Today we’d like to introduce you to Desmond Der’Vil.
Desmond, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When thinking about how I started, I find myself laughing because I don’t feel I have even started yet, I’ve just begun to scratch the surface of starting. I can honestly say I got where I am today by making a few bad decisions, hustle, and faith.
I grew up in a small town in eastern North Carolina, about an hour from the Virginia state line. When speaking specifically of the arts, I started at Church. Choir, Praise Dancing, Oratorical Contests for Black History Month, Plays, the list could possibly go on. From there, I began to have an appreciation for public speaking, performing and what I didn’t realize at the time, entertaining. I always enjoyed making my peers laugh and entertaining them, but I didn’t quite grasp I could make it a career. I grew up in families where you worked regular jobs. There weren’t many creatives haha. I would oftentimes keep quiet about it (acting, performing, etc.) honestly from fear of judgement. It took me quite a few years to get to a point I could be confident in going after what I wanted; Being content with my decisions and the feelings others had about them.
Once I did however, I knew I wouldn’t stop, and That’s where I am today. Confidently trying to build a name for myself in the film and media world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve faced quite a few struggles. Many lessons came from them, as well. I attended Winston-Salem State University in 2006 after graduating High School and majored in Mass Communications. After three years, I left; I was not focused. I wanted to make money any way I could, clubbed almost every night of the week, barely went to class a story of many, I’m sure. So in 2010 after three years, I was in the real world with real bills, looking for real money haha. I worked a few dead-end jobs I had one that stuck by me, a natural skincare store The Body Shop.
In 2013 I started a career in banking that has provided the foundation for me to chase my dreams. Acting classes, headshots, equipment, tools, networking is not cheap – so I have had to work to keep up with those things.
In 2018 I leveraged an opportunity with a job I performing at the time to relocate to Atlanta. I knew with taking that leap of faith. I may fall – I just didn’t know when. So after about four months by 30th birthday, to be exact, I was laid off. After about a month of sitting at home looking for work, I found myself driving LYFT full time. The only thing I will say is I commend any rideshare professional. It’s not an easy task. There were times I drove all night, prayed I would even make it home safe coming from some rough areas, but I did. After about three months of driving and 20,000 miles later, I got a contract with a local commercial bank and from there, I have been trying to sustain and still HUSTLE.
Dervil & Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My most current business is As the Crime Turns: The True Crime Podcast. An anthology podcast I created using the Anchor FM platform.
After auditioning, getting some callbacks, barely getting booked, I started to think of other ways I could put myself out there. I took a love of true crime, and the desire to create, and made As the Crime Turns. The podcast has been a trial and error experience for me in the world of podcasting, content creation, marketing, and overall business. I have learned so much I was inspired to form my own corporation, and honestly try other content!
I formed Dervil and Co Inc, in the state of Georgia with the goal of creating my own production and content company. Starting with podcasts, and eventually taking on film. I have been looking for the right people for a while to build a team, but it is extremely hard here in the A. Everyone has their own dream, no time for yours lol. Right now, I have a graphic artist that’s amazing, that’s her artwork I submitted. I know with time the right people will come. In the meantime, I’m working on two podcast ideas for Dervil & Co, one a scripted true crime mini-series, the other a “talk show” discussing lifestyle matters.
What sets me apart, I feel, is creating a “scripted series”. A lot of podcasts today are “off the cuff” vibes discussing current events and giving their opinion, which are great as they are super relatable. I feel I come from a place of wanting to tell a good story and honing in on that skill.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I would say the only thing I DON’T do to determine success, is allow someone else’s portrayal of success, define mine. If you are able to make it every month head above water, you’re successful in my eyes. I am successful now. I may not be as successful as I’d like to be but I am however successful. I get up I go to work, I make the money I need to eat, live, and continue to pursue my passion until I am working my passion daily. That makes me successful. Success is defined to me by sustainability, even if you’re just getting by, you’re getting by. I wish people would give themselves more credit.
Oprah Winfrey said it best. “Be Thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If all you do is concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never have enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.asthecrimeturnspodcast.com
- Email: asthecrimeturnspodcast@gmail.com || DervilandCoInc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @asthecrimeturnspodcast @thedesmonddervil
- Twitter: @asthecrimeturns
- YouTube: DesmondDerVil
Image Credit:
Photos of Desmond – Slingshots Photography (Atlanta, GA)
Graphic Artwork – Shuttermind Designs
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