We were lucky to catch up with Vitnelson Saint Fleur recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vitnelson, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Launching a business was not a tedious aspect to launch all of my broad spectrum of ideas, further more , I started off with the combination of multiple people from graphic Designers/Filmmaker like Xavier Hurtado , Dave Ronny , Kelvin Vilcas, Elder LAHENS, Gianni Quintana.
Launching a business was not a tedious task for me; it was an opportunity to bring my broad spectrum of ideas to life. I started by collaborating with a diverse group of talented individuals, including graphic designers and filmmakers like Xavier Hurtado, Dave Ronny, Kelvin Vilcas, Elder Lahens, and Gianni Quintana.A longtime friend of mine, Kordell McKenzie, also known as Koolagamo, and I came up with the mantra “FTT,” which stands for “For The Team,” during our high school years from 2009 to 2013. I presented this idea to Kordell, and since we were always together, freestyling in the mornings before class and during lunch breaks, it resonated with us. Kordell then added a slang twist, turning it into “FDT,” meaning “For Da Team.” This phrase has stuck with us ever since.As we moved forward, we incorporated this mantra into musical compilations. My childhood producer, Ismael Degros, known as Izzy Valentino, would send beat packs to my email. I began recording myself after saving up for my first USB microphone around 2010. Eventually, I purchased an Audio-Technica AT4040 cardioid condenser microphone bundle, which included a pop filter, XLR cable, shock mount, case, and cover, while I bought the interface separately. I started recording myself and others, along with my brother Dave Ronny, and we became our own engineers, as Kordell would say, “Engineering ourselves.” I created several mixtapes, including “14k Gold” (cover designed by me), “Blue Flame” (cover also designed by me), and “Flame Thrower: The Mixtape” (cover by Xavier Hurtado), all of which debuted on DatPiff when it was still operational. I also uploaded the tracks to YouTube. Before graduating high school and entering college, Kordell and I had already developed a business mindset and earned certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint through the Business Academy courses we took with Mr. Cahill at John I. Leonard High School. The knowledge we gained then helped us navigate our paths in college.Eventually, my brother and I devised a business model to transform our mantra into a legal company. On April 16, 2022, at approximately 10:34 AM, we wrote down our concept for “FDT Merchandise” and brainstormed a logo. We planned to start with 20 shirts priced at $25 each and sweaters at $50, aiming to launch by the following month.We wanted to give FDT a more universal meaning while retaining its roots within our inner circle. Just like any modern sports league, we recognized the importance of having role players, key players, and bench players to create a full roster. Thus, we redefined the meaning of FDT as “Foundation.” “FDT: The Foundation Starts at Home” became a meaningful choice for those looking to create a supportive environment for self-discovery and personal growth. Our logo concept evolved to represent a house, with “FDT” symbolizing the foundation and the door opening for young entrepreneurs, artists, filmmakers, and graphic designers like myself and Koolagamo, along with the others I mentioned earlier.

Vitnelson, 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?

I am a truth seeker a life path 7 A Gemini who yearns for information. Knowledge is power, I do the best that I can to make sure with this industry that I am currently in what they call the Music Industry Business , I try to gain as much knowledge I need as much as possible. I see myself as the point guard of the team so my IQ has to be top tier , there is sharks in this water and I myself prefer myself to be more like a dolphin I got that quote from my pastor Vamines Datus as an aspect of my spiritual Gifts including Clairvoyance. I will use my brain to make things happen not only for me but my team/ family. I discipline my self by keeping my neurons in my brain cells activated to sponge more information, learning how to read contracts , I want to stay as sharp as a Kunai Knife. At FDT = The Feed Foundation, with my business partner Olbert Jerome , we offer a range of products and services designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and the community. Our core offerings include:
• Artist Development: We provide mentorship, resources, and creative guidance to help emerging artists grow in their craft and navigate the music industry. DJVIP510 (Anthony Orozco) who is known for being Nipseyhussle Personal DJ has help me also to become a Major Label Artist while I am still independent, With out Nipsey West Coast legend (rest in paradise) it would not be possible.
• Merchandise: We design and sell unique products, including clothing like t-shirts, sweaters, wristbands, guitar picks, earrings, and bandanas that not only promote the brand but also serve as tools for self-expression and culture-building.
• Community Outreach: Through FDT, we also focus on youth mentorship and social impact, helping young people from underserved communities discover their purpose and build a better future, whether that’s through music or other entrepreneurial pursuits.

We aim to provide a comprehensive support system for individuals who want to build a brand, hone their craft, and make an impact. Whether you’re a musician, artist, or someone looking for personal growth, FDT offers a way to grow and achieve your goals.

What sets us apart is our genuine commitment to the people we serve. We don’t just focus on the “business” side of things—we focus on building a community and empowering individuals, especially those who have the talent but may lack the resources or guidance to get started.

For our clients, we solve the problem of isolation in the creative process. Many talented individuals feel like they’re navigating the industry alone or without the right support. FDT provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities that help bridge that gap. Whether it’s understanding the business side of things (like contracts or marketing) or finding the right creative outlet, we are here to support each individual’s journey.

We also solve the problem of lack of access. Through our nonprofit arm, we focus on empowering underserved communities, particularly youth in at-risk areas. We create safe spaces where people can grow, learn, and thrive—ultimately helping them discover their own path, whether in music, entrepreneurship, or personal development.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve been able to have on young people and emerging artists. Through Feed Foundation, we’ve not only supported the careers of artists and musicians, but we’ve also been able to mentor youth who need direction, giving them a path out of negative environments like gangs or bad influences. To me, the most fulfilling aspect of this journey is knowing that we are helping to create change, both through music and through community engagement.

The launch of FDT: The Foundation as a company in 2022 was another significant milestone. It wasn’t just a business—it’s a movement, a philosophy, and a community of people working together to create a supportive home for growth and opportunity.

What I want my fans, clients, and followers to know is that FDT is more than just a brand—it’s a mindset. “FDT: The Foundation Starts At Home” is not just about building a company; it’s about building a community that supports self-discovery, growth, and collaboration. Everything we do is rooted in the belief that personal growth and success are most powerful when they start with a solid foundation, like Gianni Would say it takes a Village to make things happen. We are here to help people—whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or someone trying to make a difference in your community—find your purpose and elevate your journey.

I want people to know that FDT is not just about merchandise or music; it’s about creating lasting change in people’s lives. Whether you’re here for the music, the mentorship, or the mission, we are always pushing forward together, for the team. And no matter where you are in your journey, there’s a place for you here.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I got arrested back in April 2023 , My lowest of the lows Family members speaking horrible kicking me while I was down, my life change dramatically after that day , I came out a whole new individual, I look at where I was and where I wanted to go in a new light, with all the pain backstabbing , darkness depression, suicidal thoughts, with Gods grace I did not succumbed to those thoughts, I kept my head high, continued the path way that I choose for myself , I’ve learn that everything that I go through is a character development, for me to become a better person / successful. this shows my resilience by keeping my darkest thoughts locked away, riding on a high horse like Paul Revere.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson that I had to unlearn is not everybody will be 1000 percent all in when it comes to your dreams and goals, you have to find like minded people with a passion and great energy that will match your flame just so you can not only magnify your potential , have a pure intentions behind it also, when you have purity around you , it makes life way easier because they want to see you win as much as possible with no jealously hate or the worst envy in my opinion , very rare to find.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vishessauce?igsh=eDdwcmhkZ2NqNmJo&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/vishessauce?s=21&t=mRuxY3iUU1Ka9X1jPoZEfA
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCkXExE7SYHbYQZYTgJiwEAg?si=I_IYJri1ttvlyB-4
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/5aaFuGnJXrneXmfq7
• Other: https://on.soundcloud.com/eztaP3uWkBFm6VsZ9

Image Credits

Es_mosca / Vishes