We were lucky to catch up with Jhonn De La Puente recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jhonn, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
I will share with you all the first client I got when I launched my photography and video company. I was new to the city at that time and did not know anyone. So I turned to social media. I started looking up on Facebook for upcoming events. Made a list of them all and started inboxing and in some cases calling people directly letting them know who I was and that I was willing to come to their event and take pictures for FREE. Yes, I said it. For FREE. See if you know your gift, your talent and you know that you should serve others with it, then you should have no problems doing what I did to start off. I knew that once I got my foot in the door after I took the pictures and people saw them I would start getting referrals for my services. That is exactly what happened.
I will never forget it. My first client Shellita Boxie professional actor and stunt actor @shellitaboxie put together an event for the movie “Girls Trip” When this movie came out it was a movement of Queens out here in the streets wanting to support the film with Tiffany Haddish @tiffanyhaddish, Queen Latifah @queenlatifah, Regina Hall @morereginahall, and many other star studded actors produced by Will Packer @willpowerpacker @willpackerproductions and directed by Malcolm D. Lee. I reached out to her without knowing her via a DM on Facebook. She told me she already had a photographer and that she would not need another. Basically she said NO!
As I continue down this rabbit hole of dm’s to all these local event organizers I kept telling myself that at least one person will say yes. It was my birthday weekend and I wanted to launch my photography and video company on my birthday. No luck so far. Until later on that afternoon, Shellita contacted me and said if I was still available to come and cover her event that evening. I said YES! What is the address and what time do you need me there. That was it. Ever since then, I have been booked based on referrals from my past clients and work. Word of mouth is a powerful tool we all should aspire to obtain business from. And that was how I got my first client with my photography business. Hustle and Grind + Favor and Grace most importantly believe in yourself and your creative mind.
Jhonn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those that don’t know of me, let me tell you where my story begins. My story began the moment God thought of creating me. The continuation of that story is as follows. I am an Afro-Latino, a black latino/hispanic man from Brooklyn, NY. Both of my parents are from The Dominican Republic. I lived in DR from the age of five until ten when I came back to the states. I was born in Harlem NY and raised in Crown Heights Brooklyn, so I am a USA citizen and I am not looking to get married for a green card (laugh here).
“I moved to Atlanta, GA about a year and a half ago to pursue my goals and aspirations in the entertainment industry as a working entertainer/actor and branch out with my photography and video company after my two children gave me their blessings to do so. I’ve had great success doing so thus far and it has only been by the grace of God that I’ve had many doors open. My life plan has always been to inspire and motivate others. From a business perspective my plan was and has been the following. First-year and a half of moving to Atlanta; do background work to add an additional stream of income. While doing background work, my intentions were to make connections, learn how the tv and film industry and production work from the inside. Build and cultivate genuine friendships with PA’s (production assistants), wardrobe, hair and make-up, and DP’s, a DP s the camera guy/gal and I have done that too. Getting featured in major films and tv shows was also part of my goal which I have been blessed to do as well. Having the opportunity to do stand-in (SI) and photo double (PD) work was also on my list and that is checked off. I go hard like my life depends on it because it does. So I am always reviewing my goals and setting new ones all the time.”
ACTING
I actually wrote this in VoyageATL September 10th, 2021 and you can find out more about me there and the journey I was on. Here is the link:
http://voyageatl.com/interview/life-work-with-jhonn-de-la-puente-of-atlanta-ga/
Today I will share with you about how important it is to review your goals and setting new ones all the time. As you can see, you read my last sentence in the above paragraph about reviewing and setting new goals. In film and tv I accomplished to get a line on a tv show called “Big Door Prize.” Getting that opportunity to audition on the spot in front of other actors, camera and crew and of course the director who picked me out of seven other people was a blessing. This chance to have dialogue opposite the talented Chris O’Dowd who stars in the show, allowed me to become SAG-AFTRA eligible. This was one of my goals that I set out to do as a background artist and I am humbled and blessed and give God thanks for allowing me to realize yet another one of my goals. Enough with my acting business. Let’s get to the other side of me as an entrepreneur.
BACK STORY
While homeless at the beginning of this past journey, I used to own and operate a mobile business called Safe “N” Secure Cellutions, LLC. It was an electronic device (cell phones) storage business in Brooklyn, NY and we served high school students. We basically stored their cell phones during school class hours because they were not allowed to bring it inside the school. So I decided and made the decision to get a few vans, create my own system of storing the cell phones inside the vans and we would park in front of the high schools and collect money for storing them.
I have to give a big shout out my employees and partners at that time who made this possible. Stacey Bonello IG: @bonello_productions, Jonathan Arnau on Facebook, Andrea Womack, Shelley Alleyne on Facebook and of course my two amazing children Jah’Shua and Jah’Naya. Without these humans we would not have been able to make Safe ‘N” Secure Cellutions, LLC into what it became. I beacon of service to the community, schools and the students who we served in many ways. This is one way my students (clients) served the community. They helped us go feed the homeless at soup kitchens and many other activities. You can read more about this business that I ran for four years successfully in The New Yorker Magazine article here:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/making-money-phone-home
ENTREPRENEUR PART I
Now to my new venture and new goal. I am happy to announce my partnership with Beach Hut as a franchisee. The business itself has been in existence for 17 years. It was founded by Yafa Shem Tov. Daniel Miller, Yafa’s business partner and better half was the one that introduced me to this opportunity. He is instrumental in the rapid growth of Beach Hut. I once was a client of his with a different business he had a few years back and he once was a client of mine with my photography and video services a few years back as well. This connection was divinely orchestrated by God and only God. I had not spoken to Daniel Miller in over fours years. This is why it is important to build relationships based on your professionalism, integrity, values, amazing services or products and who you are as a brand and person. Had it not been for some of these qualities I never would have crossed his mind when the idea came to his mind to reach to me.
Beach Hut is now opening in many locations throughout the USA. The demand for the products and services are high and we have a proven track record and model of 17 years. The brand of Beach Hut is strong and it is getting stronger with each sale and location we open up.
I am the owner and operator of one location as of right now nevertheless I have my eyes set on 5 in the next three years or before. It is my dream business. I am by the beach, beautiful weather, white sand, blue and green ocean warm water selling temporary tattoos, hair wraps, body piercings. It is a very lucrative business and anyone who is reading this and is interested in this type of franchise should get in contact with me and I will make the opportunity for you to own and operate your franchise come to fruition. We have limited opportunities left so if you are interested shoot me an email and get in contact with me. High profit margins on the overall structure of the franchise. Looking forward to what the future has in store for me and this partnership as we continue to open up more locations.
What sets us apart from others is that we are actually a brand that has proven its value in the past two decades. We use nothing but quality inks, stencils, threads and hair extensions and you will always experience above and beyond customers service with a smile and partners with great attitudes ready to service your needs.
FILM and TV
Now to speak on my other entrepreneurial business. My acting in film and tv. My most recent and upcoming projects. I recently attended the screening and premiere for a film called “American Girl” official selection of the Peachtree
Village International Film Festival 2022 and official selection of DTLA Film Festival 2022, which screened at the annual PVIFF Awards @pviff in Atlanta, GA. In the movie I play the part of Joe. A grumpy landlord who questions his decision to rent a room to Sydney. This film was produced by film producer Sharlene Falls, written and directed by the very talented, Al Robbins starring Jamila C. Gray @milabucks as Sydney who recent also starred in “The Come Up” as Bri a film directed by the talented actress, producer and director Sanaa Lathan. It is a great film with many great messages for our community and those around the world. The cast is very talented and it also stars Pamela Ricardo as Vernell @pamelathebeauty and Atlanta’s very own Shay Mack @theofficialshaymack and many others to name a few.
Recently also premiered another movie internationally in Jamaica called “Second Chance” We have screened it in several states already and this was our first international premiere. The movie is written, directed and produced by Cleon A. James. @cleonajames. I play a lead character named ALPHA who’s only loyalty is to his money. The movie also stars with the award winning and very talented, Netflix queen of cinema, Merlisa Determined @merlisadetermined as DANA my love interest and the internationally known reggae artist Spragga Benz who also starred in the cult classic SHOTTAS. He plays DAVID in the film a high school friend to ALPHA turned adversary.
I also have another independent film being released soon called “Til Death Do Us Part” written and directed by Kierra “Kee” Mariah. A dramatic horror film where I play the character of Bradley McDonagh. This was a fun project and looking forward to watching it in its entirety.
Currently working on a series called COIN$ written and produced by Kumali Neptune and directed by award winning and multi talented Bobby Huntley II @bhuntleyfilms. Working with Bobby was one of my goals and I finally can say I have done so. In this series I play the character of PEGASUS a smart Atlanta business man who works with the Mexican cartel. Things get crazy really quick. Another project with amazing talent and faces you will recognize. I am thankful and grateful for all for the opportunities I’ve had to be part of all these amazing and fruitful projects.
ENTREPRENEUR II
On to tell you all about my other project as an entrepreneur. This is a passion project of mine that now has caught the attention of a few known celebrities. I started an apparel company called Support Afro Latino Entertainers @supportafrolatinoentertainers.
We are starting out with hoodies for the fall/winter seasons of the fourth quarter in 2022. This idea was birthed from the lack of inclusion we see in film and tv for Afro Latinos. Basically black hispanics in the industry. Our goal is to bring more awareness to this and as we bring this to the forefront we pray that we can bring enough light to this cause to help more Afro Latinos get the chance to audition for principal roles not just background roles in tv and film. But we are not just stopping there. This is also for all creatives that feel they are left out in their perspective field of the arts. For example, DJ’s, rappers, singers, dancers, poets, writers, influencers, etc.
Support Afro Latinos Entertainers was modeled after the successful movement called Support Black Colleges @supportblackcollege. Thankful to these brothers and founders for their vision. we will take it from here and hopefully form a partnership that will serve the other aspect of our blackness: Afro-Latinos.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I am pivoting right now. I was fully immersed in my acting career and this opportunity presented itself that will allow me to further my tv and film aspirations down the line. The freedom to have multiple streams of income while pursuing your other dreams is the DREAM. It is this type of PIVOT in life that will get you that FREEDOM. You have to learn to take risks and take the jump without the parachute. If you don’t have that type of mentality your situation will never change. The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result. Albert Einstein said that and it is true. I have found in my life’s journey that every-time I made a pivot and went in a different direction but still having the ball in hand ready to shoot my shot at the basket, it always paid out. It leveled me up to the next phase of my life. In a game of basket ball when you stop to pivot, you have one thing and only one thing in my, to get that shot in by you or passing it to someone else to score. so just because you find yourself pivoting it doesn’t mean you are not focused on the end result which is scoring. Now, another thing that I learned is this. In your pivoting, you can not be indecisive. If you pivot, you have to make that quick decision. Am I going to pump fake and shoot or am I passing the ball. You don’t have time to be second guessing yourself. Make the decision, stick to it and execute it. That is what I did with this franchise opportunity. Example, when I was having a conference call with the franchisors, after talking to me feeling me out they asked me how soon can I fly to meet with them. I said give me the address and I will catch a flight out tonight. Just like that. No hesitation, no questioning myself. I pivoted and shot my shot. Didn’t pass the ball by asking questions. Sometimes you just have be that way and just shoot. I was there in their presence the next day talking business. Always remember to shoot your shot no matter what the outcome is just like in the black and white picture of me in this article. SHOOT IT!!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes absolutely. Starting with my biggest motivational, inspirational and story telling life book. My bible. Can not live without it. Next are several go to books. First is, Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert “Secrets of a Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker, The Richest Man in Babylon, The 4-Hour Work Week, How To Win Friends and Influence People, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Principles and Power of Vision by Dr. Myles Munroe, Releasing Your Potential, A Man of Purpose and Power both by him as well, the Art of War by Sun Tzu. These are just some of my go too’s. Have many more in my library including my very own eBook called 101 Ways To Motivation and Success in 1 Hour. It is free for you to download just send me your email and I will make sure you get it. My way to serve my community and humans in general. You will be blessed. Speaking of books, I will also be releasing to the market finally my full length book 64, ooo word count “Think and Grow in Your Gift” How to Discover the Secrets to Spiritual Evergreen Success and An Abundant Life in 1 week due out December 21, 2022. Visit my instagram page @jhonndelapuenteofficialpage click on my linktree link in my bio to get on my waiting list. Thanks for your support ahead of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jhonndelapuentephotography.com, www.supportafrolatinoentertainers.org, www.supportafrolatinoactors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhonndelapuenteofficialpage/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jhonndelapuente
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/delapuentejhonn
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jhonndelapuente
Image Credits
Isaiah E. Williams @iew_media, Kierra “Kee” Mariah @thekierramariah, Ediany Rodrigues @ediannyyy, Jhonn de La Puente Photography @jhonndelapuentephoto Jah’Shua Puente @diamondphotome, Jah’Naya Puente, Jah’Xenia Stone