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

Alright, Derrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

So I am my father’s son (we literally have the same first name) but unlike him I am a risk taker. If you know yourself and you have an energy flowing within you beyond explanation for something you want, take the risk. There is no reason to waste time and contemplate on something you think about everyday. Yes there may be things like information or access that you lack as key tools to start but if there is a will there is always a way. I had just the right amount of money to start my company and embark on the path I have been walking but, not nearly enough to keep going year after year. Investments from family and friends started pouring in after they witnessed the impact of my visions after the first two events. If I would’ve never risked going broke and being fine with any outcome possible I would have never grew an audience and authentic supporters, made the great connections I have with the people in these creative spaces, nor would I have been doing something I truly enjoy doing while making money. Now TRUNIVERSE is a word worth hearing.

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?

Derrick Mayo is the birth given name but “Dachi” is the name I am recognized for. Dachi being a word that is slang for friend really is the perfect title for me hence the reason I even took the risk of starting “TRUNIVERSE.LLC”. In 2020 Covid had people up in arms but my friend Darian “Kaih” had the urge to perform. So me being a rebel and not letting the limitations of Covid stop us from expressing ourselves we started planning a showcase.

I was in school at North Carolina A&T at the time studying as a media design major, so I was already building the world of “TRUNIVERSE” prior to the opportunity. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, people were itching for a fun time and we were the two to provide it. Having many friends that are creative and artists is nice but when they are good and have talent it is even better. So I hit up my homies and we got to work. To explain what Truniverse is and why I am even in this magazine would be an honor. Truniverse is a multimedia company that brings a multitude of experiences to any attendee or viewer. When it comes to production of all kinds such as, comic books, showcases of musical talent, fashion shows, art shows, etc. the energy given from the artists and the environment is not something the underground community sees everyday. These events have lore within them which adds on a more immersive feel for the audience. The stories are told through the art before the show, the theme of the show, and the running of the show, it all plays apart in the story being told. Each individuals performing art has a story of their own to tell as well and that is what I assist in doing, because I want their story to be told just as much as they do. The vision I instilled in the creation of Truniverse, is to bring people together as a community, tell and depict great stories and, be greater than Disney, simple.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When it comes to building a reputation, gaining respect, gaining an audience, marketing yourself and your business, you have to know what you have and who you are talking to. You have to go out and show love to the people around you, show face and mingle. You cannot be afraid to talk about what you have going on, especially in your 20’s which is your building stage. Networking is one of the most important things in life because I am sure you heard the saying, “it is not what you know, but who you know”. If you know what you have to present to the public, know your audience, and know people who can assist you and be apart in anyway possible, you will be just fine. Having a plan is another strong suit of mine. Knowing what I want to do and how I want to do it in all areas from behind the scenes to presentation and showtime is another big part to how I’ve been building my reputation. Rollouts are a major key and you are on no one else’s time but yours, remember that.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Just because people are onboard, do not expect them to care about it as much as you or put in as much work as you do without being on them about it. Everyone is different so peoples work ethics are different. As long as you are willing to learn how to compliment everyone involved or know how to orchestrate, knowing you will be the head of the operation everything should go well enough for satisfaction. I had to take into account that, yes this is my baby, this is my vision, I cannot do the whole process of the project by myself. You do have to give up some control in certain areas and let willing members take on some of the tasks for you. It will relieve unnecessary stress and can lead to avoiding some unwanted faults during showtime. You just have to appoint people to the right positions. I am not saying to grant every suggestion and offer but taking it into consideration can be useful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_.truniverse._
• Twitter: _trUniverse_

Image Credits
@baseddanwiththecam & @eyeite_dachi