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

Hi Darrius, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Myself and my brother Kevin, also known as “Dough,” decided to take recording music and creating music videos seriously. One of Dough’s mentors told him that he needed to create a label for his music, and he approached me with the idea, and I was on board.

One evening in 2011, life was forever changed. After finishing Dough’s music video, I was preparing to upload it to YouTube; but realized I needed a name for the channel. I spent countless hours intensively researching and finally came up with a name that would stick with us for the rest of his life. That night, Visionary Acts was born.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

“Be Positive. Be Productive. Be Passionate.” These three phrases combine to define the mantra that drives the CEO and Founder of Visionary Acts, LLC, Darrius Mylze Johnson.

From a musically and artistically inclined family, Darrius was destined to travel a similar path. Surrounded by inspiration his entire life, he enthusiastically pursues the things that most interest him.
Memories of drawing, as far back as kindergarten, are some of his fondest. He recalls his mother buying him lots of books to sketch in because he was always leaving drawings at people’s houses. He smiles about a time he was walking through their neighborhood trying to sell them for $1 each. Even then, there was pride behind the efforts he put forth in his craft, and he liked it.

Love of music, graphics and cameras came naturally and effortlessly. No matter what the interest, he found a way to make it work for him. Even dance – another way he found to express himself – specifically Krump.
Darrius and his brother Kevin, also known as “Dough,” decided to take recording music and creating music videos seriously. One of Dough’s mentors told him that he needed to create a label for his music, and he approached his younger brother with the idea, and he was on board.

One evening in 2011, life was forever changed. After finishing Dough’s music video, Darrius was preparing to upload it to YouTube; but realized he needed a name for the channel. He spent countless hours intensively researching and finally came up with a name that would stick with him for the rest of his life. That night, Visionary Acts was born.
Since then, he’s been determined to find new and creative ways to expand his brand. As more people invested in the brand, the more he began to realize he was creating something special.

With years of hard work, dedication and personal investment, he’s built a multimedia production company with a team of individuals, who see and share his vision. Darrius feels he’s come a long way; but he still has a great deal of work ahead of him. Not one to shy away from hard work, he’s adapted a “whatever it takes” attitude. With his faith in God, support from family, friends and clients, he knows all the sacrifice today will yield bountiful fruits for tomorrow that will allow him to continue doing what he loves. Creating beauty for others to behold.

When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, he said, “Not as a role model; but as an inspiration to others. Through community work. Through the hard work I’ve left behind. That I helped many people from my city and beyond. Even if all my accomplishments are forgotten, I hope people will remember me as one who found a way to smile through troubled times. One who worked while no one was watching. And finally, one who served, gave and
helped to build up the community.” Profound words from a dynamic and passionate young man, who makes steps into his greatness, every day. A true visionary indeed.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Great customer service, great turnaround times, and providing quality work. The majority of my clientele was built from word of mouth and sustaining relationships with great people. The one thing I’ve learned was that even if the person forgets what you did for them, they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Traveling and networking in various events. Open mouths don’t get fed and there’s rooms filled with people ready to give opportunities. As a multimedia production company, I’ve ran into plenty of people that needed marketing assistance or events to be documented for their business/private event.

Most important part is giving them a efficient way to contact you. I prefer a business card due to great presentation and direct access to your contact information.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.visionaryacts.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/visionaryacts_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/visionaryacts
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/visionaryacts
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/visionaryacts
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/visionaryacts

Image Credits
Bernard Jackson of Visually Sweet Studios Jeffrey B Photography Edward Cohen Chucky Crespo Brittain Perez Productions Leonard Underwood of Underwood Photo