Today we’d like to introduce you to Donvinnie Boykin.
Hi Donvinnie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my journey, at the age of 19 while attending The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga as a high fashion model. I initially went there to study Business Marketing. It was then when I meet my best friend and photographer Erickah Holmes. She was taking up photography as a hobby at the time and a friend of mine suggested that a shoot with her. At the time I didn’t know what I was doing but I agreed to do the shoot anyway. After the shoot, I got my photos back from her, and she and I were both shocked at how well they turned out. That moment forever changed my life. That year I was signed to an agency and began my modeling career.
While modeling, I fell in love with the behind the scenes aspect as well as the overall creative process. I then began to seek after fashions schools and found Bauder College School of Art & Fashion. While attending there to take up design classes and fell in love with the art of fashion and styling. I began to learn the tricks and trade of the behind the scenes aspects as well as the creative process. For as long as I can remember I have always been shy and even though I enjoyed modeling, I didn’t really like being at the forefront of things. So I switch my directives and began working behind the scenes.
With all of this, I felt like it has led me to where I am in life. When it comes to my business as well as my brand. I have always been aware of my surroundings as well as my strengths and weaknesses, and when it comes to betting on my myself I always go with my gut instinct. I have taken every aspect of my life and career and I have put it into my brand as well as my business. Modeling taught me how to sell a product, and be a product, being behind the scenes taught me how to creatively bring that product to life, as well as brand and build it with a vision and purpose. Also being in the industry taught me how to always be different as well as push harder with everything that I do.
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 has definitely been a struggle on this road to success. Especially in 2018 when my father passed away suddenly. During that time I said out loud, ” I don’t want to be in the fashion industry anymore’. I stepped away and fell into a state of depression as well as lost all hopes, dreams and aspirations. During that year I felt so many emotions, and sought help from my doctor, and got diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It was then I felt at my lowest. Sitting in front of my doctor, having them verbally telling me about my mental health literally broke my heart even more. At this moment the doctor begins to tell me that I might need to seek medication due to me suffering from this diagnosis. It was at this moment something clicked, and I told myself that I was worth more, so I began to write. I began to write my thoughts and how I was feeling and literally a year later I had the idea to take what I was writing and turn it into a book. My first book is called R.E.V.E.A.L. ” The Year Without My Dad”. Through this journey, it allowed opened up about my mental health, as well as the vulnerability aspect of being an African American Male.
Throughout this process, it was also difficult for me to just be open about what happened to me as well as to bear all in my book. I also had challenges with how I thought people we receive me, and take me seriously as an Author. Coming from the fashion industry as a model, people think that models are just a face, and transitioning to telling my story was difficult.
As a creative, it’s often challenging when you’re working on projects for people to actually understand the passion as well as the hard work. I had to learn that I’m not doing it for others I’m simply using my God given talents to hopefully inspire and motivate others to do the same.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I must say I believe I was destined to be where I am today. It’s all in my name. Donvinnie Boykin. I believe my father knew. Well, I am an Author, Model, Actor, Entrepreneur, Stylist, Designer, Creative Director, Producer, Philanthropist.
I am the author of My First Book R.E.V.E.A.L. ” The Year Without My Dad” sold anywhere books are sold online. Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc.
Model for Ralph Lauren, Bronner Brothers Hair show, as well as Elite Photography.
Actor Tyler Perry Meet The Browns Season 3 & Rockmond Dunbar Paster Brown (Movie)
Owner and CEO Of Encore Entertainment Groups (Marketing & Production Agency) At Encore we provide Marketing/PR Services for aspiring models/actors as well as video production services.
Owner And CEO OF Donvinnie Boykin The Brand LLC Motivation speaker, brand consultant, signature candle line 2021
Wardrobe Stylist ( Bre America’s Next Top Model, Keyshia Cole, Joslyn Penny Well America’s Next Top Model
Designer
Creative Director, Bronner Brothers Hair show 2009 & 2010, Us Talk Tv Show 2021 REVEAL LIVE SERIES 2021
Producer Us Talk TV Show 2021
Philanthropist Lupus Foundation Of America Ga Chapter, When we all vote, & Stop Bullying Now Campaign
I am most proud of my Book and becoming an author. It gave me the freedom to be myself. Not only that but coming from a small town in West Tennessee, it taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to.
I would have to say my creativity sets me apart from others as well as just being different and not being afraid to stand out and create my own path.
What matters most to you? Why?
The thing that matters the most to me is creating my own, as well as remaining humble. I have been in the industry like I said since the age of 19. I have had several doors slammed in my face. However, I have had to find ways to create my own entrance. I had to invest in myself. I also had to gather my own supplies and build my own door, and create my path and my own way in.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@iamdonvinnie.com
- Website: iamdonvinnie.com
- Instagram: iamdonvinnie
- Facebook: Donvinnie Boykin
- Twitter: Donvinnie Boykin
- Youtube: Donvinnie Boykin
Image Credits:
DeAndre Lemans
Slingshots Photography (@slingshots.atl)
