We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darius Winborn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darius below.

Hi Darius, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk being the voice and the motivation in my city and county of Lorain. In a time where people do not want to commit and invest in their neighborhoods or in the youth and what we have in our community. We could be better than what it is today. I took the risk in starting The Grind League. A nonprofit organization that I wanted to use as a voice and a collective action to programs and projects that are needed within our community that we do not have and are not provided to us through our city or government. Taking this risk was important to me because I see no one else doing it, we all have goals to become great at what we do and then leave to a bigger city I looked at my city of Lorain and said it’s great! I can do great things here. Why not here? Why can’t it be me? So I chose to invest, I chose to research, and I chose to take action and commit to my community as a social entrepreneur and somewhat of a social activist. Being the voice for the youth and volunteer, by starting projects and programs that they want to be involved in, hosting events that they want to participate, have fun, and have everyone be welcomed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’ve been a DJ for 14 years and counting. I started with graduation in house party events towards the end of my senior year of high school at Lorain County JVS. From there mixing in between performances at Cleveland’s former Peabody’s club and the Agora. Traveling acts and local would perform and I’d be the main or side stage DJ. I then began traveling as a DJ and started production training. Throughout that time of graduating in 2009 , I attended LCCC receiving a certificate in Small Business Development. Later operating my LLC Grind Mobile Pro Sound Entertainment, focusing on audio visual media and event production with DJ services. My energy and brand quality is what has continued to set me apart from my competition along with my ability to mix and perform in different arenas and rooms of cultures. Coming from a diverse city like Lorain I don’t shy away from any genres when DJing or hosting. It’s my driving force in my sound and hospitality to my current and future clients needs. “GetMotiv” is my slogan associated with my D*Grind name/brand. It’s meaning is loud and welcoming, be you, have fun in the moment, be positive, as long as you not hurting anybody, do you, GetMotiv!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The Grind League is a nonprofit organization based in Lorain County that I started to provide more access, information, and opportunities for our young people to participate within their communities. With Community Togetherness Fest, Grind League 3×3(3ON3), and summer pop-up events throughout Lorain are creative ways to incorporate different aspects in bringing people together. New ways of old-school neighborhood-building and networking. Knowing what’s going on in our cities while having a good time and talking about issues and providing awareness or resources to those in need. The organization goals are numerous but first we want to continue the collaboration and teamwork with other organizations/groups in the community already and brainstorm ways to make things happen or increase in a progressive route.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I feel earning any amount of wage from your talent is truly a blessing. Though the money can’t overshadow what you do, it’s the connection to the people. As a DJ you have the chance to build a bond with the people on a dance floor making a memory having a moment it’s all more than a vibe it’s body language, environment, sound, & lil’ something else that all brings it together. When your in that moment as a DJ with the crowd or small room, that’s rewarding, it feels like Gold to me. Mission accomplished!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/1d_grind
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/people/1d_grind/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darius-j-winborn-74093254?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/1d_grind
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dgrindlive554
• Other: https://m.mixcloud.com/D_Grind/

Image Credits
Photos by Chris Goody & Others