We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juancarlos Villamil a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Juancarlos, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I’ve been given a second chance at life through my journey in recovery over the past 10 years. Coming from a place of entitlement and selfishness which in term lead to self destruction. I’ve learned to appreciate the power of surrender and willingness to ask for help. In other words the power in the We in our daily living being as vital as oxygen itself. This is where Village of Thousands is born and our Motto of Sustainability with the Ability to Sustain has evolved. What better way to evolve and invite like minded individuals to connect than through fashion. We are a lifestyle brand based on Sustainability starting from the individual and building outwardly towards the environment and those about us.
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.
My name is Juancarlos Villamil (JC) originally from Bogota, Colombia. My family and I moved to the States in 1986. The Bronx in NYC was our first stop but with me I brought my passion for Sk8boarding & Fasion which gave me a sense of freedom and creativity as I feel the both can be well interwoven as the purpose of what was later to become Village of Thousands. In my early years I was a rebel driven by self interest, entitlement and later to self destruction through alcohol abuse. My passions slowly vanished into afterthoughts or unfinished goals. On August of 2015 I hit bottom and started my journey of recovery. Surrender and willingness became my oxygen and slowly a purpose and drive started to arise. Blessed for a 100th chance at life, I felt the need to translate my journey into something meaningful and tangible for people to have an example of hope and purpose.
Sk8boarding + Fashion were back but the purpose was missing. Ah!! Sustainability is everywhere but I wanted something more meaningful and then after meditating it came. Sustainability starting from the individual and building outwardly towards the environment and those about us!. I took a course from Parsons Fashion institute & Complex on Streetwear Essentials and realized my love for fashion took a more meaningful role.
We were invited to NYFW by Runway7 in September of 2024 which was an amazing experience all around.
What makes us different is our commitment to organically grow. Our team is composed of many different types and talents which have come together to grow, learn and experience what the future holds together as long as we stay true to ourselves and each other.
I most proud of continuing to have the courage to ask for help, reach out and let others guide me so that I can be of utmost purpose and light for all those whom I may come in contact with. Our brand is our followers and clients with their support and appreciation for our designs and story. One last thing is I was always embarrassed by my last name and today I’m not because is has a purposeful meaning Village of Thousands is Villamil in English
Any advice for managing a team?
Understanding personalities is vital in our journey of growth. We understand the needs we are looking for and invite individuals who are passionate about their craft and are willing to learn and and evolve. I’m a student of life and understanding the liberty of listening and showing by example is a vital piece to our success. Seeing your peers translate their knowledge and passions into tangible pieces is what makes the puzzle come to life. In other words I can do it alone we need a Village of Thousands!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Surrendering to the reality that I needed help close to 10 years ago. Taking action has been the catalyst to my daily living and growing in all aspects of life and why I’m honored and blessed to have the opportunity to share my story here with CanvasRebel. Today I don’t regret anything in my life because it all served a purpose and that has given me the strength to help others in this journey of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Villageofthousands.io
- Instagram: @villageofthousands
- Facebook: Village of Thousands
- Twitter: @VoThousands
Image Credits
Alyssa Szucs
Quentin Bell
Hayley
Javier Baez
Stacie Zollars