Conversations with Don Julio Jr.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Julio Jr.

Hi Don, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started back around 2010/2011 in High School. I was always the kid in the hallways or lunchroom you would catch doing the latest trendy dance. I had auditioned for the school’s step team but completely blew it because I was so nervous I forgot the routine, even though I had practiced day in and day out. I was so devastated because I began to see a trend of failures i.e.; football, track, etc. Later that year, I auditioned as a rap act for the end of year talent show and a dance act for the senior talent show and made both which relit the flame that had dying out.

I eventually joined the USAF where I was a part of the drill team during my training in technical school. Once stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama I attended Alabama State University and joined a coed dance team originating from Chicago, Illinois called House Arrest 2 Championship Dance Team Incorporated.

After serving two years as the chapter President, I transferred to the University of North Alabama to study nursing. It was a big culture shock leaving an HBCU to attend a PWI that didn’t have a dance team other than the dance line girls. Being that I loved to dance, I started my own dance team called The Royal Mafia but that was very short-lived as I made a life-changing decision to drop out of school and move to Atlanta to pursue my dance career. It’s been four years and I haven’t looked back since.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been a rocky road, from losing my car and house facing homelessness, losing my job and not having any source of income.

When I moved to Atlanta, I auditioned for different dance companies. I would make it to callbacks and then hit a dead end. In the beginning, I took it hard because I knew I had the passion and drive to be a great dancer; I just needed the extra push.

In this industry, it’s normal to hear the word “No” but I am thankful for Cici Kelley who took a chance and believed in me pushing me to limits I didn’t know I could reach.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I don’t like to sell myself short because I love to create. I am a Creative Director, Photographer, Videographer, Choreographer, Dancer, Model and Movement Coach.

I specialize in transforming creative visions into beautiful masterpieces.

I am most proud of successfully starting my business Don Julio Jr. Productions LLC as of October 23, 2020 in honor of my bestfriend Trayvond Griffin. The focus of my company is providing independent artists who need the creative push and assistance to take them to where their dreams can truly unfold. The services we provide are artist development, choreography, staging, creative direction, photography, videography and movement coaching.

What sets me apart from others is my creative eye and determination to push the envelope. I’m not afraid of creating something meaningful even if it means going against the grain to make it happen. A lot of times people focus on what people think instead of what is going to make people feel.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Once you find your purpose in life, take that God-given light and use it to inspire others. Don’t allow the doubts and fear of judgment from others hold you back because you can succeed if you just try. I am a living witness that if you believe in yourself even when your family, friends and others don’t YOU WILL MAKE IT. The journey won’t be easy but it will all be worth it.

I also want to thank Groove2Musik and Antonio Mincy for pouring into me. Their guidance and support has a big influence on where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/don.juliojr?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC3q0i88-QiB2QSSzLXd-Hwg

Image Credits
Models: @ak.kahya @iamqveena @serenajoyce_ @thediamondelyse Photographers: @tmcguirejr @purplefishtm @torrian.etcetera @joeybstudio @thewildandinlove