "no's." So, I had the idea to place my records, have independent artists who I know are killing it record them. I wanted to die the idea that we always have to reach up to have success. I reached across to my peers and made some pretty [fantastic] music.

My favorite song on this new project is B W/O U, but you also shared on your social media platform that "Where Our Endings Meet" is your favorite. I want to know how your recording process was with the song B W/O U and why "Where Our Endings Meet" is dearly unique to you?

Recording 'B W/O U' was a lot of fun. I invited a few of my homies to the studio with me, which I never do because a recording is work for me and I don't like distractions, but the record was fun, and I used the energy that the track created in the room to execute it the way I did. Now, 'Where Our Endings Meet'! I love that song. Last summer, I went through a breakup that fucked me up a little. I tried several times to write about letting it go, but the words wouldn't come. I had an 'aha' moment one night. It was a night I hit my breaking point, and I knew the shit [was a finish]. I started just writing the words. Poetry. "We've gotten to this point, at the ending of our story." Deep down, I knew it wasn't one for the long haul, but I tried. I heard this piano sample. It was so melancholy. [It's] like a Sarah Vaughan song. I produced around it and cut this trash demo for it. I let four people hear it. And only one listened to the beauty in it. I sat on the song for months until the opportunity to work with JAWAN came. He was visiting Atlanta doing some studio work, but I was adamant about him making some time for this record. I already heard him on it. We met at Icon Studio. I taught him the song on the spot, and killed it! The sincerity in his voice! He sang it as he lived it.

I want to take it back to your E.P. Tomorrow. "Lita" with Ré Lxuise is my favorite song by you, and the first time I heard your music was when my love partner was pole dancing to "N.E.Way". The bottom line, I fell in love with your songwriting. How was the songwriting process like from Tomorrow versus with Words With Friends Vol. 2?

Honestly, I don't think the writing process changed. My formula has always been to just live and writes about it. I do believe my writing has matured, but again, that just came from growing from experiencing. The recording process changed more than anything. With WWFv.2 I got to work with some fantastic artists who were able to vocally execute things I couldn't, which made for a better song.

Which song stands out to you the most from the 2012 project, Write On, Kori?

The one not on iTunes or Spotify. My day ones know. 'Blow U Away' is my favorite off of 'Write On, Kori.' "If the fucks that I don't give can apply to you, then I'd be aight." What!? Some of the most real shit I've ever written. Over a Fisticuff and Jhene Aiko sample! What!? It's only on my Soundcloud if yall wanna hear it.

What are some of your favorite artists that you've written for, and why?

I wrote this song called "U Are" for Day26. That was supposed to be my first prominent placement. I hope one day their recording of it leaks cause when I say they sang! THEY SANG! I also have a record with Javonte coming out soon. That's a favorite of mine too because he just...ugh! You have to hear it. He's one of a kind.

Who is your dream collaboration?

That's hard. It's so many amazing artists out who I respect and admire. I'd have to say, James Fauntleroy, though.

I would like to make a suggestion. I'm not saying now, but soon if the listeners can get a collaboration song with you, Alex Isley, and Brik.Liam is in it. How would you feel about this collab?

Everyone who knows me knows that Brik. Liam is the bro. We've worked together for years. First, on his project 'Mr. Liam's Neighborhood'. I vocal arranged and engineered the bulk of that project. I co-wrote and co-produced on last year's release, 'What's The Matter, Brik?'. There's history there. I love working with Brik because although he's family, he's still very professional and just pleasant to work with. If you put me in the room with him and Alex, I'd just love to hear how the two of them would interpret something I wrote. I wouldn't even try to sing with them because those two are vocal beasts.

How did you get your start in music?

I'm not as [social] as people think that I am. I spend a lot of time by myself. Thinking. Planning. Reading. My circle is a small group of friends that have become my family while living in Atlanta over the past ten years. We get up frequently for dinners. They're all overachievers, so we're always celebrating something, and if nothing at all: life. I'm chill, though.

What are your pros and cons of being an independent artist?

I love having complete control over the art and the freedom to create without pressure. However, it gets expensive. I pay for everything from studios sessions, mixes and masters, and visuals. Everything comes out of my pocket. This makes me even work harder on the day job to be able to finance the big ideas I see in my head. Being independent is not for the weak.

When it comes to music, who do you look up to the most?

James Fauntleroy. He is just so low-key and humble. You probably wouldn't recognize the man if you saw him on the street, but he's written all your favorite songs. That's the kind of life I'd love to lead. Write a smash, hit the bank, duck off, and repeat.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I've always found this question difficult because people around me always still seemed to know exactly where they'd be. I sometimes have a hard time seeing past Tomorrow. I'm working my ass off today to have financial freedom, peace, and a catalog that solidifies me as one of the greatest songwriters to ever do it, even if that's only by the people who've heard of me.

Written & Edited By: Travon Bracey

Interviewed in January 2020

Demariyon Futch

If I were to describe him as food, he would be that delightful country breakfast with warm honey biscuits on the side. It may be funny to portray him like that, but once you get into his world, you will get what I mean. Demariyon Futch, an exceptional Fashion Designer & Stylist formerly from Thomasville, Georgia, proves to the world that no matter where you come from, staying humble is key to the success that God has created for you. 2012 was the first year after graduating from college with a journalism degree when Futch was introduced to the entrepreneurial world as he started a t-shirt clothing line. Since then, Futch has expanded his creative techniques into his profound luxury menswear streetwear line, ELEVATION 12. Young Thug has worn his work, Avery Wilson, Lil Keed, Keke Palmer, and Tiffany Evans, to name a few.

I have been knowing Demariyon Futch since I was 19 years old. It's beautiful to see the growth of what he has grown his empire to be. I wanted to make our conversation an emotional yet memorable moment for us, being that Demariyon and I admire each other so much. At first, I was scared and nervous because I didn't know what to expect when it came to conversing with him. A few days before the interview, we talked about how I was going to interview him. Still, I decided to make it intimate in his sanctuary with his humbling assistant being a listening audience while Beyonce plays in the background the entire time of us talking.

The first question that I want to ask is about the inspiration behind the [new] collection. I know that’s like an instant question…

Nah! It’s not. When people ask me about inspiration, it becomes deep. The crazy part is when I start making stuff this wasn’t [originally] suppose to be a collection. Literally, I just start sewing stuff, and then I started making and then one, [became] two, [then it became] three, and then after a week or two, it started to look like a collection. So, this is really not a collection. This was like a little teaser and it turned out to be good.

What has been a lot of the inspiration that you have been seeking lately to design?

Lately, mhm! It’s so weird because I feel like I am behind. I don’t know how people view me from the outside but I have stuff that I literally made or designed or sketched that’s probably like a year or years and years old and months old. So, my current inspiration, honestly, I don’t know, because the stuff that I am releasing, I already have made and already had it visioned, so I don’t know what my mood was back then. [This] is such a hard question for me. I guess it’s how I feel. One day I’ll wake up and I’ll be like, “Hey, I wanna make this” or “I wanna do something [with this inspiration or concept] based off on the color and the type of fabric” or the next day I’ll throw it in the closet. My inspiration always comes from how I feel. Now if you want to get technical, like a person or place, I like … obviously [Young] Thug, A$AP, the typicals, I like Alton Mason, I’m inspired by that. Places! I travel to New Orleans. There is something that erupted there that I just can’t explain. So, New Orleans! Definitely! And New York. Fashion week. I love that scene! Period!

I always say that the way you design is very timeless. Obviously, with me saying this, you have been giving me that.

I appreciate it. That’s why I can’t really explain it.

I feel like your pieces are pieces that you can continuously wear on an on-and-on given basis. You’ll be able to look at them 10 years later and be like “Wow! I actually designed that?” People will be timely gravitating onto your art.

It’s funny that you say that, There are these wide lead pants and they are my top seller after 4 years.

What’s your favorite piece you ever designed overall?

Oh my god! Von! Ohhhh! That’s such a hard question, Von. No one has ever asked me that before. Um! Maybe this one ...

t’ll probably have to be this one because of the pockets. Even I'm impressed with the details of this jacket because, in my eyes, I wasn’t supposed to be a designer. I am self-taught. For me, when I start doing certain things and it works, I won’t be feeling myself but I’m like “Okay”. Just with the detailing alone, I just never taught I would be able to do something like that; never in a million years.

I like it because it makes me not want to carry a bag. I hate carrying a bag sometimes.

I agree.

I have a bad habit of not putting pockets on my pants because I just feel like it just takes the shape and forms away. I hate pockets. That’s why I have a zipper in the back. You may get a pocket but other than that, we’re going to put pockets on a jacket or coat or just carry a bag because I really hate pockets on pants.

So, you know I know your life!

No! Stop saying that! (laughs). Seriously, I love you to death, Von!

One thing that we both have in common is that we both have journalism in our background. You have the degree. I don’t have that degree. But I have like maybe 5 years [it’s actually more] of experience just consistently doing journalism.

I’m going to cut you off right there. You know you’re better off than I am because of your experience. See, I just went to school for journalism and got the degree but when I would try to apply for jobs, they would mainly ask if I have any experience. So your experiences make up for my four-year degree without any experience because you got to have experience no matter if you have a degree for it or not.

With me, it just happened when I was 15 years old and it ended up being my first job working for a local television network company, and then from there, it was writing for AJC and then VOX and then a few other freelance gigs nationally and internationally, freelance or mainstream. Journalism made me have interested in fashion because when I was working for a teen newspaper, VOX ATL, I was given a photojournalist assignment to shoot a fall fashion streetwear campaign and after doing all of the research and this guy introducing me to Polyvore and the former Style.com, that’s when I really started falling in love with fashion.

Make sense.

But my degree is in fashion.

Ohhhhh! Ok ok! Either way! I got you!

Yes! I have been in journalism longer but I have also been working mainly in fashion my entire career. Would you ever go back into journalism?

I eventually would. The reason why I wanted to be part of that world was that I wanted to be a television personality. Like hosting 106 & Park, any type of fashion shows like Fashion Police, for example, or radio. So eventually maybe. Once this [clothing line] gets to where it needs to go, I would get back into it.

ArtREV & Co. · Demariyon Is Always Humble

Another thing that we have familiar is is that we are both Georgia boys. You grew up in Thomasville and I was born and raised in Atlanta, although, my second home in Georgia is Eastman. That’s my father’s hometown which is not far from Thomasville. I have actually visited there a few times.

Look at you! Uh-huh! We here [eye-to-eye]!

(Laughs) Yes! So, how does growing up in a small town made you dream so big to where you are today?

Being from a small town was all I knew. My mother would be working. She was a single mom. But you see stuff on TV and wonder if I would ever see that or be that in person. I just always had the drive in me. This is so crazy. It’s weird that you are asking me these questions as I was just literally having a conversation the other day with one of my best friends. Overall, my mother was working all day, and then on my father’s side, they were a little more privileged. When I traveled, it was with them. So it was the drive of seeing my mother working and not having access to everything and then getting a peak from my father’s side and collecting a lot of their own establishments make up the puzzles of how I became who I am.

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur when you were much younger?

I don’t think so. I actually wanted to be an architect. I wanted to do something with computers and I was always drawing so I guess that influenced me wanting to be an architect which was around early middle school. After that era, that’s when I wanted to go into television production. I never thought in a million years that I would be self-employed.

For you to show interest in architecture, it goes right into being inspired to become a fashion designer because you’re still constructing.

It’s amazing you say that because you still have to have that eye … omg man, this is weird. [laughs] This is deep! During my first collection that was inspired by an African tribe, that collection with the shapes and designs gave me architectural inspiration. I guess you just confirmed it.

You’re welcome! It was one of my favorite collections by you, actually! Moving on, you then went to college and you became a NUPE (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity). How long have you been committed to the fraternity?

I pledged in 2012 of my senior year. So, it’s been 7 years now.

How was your college experience?

I feel that my college experience is what made me. Being able to just get into college from just being from a small town and then you meet different people from all over the world opened me up to many things. I met people and had conversations with people and traveled with these people. I feel like I could handle it. Instead of thinking about the next level, I just thought about how I was going to bring it up 10 notches. College was the best part of my life, ever! The first year and a half were a struggle trying to transition because I wasn’t always a schoolboy but it became fun eventually. I’m actually the first to graduate from college from both sides of my family. That was phenomenal for me and my family.

That explains your huge support from your family because I see them in the comments and they just be rooting for you. The uncle, sister, brother, cousin, grandma, aunties…

[Laughs] That’s why I keep it like that on Facebook just for them so they can have that.

Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

This is going to sound crazy but I don’t really have one, I’m most inspired by stylists and models. But designers… I love Givenchy. Ummm, it’s like being a rapper and you follow all rappers on your Instagram and some type of way, you’re going to become influenced. I like to try to be organic which is why I don’t really get into [mainstream] designers as often as I should. I literally just learned about Pyer Moss. To be honest, I really don’t have any. I'm influenced by people like you, Von, and many other influencers in this industry; people that actually [matter to me]. I’m just going to leave it at that.

For this next question, it may be a little deep but what were some of the spiritual aspects [towards your personal] perspectives about yourself that you had to let go of in order for you to grow as an individual?

Probably around a year or two ago, I realized that no matter what mistakes I make and things that I slack on, [my brand] is still going to happen. I made so many mistakes and it still continues to happen but this year I learned that my business would flourish if I don't work hard enough. If I work smaller, it’s not going to move. If I work bigger, it will become bigger. I focus on more of that than trying to balance a relationship and trying to sit and wait for certain times to come. Currently, I just make it happen. I felt that the mistakes that I made in the past had to do with not being the focus, so now I am more focused.

I can definitely relate to you on that because as an entrepreneur of 11 years plus, I have made so many mistakes. I was putting money in the wrong places that I felt would advance my business but instead, I just ended up losing so much of it. I also wasted a lot of time trying to do things that didn’t really matter or on projects that didn’t really connect with what I wanted to put out.

That’s how it happens. And people don’t understand how it feels to be in an entrepreneurial role until you become one. Because for years before I became one, I never thought about if I order something from somewhere like ASOS and I didn’t get it from them, naturally you’re just going to get your money back or you will eventually snap. When I became a company, I realized that even billionaire companies like Walmart are going through financial sufferings like bankruptcy and such. But people aren’t going to get that as a small business owner, we are literally doing everything from creating the idea, designing, marketing, and physically handling the product itself on top of personal life, relationships, family, friends, getting sick, or anything.

Absolutely! You are the actual reason why I had so much desire to become self-employed.

I’m the reason?

You definitely are! You taught me to walk on faith! It took me a long time to get out of that fear of being self-employed! I just became completely self-employed this year. It took me to walk out of my last job to say that enough was enough that I really needed to build my empire and take control of my own employment. I had three chances of being self-employed and the first two didn’t work out so well due to lack of support or just losing out on a lot of money.

You fell and you fall but you get right back up.

Exactly. This time I feel like I am accomplishing it because I co-manage the store that my partner owns, I am handling things with my creative agency, a nigga can finally be more available to support my friends and their brands, I get to record more on my family podcast and such! And then focus on my office!

Oh, I didn’t know all of that. Look at you! Congrats! I don’t wanna backtrack on my story or anything like that but I don’t wanna say that I prefer your story but at the same time, imagine knowing that you’re finally there how big it is going to become because you have learned all of these things. Of course, I took a walk out on faith but imagine blowing all up and then losing everything versus you, you had more experience. You failed more but you know the lessons if that makes sense to you. Don’t take those failures as anything because they are all experiences.

The first time I failed, I was about to give up. I remember us having a personal and deep conversation in our DMs …

One of the many personal conversations we have had.

Right! We almost felt like we were giving up and that was around the time I didn’t tell you that I was giving up but seeing you feeling like you were about to give up lead me to show you guidance on how to keep going. I thought that was such a beautiful moment with us because I told a lot of what I taught you and applied it to myself. Since I have been self-employed, I have gone to a therapist and I just taught her how to balance my everyday life as an entrepreneur.

I need to do that.

Trust me, it works. It definitely works because if you don’t have anyone else to talk to, your therapist is there to listen to your problems and give you advice that may be difficult for others to understand or co-exist with the thoughts and questions you’re looking to express and answer for your well being.

Oh my god! That’s deep! I may just need to get one.

I look at it this way. Sometimes, as entrepreneurs, we don’t have time to elope into ourselves because we’re too busy trying to take care of everything around us.

I may just need to do that because a lot of times I feel so alone. Most times, especially in Atlanta, I feel like a lot of people can’t relate to what it is like and it’s some dope people here that run their business but I feel like in my immediate circle, there’s no one who can really relate all the way. That would be good for me to just talk to someone and release all of those emotions.

ArtREV & Co. · Demariyon Learning “Ambivert”

Being an ambivert, I have to understand the social balance. My career requires me to be in front of everyone and to pull every bit of my extrovert personality but the things that go through my head are sometimes wanting to go away and elope with myself, staying at home, and just spending quality fucking time with myself. I’m kinda like an iPhone. Once it gets to zero percent, you need time to let your phone charge before using it again and that’s how I would like to describe my social health.

Maybe that’s what I am. What is it called again? [laughs]

Ambivert. A-M-B-I-V-E-R-T.

That’s definitely what I am because I have my moments of being out but like right now, I’m here at my house where I sit in and do work.

I love being at home.

I think it’s also because of age why I am becoming that way.

Which you are now in your 30s, early 30s!

Now I am. I’ll be 31 in March.

You still haven’t aged physically.

I’m going to knock on wood.

But you know, black don’t crack.

Yes, with your skin over here glowing.

[Smiles] I am going to ask you another question. When it comes to your work, what is the one thing that you want people to take from it?

Freedom! It’s always been that. It’s freedom, especially for men. I feel like from being in the black community growing up, you couldn’t wear skinny jeans, you couldn’t wear pink, you can’t do this, you can’t do that. Express yourself and be free. Who created all of these rules? God didn’t create that. That’s not in the bible. Freedom for everyone.

People seem to forget when referencing fashion history, men created certain looks that were feminine or androgynous back in the 1600s or 1700s. In today’s society, we’re being judged but we are approaching the mindset of becoming more gender influent. More androgyny in menswear is starting to showcase on the runway.

Baby, back in the day, they were doing it! Makeup and all!

Let’s go into that. What’s your favorite era in fashion?

The 70s. The wide legs are my thing right now. What is your favorite and why?

Mines are the 60s and 70s. The 60s because that’s when designers took initiative to pay attention to visual and contemporary artists and incorporate their designs of color and textures onto luxury garments that eventually started an artistic revolution throughout fashion and couture. The 70s because of black justice and culture.

You know more than me because I wasn’t supposed to be doing this.

[both laughs]

I’m learning a lot from you.

Who would you say is your number one fan?

My number one fan?

Yeah!

Probably You.
Disinclude me. (laughs)

But, I hate saying fan.

Disinclude me because I’m more to you than that now.

True! My mother would be my number one fan then. I have other people who are supporters but my mother dies hard for me. Then there are these guys who have Instagram names after me. So, probably that. (laughs) Flyydotcom.

How did you come up with Flyydotcom?

I used to have a T-shirt brand called Certified Fly. Then people used to call me Fly Guy in college. I did this fashion show and the theme they had me do was the 80s and I was in charge of styling 30 male models. I didn’t think I could do it but murdered it. So that’s how I got the name.

This next question can be for both of us but how do you handle anxiety?

Let me just say you’re weird.

[Laughs]

I feel like this entire talk is meant to be. These questions, Von! It’s funny that you are asking me this because my rapper friend, Tokyo Jetz, has a book coming out and she sent me the book. I just read the book this morning. In the book, she talks about dealing with anxiety and depression and while I was reading it, I was crying because I kept realizing that all of the things that she was mentioning were something that I could relate to. I didn’t recognize my anxiety until I read her book. It’s funny how you don’t know you have anxiety until you see it from someone else’s point of view.

I know that your biggest inspiration and supporter is your mother. I want to know how she has made such an impeccable remark on your successful journey and how has that affected the relationship between you and her?

Seeing my mother work a lot and provide for the entire family has made a huge impact on my life. There was never anything [my siblings and I] needed that she didn’t give to us. We may not have gotten the things that we wanted but we definitely had what we needed. No disrespect to my dad but she will always be my mom and dad because she was there physically. Watching her provide taught me so much.

Are you the oldest or the youngest?

I’m the middle child.

Dang. We have a lot in common because I was also raised in a single mother home.

And see! That’s why we are [seeing eye-to-eye].

Now that you are in your 30s, what are some of the goals that you have in place for your brand?

Right now, I just want to expand. That’s my biggest thing. I know what I need to do to accomplish this. I know what I need to work on and such. So, right now, I just feel like the best thing for me to do is to expand. I just want everything to make sense. I don’t want to rush anything. I’m living in the moment and time, so I want to be able to focus on that. As cocky as that may sound, that is where my mind is.

ArtREV & Co. · Demariyon Is Grateful For Travon

Written & Edited By: Travon Bracey

[Interviewed in November 2019]