Vanity Ultra Podcast EP. 074 W/ Herv JeanBaptiste

Speaker 30s - 62.96s

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Vandiotr Podcast ORG. I'm your host, Kenneth Kirk PERSON. And I'm Elijah PERSON. And yo, man, we have a, man, a great guest for you all today. We have someone, man, who, man, I've been admired by, you know, since I've started to follow him as well as his work. Man, he is a creative consultant as well as a tastemaker.You might see him at a Boston Celtics ORG game. You might see him somewhere in Boston GPE and just a fly-ass fit. And overall, man, he's just a tremendous creative. And I'm looking forward to interviewing him because I look up to him as far as just seeing all the work he's been able to do. So without further ado, I'd have to have my guests introduce himself.

Speaker 064.38s - 87.54s

Yo, man, fellas, appreciate the warm intro. My name is Hervin Jean-Baptiste PERSON. I am a creative consultant and tastemaker from Boston GPE. I specialize in voiceovers, visual merchandising, being a master of ceremonies, and just overall helping people become their best self.Perfect. Yeah, love that.

Speaker 287.64s - 91.06s

Well, Herve PERSON, you know, with this podcast, you know, with our interviews, we always

Speaker 391.06s - 93.92s

like to start from the beginning, right? So tell us, like, where are you from originally?

Speaker 095.22s - 98.26s

Yo, man, I was born in Haiti GPE, Port-au-Prince Haiti, man. Oh.

Speaker 198.9s - 113.52s

Yeah, born in Port-Prince, Haiti GPE. I'm 31 now, but I came to the United States when I was one. Came by myself, came with an uncle, an uncle and aunts. And, you know, I didn't meet my parents until I was like about 10.

Speaker 0113.76s - 121.58s

So when I touched down, touched down right in Boston GPE, man. There was no discrepancy, man. Touched out right in the heart of Boston.

Speaker 2121.82s - 124.74s

Wow. Port-of-Prince to Boston GPE is quite the move.

Speaker 0125.24s - 149.6s

It was crazy, man. But when you think about a lot of people culturally will go where, you know, their families and, you know, like-minded people are. So if you have a lot of your people that are Haitian NORP, you'll know that a majority of Haitians are in Massachusetts, New York, you know, and like obviously more so on the East Coast residing and finalizing themselves in like Florida GPE.

Speaker 1150.14s - 156.28s

So, right. Wow. So, you know, in your early childhood, what would you say, like, growing up

Speaker 0156.28s - 159.3s

with some of your just like early interests, like growing up?

Speaker 1160.12s - 165.16s

Oh, great question. Early interests, I really like to draw. I like to draw.

Speaker 3166.84s - 170.14s

I really liked acting.

Speaker 1170.64s - 171.42s

I liked improv.

Speaker 0173.56s - 174.86s

A true Renaissance, man.

Speaker 3175.58s - 177.9s

Yo, seriously, man, man of many hats, bro.

Speaker 0178.52s - 181.38s

When I was younger, I actually had gotten into improv

Speaker 2181.38s - 182.96s

and, like, after school programs.

Speaker 0183.72s - 187.7s

And I really liked roles of like leadership.

Speaker 2187.96s - 195.18s

So like I was in like computer clubs and I had joined after school programs that

Speaker 0195.18s - 237.68s

helped me, you know, learn hard and soft skills. Like I used to be part of this after school program called Citizen Schools ORG. You know, they would teach us about things like architecture. They would teach us different things about different cultural, you know, abolitionists and like just people who were activists in the, you know, people like Amilcarad Cabral, who was from Guinea GPE.He was a person who fought for a lot of, you know, rights and empower his people. So yeah, man, I just liked things that would distinguish me, would set me apart from, like, you know, when you're young, you know, you kind of act out. And that's, like, the easier way to get attention and get all your friends to like you and all that.

Speaker 1237.8s - 241s

But, like, those beatings, man, I was not with them.

Speaker 0241.1s - 246.84s

So I'm like, I got to do well to get my acknowledgement. I can't be acting a fool.

Speaker 2247.64s - 259.68s

Huh, that's crazy to know that even young, you had the wear without it, like, basically become cultured and, you know, make sure that you were able to, like, see the world. You know, like, from a young age, that's, that's interesting. Yeah.

Speaker 0259.78s - 271.1s

Because I was definitely just yelling and screaming and acting out. That was, that was. I didn't have the luxury, man. I just kept thinking about, like, you know, like I said, I came with my uncle, and my uncle, he was like... He ruled with, like, an iron fist.

Speaker 2271.56s - 271.92s

Yeah.

Speaker 0272.32s - 283.5s

Like, I just would be like, yo, I cannot get any more beatings. Like, I got a beating this weekend. I just, you know, I was just, yeah, I can't. I don't got the band with for it. I got you. Damn.

Speaker 3283.76s - 288.62s

So you talked about, you know, at that early age, getting into acting. Who were some of your, like, favorite actors at that time?

Speaker 0289.08s - 290.58s

Man, oh, my gosh, man.

Speaker 3290.62s - 294.06s

When I was growing up, bro, there was a handful of actors that were just like,

Speaker 0294.56s - 298.04s

I latched on to them because they were impressionable.

Speaker 3298.04s - 301.5s

You know, it's random, but the nanny, Fran Dresher PERSON.

Speaker 0302.24s - 310.64s

You know, that was one person that, like, I watched how, you know, I loved her first of all. I thought she was beautiful, but, like, she had her fits.

Speaker 2310.78s - 312.72s

She was getting off. Crazy. Insane.

Speaker 1313.1s - 317.6s

She was getting off good fits. Yeah. Who were some other people?

Speaker 0318.76s - 321.58s

I used to watch the X-Files WORK_OF_ART a lot growing up. I was young.

Speaker 1323.34s - 329.84s

Molder and, I forget the other one. Sully and Molder or something like that. Obviously,

Speaker 0330s - 347.76s

you know, the Denzel's, the Will Smiths PERSON, of course, people that were extremely impressionable on me. Chris Tucker PERSON, you know, a lot of these people were like, I took things, I'm like, okay, I like the wayyou did this. I see what people look for in an actor. Yeah.

Speaker 2347.76s - 348.76s

I love that.

Speaker 0348.76s - 353s

You know, actors, there's just like a Genesei qua they have about them.

Speaker 2353s - 357.76s

You know, just like an effortless style and just like the way they move is.

Speaker 1357.76s - 358.76s

Yeah.

Speaker 3358.76s - 359.76s

It's crazy.

Speaker 0359.76s - 360.76s

Yeah.

Speaker 1360.76s - 363.64s

And like we've even talked about on this podcast, like on past episodes, I'll talk about like,

Speaker 3363.64s - 367.24s

because you know, well, Elijah, his like, one of his favorite actors is Denzel.

Speaker 2367.24s - 370s

And just growing up, all the fits he wore,

Speaker 3370s - 372.64s

whether it being in the airport or on set on a film,

Speaker 1372.64s - 375.64s

like, he was just, he was different.

Speaker 3375.64s - 377.88s

Yeah, it's different, man.

Speaker 0377.88s - 378.48s

I don't know, man.

Speaker 3378.48s - 382.18s

It's just interesting to think about, like, the first actors you would see growing up.

Speaker 0382.18s - 382.82s

Right.

Speaker 2382.82s - 385.68s

Thinking about that, I'm like, yo, like, this is crazy.

Speaker 1386s - 387.5s

Like, so, yeah.

Speaker 2388.1s - 389.6s

Yeah, I just want to shout out.

Speaker 0390s - 399.14s

One of my actors was Bill Smith PERSON also, and everyone hates Wild L.S WORK_OF_ART, but it has a soft spot in my heart. That movie is so bad, but... Yeah.

Speaker 1400.82s - 402.04s

Yeah, it is, bro.

Speaker 0403.4s - 407.54s

But it's like, nobody's going to be able to tell me, like, nothing.

Speaker 1407.82s - 412.8s

Honestly, like, just to kind of like sprinkle with parsley and, yo, some of my first

Speaker 0412.8s - 416.16s

favorite, like, actors growing up, it was like the cast of all that.

Speaker 1416.74s - 422.02s

So it was like Kenan and Kel PERSON's, you know, Mad TV.

Speaker 0422.64s - 441.72s

You know, I used to watch a lot of Mad TV ORG, bro. So, like, you know, I'm thinking about all the different people that I saw. And I'm like, yo, like, you've got to be impressionable. When you get, whether it's your voice or, like, your stage presence, you've got to be, like, showing off, like, doing things. You got to be ready. You got to be on.Hey, you do.

Speaker 3441.92s - 442.48s

Yeah, period.

Speaker 0443.18s - 443.36s

Yeah.

Speaker 3443.78s - 456.8s

So, you know, within your early childhood, right, and growing up in Boston GPE, how would you say that, you know, because I've never been to Boston, what would you say, like, the culture is sort of like in Boston? And how has that influence you to be the person you are today?

Speaker 0458.3s - 470.68s

Boston GPE is extremely diverse. I know, to the contrary of, like, a lot of people are like when I hear they're like, there's black people in Boston GPE. I'm like, bro, there's tons of black people in Boston GPE.

Speaker 1471.12s - 477.48s

It's just like, you know, it's the outskirts that have tons of like, obviously like, you know,

Speaker 0477.54s - 537.86s

white people. And, you know, they come into the city and whatever the case may be. But Boston GPE is like extremely diverse. There's a lot of different foods. There's a lot of different like dope clothing brands out here. And there's a lot of art.There's a lot of museums out here. And so growing up in the city like, you know, I would do things like go into the city downtown and go buy kicks with my friends, man. Like, you know what I mean? We're young kids just scraping together money to go get fresh at life.You know, they used to be the store called Manhattan's ORG out here. Had all the kicks, you know what I mean? And so I think being introduced to so many different, like, cultural things like music and food and like, you it made me just i think i was i was actively in search of to find my creative outlet being around so many different creative things and

Speaker 1537.86s - 548.78s

like atmosphere i was like okay like what am i going to do? Right. So, you know, over time, I think, you know, I would plant seeds and they'd be going to,

Speaker 0548.88s - 558.64s

they began to, like, blossom, you know, especially in the creative realm of, like, just fashion and just, like, everything fun and creative. Wow.

Speaker 3558.94s - 563.54s

Now, would you say in terms of back then, would you say since then, up until now,

Speaker 0564.24s - 568.92s

the creative scene or like the art culture in Boston GPE has grown, would you say?

Speaker 3569.3s - 569.58s

Oh, yeah.

Speaker 0570.14s - 570.96s

Absolutely, man.

Speaker 3571s - 571.36s

Absolutely.

Speaker 0571.48s - 621.24s

Because there wasn't, for a while, there wasn't like too many outlets to like go to and like attend things or like there wasn't enough people moving and shaking to create spaces for creatives to, you know, go to a first Friday is at the Museum of Fine Arts FAC where like a majority of like just like it's literally like two, three thousand just black people and everyone in like the city that like just loves culture and it just brings like the BIPA community together. So like those weren't a thing, you know. There wasn't as many art galleries.Like there's a lot of art galleries. There's a lot of clothing brands that put up pop-ups, you know. The, you know, the footwear, you know, Boston GPE, if you don't know, has tons of headquarters for sneaker companies.

Speaker 2621.86s - 623.6s

I think isn't New Balance PRODUCT up there?

Speaker 0623.84s - 648.7s

So you got New Balance. You got Clarks ORG. You got Reebok. I think isn't New Balance up there? So you got New Balance, you got Clarks, you got Reebok ORG. I think A6 ORG has headquarters up here and Converse ORG. Yeah. And Sperry ORG, I believe, is out here as well.And you have all these different brands that are, you know, they're like, oh, we got to do activation. So around this season, April, May, this is a ton of activation.

Speaker 1649.48s - 652.48s

So, like, you know, Marathon Monday is Monday.

Speaker 0652.96s - 659.04s

So all the running companies, you know, which is the, you know, the A6, the Pumas ORG, you know, they're all doing activation.

Speaker 1659.28s - 663.62s

So these are spaces where we can go network, connect dots.

Speaker 0663.7s - 671.22s

You just never know who you're going to meet. And like before that wasn't truly a thing, but I think people see the value in these spaces.

Speaker 3672.38s - 673.62s

Wow, man, that's amazing.

Speaker 0673.62s - 676.5s

Because it's like from here, we're located in like Virginia,

Speaker 3676.74s - 683.98s

Virginia Beach, Virginia, North of Virginia. Okay. And so like we've just noticed like throughout the years, like our creative scene has just like growing.

Speaker 2684.18s - 689.06s

Yeah, it's gotten pretty, it's getting, it grows every year it's yeah but just to hear with like boston

Speaker 3689.06s - 698.02s

with all those sort of you know just companies up there and the fact that you they're able to kind of like bring together other creatives within boston within the area just to like like you said

Speaker 2698.02s - 704.2s

like network creative like me and stuff like that so how did you necessarily get into

Speaker 3704.2s - 710.48s

creative consulting like what was the background for that did you go to school for. So how did you necessarily get into creative consulting? Like, what was the background for that? Did you go to school for that? Or how did you get into that?

Speaker 2710.48s - 714.5s

And also, can you explain to our audience what creative consulting is?

Speaker 3714.88s - 715.12s

Yes.

Speaker 0715.24s - 718.3s

People like hear that chairman aren't quite sure what that means.

Speaker 3718.68s - 719.32s

Yeah, for sure, bro.

Speaker 2719.4s - 721.42s

I think that those are great questions.

Speaker 0722.22s - 743.92s

So how I got in a creative consultancy was straightforward. First and foremost, did not go to school for it. Not go to school for it. Creative consultancy at its basis, just getting paid for your knowledge in a certain realm about certain things. So you're basically getting paid for what you know,who do you know, resources you have access to,

Speaker 1744.24s - 750.88s

and the guidance that you're able to provide straight like that. That's what consultancy is, right? So with creative

Speaker 0750.88s - 793.68s

consultancy, I did something where I built leverage, right? So I would go to these networking events, and a lot of times people are like, I don't like networking. I don't like people. But there has to be a level of intentionality. Anytime you step out to go to these different events, there has to be a level of intentionality. Whether it's the cologne or perfume you wear, whether it's the haircuts you're getting, whether it's the style of clothing you're throwing on.You have to understand these are things that draw people in. And like some people may say, yo, you're putting too much thought into it. Bro, these opportunities I've gotten, I literally have no agencies behind me. It's literally like me.Right.

Speaker 2794.14s - 794.42s

Right.

Speaker 0794.42s - 847.08s

So, um, started literally just talking to my friends, talking to different people in my network. And, um, they'll be like,yo, I know this person. They want to ask you stuff. And the first like couple gigs I got was, it was a company called Spreza Box ORG. Now, Spreza Box ORG would literally do this subscription thing where they would just pay meto style and do all these different things. So they're like, hey, what do you think about this? And what do you think about that? And what do you think about this? And I'm like, okay, well, youem me um worthy of like asking these questions which means I have a level of expertise so if you have a level of expertise you can monetize it you don't have to but you can and so these companies willstart hitting me up so as these companies are hitting me up I'm, well, I should probably start carrying myself more like a business.

Speaker 1847.88s - 849.98s

Because we handling business right now.

Speaker 0850.24s - 850.48s

Right.

Speaker 2851.12s - 854.18s

You know, so I started branding myself.

Speaker 0854.42s - 889.44s

Obviously, I came up with a pretty catchy name. Success is my cologne. Super catchy. I grew up collecting cologne, so it was just super easy to just do that. The brands would start hitting me up. They would start emailing me.They would invite me to places. And I would give them expertise. And based off the leverage I had created for myself, the brands respected what I had to say to the point where, you know, I'm able to recommend, hey, you know, you should book this DJ for an event for Capital One ORG. Right.

Speaker 2889.82s - 892.8s

Because that's, this DJ would be good in that scenario.

Speaker 0893.2s - 894.76s

And, you know, yeah, I get it.

Speaker 2894.8s - 894.98s

Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 0894.98s - 907.26s

You know what I'm saying, bro? Like, I'm out here getting my friends corporate bags, bro. Straight up. You know, that's a dream of mine. Like, okay, yeah. Yeah, Capital One ORG.Give these dudes like $2,500 to DJ. Yeah.

Speaker 2907.86s - 908.32s

You know what I mean?

Speaker 0908.52s - 924.12s

And now, even if I were to not have that client anymore, Capital One ORG would still be able to book my friend. Right. So, yeah, that's really what that is. I think the second part of your question was, what was that again?

Speaker 2924.52s - 926.24s

So he answered my question. Yeah, about. And then, oh, in terms of creating creative consultants, I think you pretty part of your question was, what was that again? So he answered my question. Yeah. About.

Speaker 3926.5s - 948.5s

Oh, in terms of creating creative consultants, I think you pretty much answered that, just like of how you got into it necessarily. Yeah. So what would you, what would you say would be a, just a memorable experience from, you know, creative consulting? Like, was there a particular, you know, whether it be a client that was just very memorable to work with at a particular point? Yeah.

Speaker 0949.38s - 973.68s

Vibrum. Vibrum, if you don't know, Vibram does a lot of the technology for, like, you know, Bally ORG. They do technology for, like, shoes like Norda, a whole bunch of different types of shoes, new balance, a whole bunch of shoes Vibram ORG has done technology for Clarks. And if you ever see, like, even Timberland ORG, you'll see certain Tims PRODUCT with like that vibrams. It's like a rectangle like yellow. Right.

Speaker 1973.9s - 975.4s

Yeah. So Vibram

Speaker 0975.4s - 982.54s

Bodega ORG. Bodega ORG, if you're familiar with bodega, well, you all some fly guys. You all know.

Speaker 1985.34s - 986.52s

I appreciate it. I'm a fly guys, man.

Speaker 0986.62s - 1059.32s

Believe me, man. So one of my colleagues went to college with him, one of my bros, he's like one of the GMs at Bodeca ORG, right? And so when they had these like family and friends events, like I'll go or when they have these community events, I'll go, you know? And like, it's a conscious choice.You know, sometimes I'll be tired, but I'm like, I got to just go pop my head and show some love and go home. So I go this one night to this, well-known bar restaurant called Hojoko FAC out here. I get there, a whole bunch of people just drinking, vibe and become cool. I become cool with this English NORP lady. This lady, she's an English NORP ladyand love her to death, man. We're still very cool now, very tight. But yo, we just start talking.She's like, like, what do you do? We follow each other on Instagram ORG, you know, and,yo, we're just all vibey, vibing. This is like 2019, man, 2019, bro. 20 to 20 hits.And I think at the time she had worked for like, she had worked for vibra ORG, but like we didn't really delve into it too too much. Like, I just knew she worked for vibram.

Speaker 11060.02s - 1063.44s

And 2020 happened, man.

Speaker 01063.44s - 1113.3s

And, yo, I just didn't see her anymore. And, yo, just didn't see her. 2021 happens. And then I get a random message on Facebook ORG. And she's like, Herve PERSON, I've been looking for you all over. Da-da-da-da-da-da.We're doing some events at Vibrum ORG. I want you to come. I said, okay. Like, yeah. Of course. Start going to these networking events. I want you to come. I said, okay. Good. Like, good. Of course.Start going to these networking events. I'm tapping in with the whole Vibram ORG team. You know, they have, they're showcasing people like, Mr. Bailey's works, like, on a whole bunch of Adidas ORG stuff. They had, like, a bunch of bodega executives. They have Nike ORG corporate people. And this is, like, panels, they'll do what They'll just get food and network with people, man.So I'm like, okay, well, I'm in these networking spaces. Fuck, let me, like, do my thing. Right.

Speaker 21115.38s - 1117.26s

Fast forward to the end of 2021.

Speaker 01118.66s - 1128.68s

They're like, her of like, we love what you do. We'd love for you to, like, style some looks and, and you know come do a photo shoot so i'm like

Speaker 21128.68s - 1136.32s

i'm like okay all right yeah yeah like why not i've been building with these people why not

Speaker 01136.32s - 1149.58s

so they send me a couple shoes that they're like yeah we want you to style this this and this and we want to see what you do and we'll pay you boy Boy, when I heard y'all paying me, man, I put my best foot down, man. Yeah.

Speaker 21149.84s - 1152.46s

I just, I was like, yo, I got to do this.

Speaker 01152.58s - 1180.76s

So I did the photo shoot. We sat down. I consulted with them about like how they should go about it, you know, where they should go. Even like different styling techniques I would use. Like I talked to them about like what I'm going to do and like the direction we should all go.Bro, I do the photo shoot. It ends up getting their website the most ever hits it's ever had. Whoa. Wow.

Speaker 21181.22s - 1183.06s

So get them back. Come on. Come on.

Speaker 01183.7s - 1195.14s

So they had, it was this, it's the shoe called the Neop v. This was like a neoprene. It was part of their like five finger series. So Vibram has these five finger toesy shoes. Uh-huh.

Speaker 11195.24s - 1198.04s

You know, they're like, yo, we want you to style these.

Speaker 01198.1s - 1208.82s

So I had like these rude trousers. They were like black with like white trimming. And I had like a helmet laying neoprene shirt. Right. Black. Right.

Speaker 21209.12s - 1211.44s

I'm like, yo, I'm about to just neoprene it out.

Speaker 11211.74s - 1211.96s

Right.

Speaker 21212.56s - 1212.88s

Bro.

Speaker 01213s - 1225.28s

So I do it. And they're like, Herve PERSON, you really did really well. Bro, they put me on their window near Boston University ORG. So like I was on a window for, like, months, you know?

Speaker 11225.28s - 1234.12s

So, like, I think for me, that's my first ever, like, you know, just like window showcasing, man.

Speaker 01234.2s - 1264.66s

So that, like, for me, that just my knowledge got me that. It wasn't because any, you know, anybody booked it for me. It's because literally I knew what I knew. And you went and you made it happen. And made it happen, bro. So that was big for me, man.That collaboration with Vibram ORG was big to the point where, like, they would ask me for like, yo, who do you think are some people in the city that we should send shoes to? And like, I literally had them send pairs of like 20 of my friends. Tough.

Speaker 21265.44s - 1268.16s

But friends are also the tastemakers in the city, though.

Speaker 01268.5s - 1268.64s

So.

Speaker 21268.76s - 1268.96s

Right.

Speaker 01269.08s - 1277.14s

So it's like I'm giving you insight on, you know, who are some people. And I have friends who are trainers. You know what I mean? Right.

Speaker 11277.44s - 1282.62s

People who are trying to wear, you know, do the shoe or wear the shoe for a. Right. So, like, it makes sense.

Speaker 01282.76s - 1301.34s

And like, you know, bro, it's, it's cool when you can get the shoes, but for you to be able to do that with multiple brands. Yeah. 20 plus people that like, that's motion, man. You know what I'm saying? So, yeah, that was my favorite thing.The vibrant connection was definitely my favorite for sure. Wow, that's the same. Yeah.

Speaker 11301.46s - 1302.06s

That's crazy.

Speaker 31302.26s - 1302.48s

Wow.

Speaker 01303.7s - 1307.92s

Now, you talked about the early part of early part of our interview where, you know,

Speaker 31307.94s - 1309.26s

you do voiceover work as well.

Speaker 01309.64s - 1311.68s

So talk about that experience.

Speaker 31311.88s - 1315.96s

I remember saying as well, you did some voiceover work for the Boston Celtics ORG.

Speaker 01316.38s - 1316.74s

Yes.

Speaker 31317.14s - 1317.32s

Yeah.

Speaker 01317.56s - 1321.26s

So kind of just talk about how you got into voiceover work as well as that experience.

Speaker 21321.36s - 1326.22s

And also, what do you take care of, you know, your Larynx? And, you know, you'rearynx and, you know,

Speaker 01327.92s - 1329.96s

you're laughing, but... Yeah, no, it's that. You got to drink tea. You have the

Speaker 21329.96s - 1333.06s

real question. You got to drink tea. You got to do your thing, dog. Yeah.

Speaker 01333.76s - 1387.62s

So, to take care of that, I have an abundance of tea, man. Tea, and I make sure, you know, to not take that part in recreational activitiestoo much at all. But you all started with, I was in this program called Code A. And, you know, we would work on improv. We'd work on public speaking. We'd work on improv. And I was like 15.And I went for like a couple years, probably like two years. But we would do plays. We'd do improv and we'd work on all these different things. So like public speaking was something I just always love from then. You know, and even when I was younger, like, you know, I used to always just make sure like, you know, I've always, I still read a lot. You know what I mean?So like speaking out loud is something I find extremely comfortable. Like I got a rush. Whenever I have to speak out loud, I'm like, well,, I've always, I still read a lot, you know what I mean? So like speaking out loud is something I find extremely comfortable. Like, I get a rush.

Speaker 11388.12s - 1395.82s

Whenever I have to speak out loud, I'm like, I'm ready. You know, I'm never like nervous or anything like that. So it started when I was young.

Speaker 01395.98s - 1422.98s

But with the Boston Celtics ORG thing, man, you know, bro, I understand. I used to go to Celtics ORG games, you know, when I was young, bro, for free. Because our mayor used to always like be like okay if you read you can get free Celtics ORG tickets oh wow yeah so that was the exchange we used to have this program called read to achieveand like Celtics ORG players would always come to our school um what was who was the what player went can be a school

Speaker 21422.98s - 1424.88s

then you were like oh shit it's really him like

Speaker 01424.88s - 1425.32s

who's

Speaker 11425.32s - 1432.76s

Paul Pierce bro Paul Pierce oh wow like he came with Mark blunt at the time Mark Blunt was on the Celtics ORG at the time they both came

Speaker 01432.76s - 1438.76s

Paul Pierce in person at that time I was in like yeah I was in fourth grade man I was like yo

Speaker 11438.76s - 1445.88s

it's him it's really him, bro. Like, in shock.

Speaker 01446.4s - 1446.56s

Yeah.

Speaker 21446.78s - 1448.32s

Poppins PERSON is a funny cat, dude.

Speaker 01448.58s - 1450.36s

Yeah, yeah, yeah, man.

Speaker 21451.2s - 1456.98s

It's just like surreal feeling, man. But the voiceover for the Boston Celtics ORG, man,

Speaker 01457s - 1473.68s

it felt like it was divine just like. Full circle. Full circle, bro, you know. I had gone to, um, uh, Duncan PERSON Don You know, I had gone to, Duncan Donuts PR team had invited me to a, you know the movie Air WORK_OF_ART? Yeah.

Speaker 11474.12s - 1474.36s

Yeah.

Speaker 01474.6s - 1502.38s

Right. So Duncan Donuts ORG had invited me to the premiere. And so, you know, I get there and it's a whole bunch of people from like, you know, the sneaker industry, different creative, you know, basketball team people. So I get there and, you know, I got to fit on, you know,and I made sure to wear some like retro Js PRODUCT. I had some yellowing white cement fours that were just like yellowing. I'm like, yeah, I'm wearing it. Yeah.

Speaker 21502.96s - 1506.08s

And I get inside there and a woman

Speaker 01506.08s - 1527.44s

sees me and she just kind of stares at me. And I look at her, I said, hey, what's up? Like, that's just my thing because I was born with gray hair. So, like, people just always stare at me. You know what I mean? But I'm like, let me just say what I'm first, break the ice. No big deal. She says, what's up? I'm saying, hey, how are you doing? Like, Herve PERSON, nice to meet you. She says, I know who you are. Well, you asked me. She says, what's up? I'm saying, hey, how you doing? Herve, nice to meet you.She says, I know who you are. Whoa.

Speaker 21528.56s - 1530.54s

You asked me. She probably, with the fans?

Speaker 01530.56s - 1531.3s

What are you talking about?

Speaker 21532.4s - 1533.14s

I'm like, yeah.

Speaker 01533.62s - 1534.38s

Where you see me at?

Speaker 21535.58s - 1535.86s

Right.

Speaker 01536.68s - 1539.44s

And she said, yeah, I think I might have seen you around.

Speaker 21539.58s - 1539.94s

Da-da-da-da.

Speaker 01540.14s - 1598.52s

I've seen some of the stuff you do. And I've done freelance for, like, some of my friends who have DJ groups. So, like, a lot of their social media stuff sometimes, you know, I've helped out. You know, when they're doing the halftime show, I've helped out with, like, social media stuff. So, like, you know, again, I stand out. Right.So I said, hey, maybe you might have seen me there. She said, yeah, you know, I work for the Celtics ORG. I'm part of the media production, you know, team. Right. I said, oh, like, great to meet you. She's like, yo, let's keep in touch.She was super cool, super dope. I was just like, yeah, I just love people charismatic. But around that time, I had my NDA, I had signed with Regark ORG. It expired because I had a video I did for Complexcon ORG. I did a voiceover video for them. Now, this is 2023, and it just expired from 2019.And I'd been waiting to drop that video.

Speaker 11599.4s - 1601.9s

So dropped it like two weeks before the air thing.

Speaker 01602.72s - 1629.62s

And I meet her. And a couple weeks after the air premiere, I get an email because we had exchange information, socials, everything. I get an email and it says, Hey, Herf PERSON, we have a project that we think you'd be great forwith a quick turnaround. I didn't read the headline. It says, 2023 playoff hype campaign. Wow, wow.

Speaker 31629.68s - 1631.62s

Off the rip, I'm like, oh,

Speaker 01632.26s - 1680.92s

oh, word. That's a way. Oh, wow, yeah? Quick turnaround. I didn't even, but where's the adie? Drop out of you.I'll come right now. Outside the garden right now. Right. So, uh, yo, set up the time.They were just like, yo, like, you know, have you ever done voiceovers before? I was like, it's crazy y'all hit me up because I literally just forwarded them my Reebok ORG one. They were like, yo, you are perfect for this. End up going into the garden, took a couple takes. Again, like, because I'm experienced with like, you know, pitch tone, you know, yeah.And, yeah, man, I went in there, killed it. And, um, they were like, yo, this is the beat we're going to put on it. And so they chose invincible pop smoke instrumental.

Speaker 21681.58s - 1684.08s

And I was like, yo, this is on,

Speaker 01684.34s - 1685.58s

this is about to be on TV. Yeah. Yeah. I'm like, yo, this is on, this is about to be on TV.

Speaker 21686.16s - 1686.54s

Yeah.

Speaker 01687.14s - 1687.4s

Yeah.

Speaker 21688.06s - 1689.3s

I'm like, bro, what?

Speaker 01689.42s - 1710.04s

So love those guys. They always show me love. They always look out. And, you know, I just think certain relationships are worth nurturing. And those are all great people, man. So that's how that happened, man.It was literally just like right place, right time and just being prepared. You know how they say, man. Luck is just, you know, when preparation meets opportunity.

Speaker 11710.6s - 1718.38s

Yeah. It's literally it. So I want to ask because you, you know, through this whole interview so

Speaker 21718.38s - 1723.68s

far, the kind of ongoing theme with you is like you're just really very, very good at presenting

Speaker 11723.68s - 1725.36s

yourself and very, very good at,

Speaker 01725.44s - 1730.4s

you know, kind of, you know, meeting people in networking. It's like, what are some tips you have

Speaker 21730.4s - 1735.88s

for young creatives that find themselves in these types of places to kind of just like, you know,

Speaker 01736.12s - 1740.18s

get themselves out there and to also like network, you know, more efficiently.

Speaker 21741.32s - 1746.32s

Bro, great question. First bit of advice I would give them in. Don't feel like,

Speaker 01748.56s - 1895.64s

don't feel like, don't let feeling like you're not good enough to keep you from getting started at all, at all. Don't. Um, that's number one. Um, a couple of the tidbits I can give people is, um is understand. Basically, I'm going to say, make sure you network horizontally. You don't have to aim for the big dogs all the time. Because a lot of people just want to, you know, Issa Ray PERSON says, yo, network horizontally.You know, who's next to you that's also, you know, modeling, who's also into photography, who's also into voiceover work, you know, connect with those people because they might be able to mention your names in rooms of opportunity. Understand your why. Like, why are you doing this? Why do you want to do this? Great questions. Three things I always talk about with my clients and my friends and just in general, your play purpose and potential, right? Your play is what you're naturally good at. Your purpose is essentially the service you want to provide to the world, to the clients, the people that look like you, and the change you'll be able to make through what you're naturally good at. And your potential is where do you see yourself going with all this? You know, what's the trajectory for you?So think about your play, purpose, and potential. Network intentionally. Have intentional relationships in general. Don't just go out and just expect things to fall in your lap without having any work done. Because when you get into these networking spaces, the whole point is to speak to what you're doing. If you're not doing anything, it's going to feel like a lot of these people are bragging to you when they're sharing some accomplishments or, hey, you know, I actually, I'm in, you know, I'm in fintech right now or I'm in venture capitalism and da-da-da-da.And you have no prior experience to be able to even add a little parsley to the conversation. You know what I mean? So don't stay busy, stay productive. Also, just some great advice I have for creatives who are just lost. And don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be afraid to say you don't know something. Yeah.Wow.

Speaker 31896s - 1910.08s

Well, well put. No, very well put. Now, Herve, you know, this has been great this far, but I certainly want to get to kind of get to know a little bit more of like the personal side. So when you're not creating or doing any sort of like client work,

Speaker 11910.16s - 1912.9s

what do you like to do in your free time, you know, in the city of Boston GPE?

Speaker 31913.58s - 1920.44s

Yo, I love to go to museums. A little bit more museums. I like to, so I do self-care a lot.

Speaker 01920.44s - 1949.24s

So like I like sushi. I like to eat. I like good food. I like great ambiances. And so that's one thing I know that refueled me, just going for walks in the city. I like to hang with my friends. I enjoy painting. So, like, there's certain painting events out here that, you know, you can paint, like, you can paint like you can paint like different like cause statues. You know what I mean?

Speaker 11949.64s - 1949.84s

Yeah.

Speaker 01949.9s - 1954.12s

So I painted this one and then I painted this bare brick as well.

Speaker 11954.38s - 1958.48s

So like different things like painting, the gym.

Speaker 01958.72s - 1970.48s

I do boxing as well. I want to eat boxing. Yeah. Boxing is fun, man. Especially like the group boxing classes that they're really dope,you know. I don't think we have anything

Speaker 21970.48s - 1974.58s

like that out here. We might, though. No, we do. We do?Yeah, I have all of me that boxes. Huh. Yeah.

Speaker 31974.88s - 1975.12s

Now,

Speaker 01975.18s - 1975.68s

I've seen,

Speaker 31975.8s - 1977.2s

I seen you used to do a little hoop.

Speaker 01977.8s - 1978.04s

Yeah.

Speaker 31978.5s - 1978.8s

Yeah.

Speaker 01979.46s - 1979.72s

Yeah.

Speaker 31979.8s - 1980.52s

I'm back now.

Speaker 01980.56s - 1981.1s

I'm back now,

Speaker 31981.18s - 1981.26s

man.

Speaker 01981.28s - 1981.9s

I was washed.

Speaker 31981.9s - 1982.18s

Oh, yeah?

Speaker 01982.5s - 1983.66s

Yeah, I was washed for a while.

Speaker 31983.78s - 1984.36s

And I had a,

Speaker 01984.36s - 1986.18s

I had leg surgery, 21. I was washed. Oh, yeah? Yeah, I was washed for a while. And I had a leg surgery 20,

Speaker 31986.18s - 1986.76s

21.

Speaker 01988.98s - 1990.26s

PTSD is a real thing.

Speaker 31990.38s - 1992.16s

You kind of hesitate, like, whoa, am I

Speaker 01992.16s - 2075.98s

going to hurt myself? Yeah, exactly, man. So, like, just that. I love sports. I love hoop. And I think one more thing that I really,really, really enjoy, man. I really love volunteerism. So, like, I think mentorship is extremely important. I think that people need to know you don't have to be a square or corn balls to be doing the right things, right? So I do a lot of work with, like, young black kids especially. I have some kids right now.I'm mentoring at a high school working on a business plan and they're, they just ordered a candle maker. So I mean, I'm a soap maker. So they've been selling bars of soap. And we're talking about different things like marketing, you know, showing them how to take product shots and all these different things they don't know.I have young men that, and just young kids that, you know, through my corporate job, you know, I teach financial literacy. So, like, we'll talk about budgeting. We're talking about, you know, strategies. We'll talk about needs versus wants. And so, like, I think with my platform as it grows, personal success is amazing, but it can't be about personal success only if I want to win the way I really want to win. Right.

Speaker 22076.28s - 2080.6s

You got to help everybody else, you know, you got to that house for him, but that foundation.

Speaker 02080.6s - 2089.02s

Yeah, man, you know, and ultimately, man, you can't help everyone, But I think that in the way that you can impact people, you can try, bro.

Speaker 22089.18s - 2092.54s

You know, you can try to make a change or add value, man.

Speaker 02092.54s - 2105.08s

And, you know, just a little thing, man, Black History Month. I emceed a couple shows. I emceed a eighth grade versus law enforcement basketball game at a school.

Speaker 12105.42s - 2106.36s

Yeah. Who won?

Speaker 22107.04s - 2109.56s

Oh, man. The eighth graders came through and they gave money,

Speaker 02109.64s - 2112.2s

but, you know, the police officers took it a little easy.

Speaker 22112.66s - 2113.82s

Yeah, of course.

Speaker 02114.74s - 2118.86s

At one point I was like, oh, this is getting crazy. This is getting insane. Yeah.

Speaker 22120.06s - 2123.1s

But stuff like that, man, and I think, you know,

Speaker 02123.2s - 2135.64s

like being a notable face in the city, just and just like doing what I do, man, I think it's important to just make sure I'm taking part in the right things, the things that, like, really matter. So, yeah. Wow.

Speaker 32136.02s - 2138.7s

Now, just a few more questions for you before we get you out.

Speaker 12138.96s - 2139.3s

For sure.

Speaker 32140.38s - 2151.76s

For someone like myself who hasn't been to Boston GPE, what's a restaurant, a store, and in a particular museum you would advise someone who hasn't been to Boston to kind of go check out or go see?

Speaker 02152.48s - 2179.56s

Absolutely. A restaurant, I say my guy, Zaz. Zaz is like Thai Caribbean NORP infused food restaurant. He's from Ghana GPE, and it's my guy, Chef O. He's amazing. And the food is too good.The food is too good. Um, uh, store. What do you get from the restaurant? From, uh, Zaz. Yo, they have a red snapper plate that I love.

Speaker 22179.56s - 2181.16s

Oh, don't even talk to the rat snapper.

Speaker 02181.16s - 2184s

I have a red snapper for dinner every Sunday.

Speaker 22184s - 2185.4s

And last week, they didn't have any.

Speaker 02185.48s - 2215.6s

I almost had a mental breakdown of the show. Yeah, it'll do that to you, man. The Red Snapper plate is insane, and it comes with, like, you know, Haitian NORP black rice, which is composed of, like,joan mushroom, which is, like, found in Haiti GPE, but, like, extremely good. Extremely good, man. And they have, like, this vegan French NORP toast, man, that's, like, amazing, man. good, man. And they have, like, this vegan French toast, man. That's, like, amazing, man.Crazy, man. Um, I would give you out several other restaurants, but I'm not, I'm going to play cool, man.

Speaker 22215.66s - 2217.12s

Right. Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker 02217.88s - 2218.14s

Um, so.

Speaker 22218.14s - 2219.66s

You want to blow your spots up. Yeah.

Speaker 02219.86s - 2257.62s

Uh, not it's all good, man. I think it's important to just put people on, man. Um, so you got Zazz Az Zaz PRODUCT. Um, a store. Honestly, you got old good, man. I think it's important to just put people on, man. So you got Zaz, Z-A-Z, Zaz. A store, honestly, you got to hit Latienda ORG. Latienda is a black Dominican NORP-owned sneaker and boutique store. I do their brand strategy, and they're also my mentees.You know, I met them when they were 16. You know, they're 24 now, and, like, you know, we've had Soldier Boy PRODUCT come through. We've had Ghost PRODUCT from Power come through. You know, we had Chubs from OVO ORG and a lot of dreams.

Speaker 12258.42s - 2259.48s

Yeah, Chubs PRODUCT.

Speaker 22259.58s - 2260.5s

Chubs PRODUCT are guy, man.

Speaker 02260.5s - 2261.24s

That's our guy, bro.

Speaker 22261.82s - 2262.7s

Shout out OVO Chubs PRODUCT.

Speaker 02262.76s - 2263.24s

Come on the pie.

Speaker 12264.12s - 2265.34s

Shout out Chubs, man. We've had Chubs pull up. You's our guy, bro. Shout out OVO Chubs. Come on the pie. Shout out Chubbs PRODUCT, man.

Speaker 22265.56s - 2266.98s

We've had Chubs PRODUCT pull up.

Speaker 02268.98s - 2324.52s

You know, we've just had, like, you know, we've, again, we've used our networks and our leverage to create these relationships where, you know, these people will come to the store. You know what I mean? And, like, some people will be like, yo, how do you do? Yo, motion. That's it, man. So Latienda ORG, for sure.Latienda just has a bunch of art day. They just, they were opening up La Cueva Gallery ORG, which is like an art gallery comprised of like, and just art, Tukashi PERSON art, Babe PERSON, different like Murkami stuff, just one of one pieces,local artists. So just one of those stories you'll find a little bit of everything and is great just food spots nearby. And museums. I'm going to be honest with you, man.The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston GPE has got it, man. Yeah.

Speaker 22324.72s - 2325s

It's got it, man. It's got it. And it has got it, man. Yeah. Wow.

Speaker 02325.48s - 2329.96s

It's got it, man. It's got it. And it's free on Wednesdays. So. Yeah.

Speaker 22330.44s - 2331.18s

What's your piece?

Speaker 02331.22s - 2353.02s

That's in there. Honestly, man. They had, they have a like a Kenyan NORP, Ugandan NORP, like exhibit in there that just has a lot of different things like,um, just like hair pieces, clothing pieces, uh, silverware. They had like, things like, just like hair pieces, clothing pieces, silverware they had. Like, I like that kind of stuff because I get to sit back and imagine like, whoa, like,

Speaker 22353.46s - 2359.94s

yeah, you always living crazy and like, I think even regard to their garments, like just

Speaker 02359.94s - 2362.36s

what they wear and what it would symbolize for each person.

Speaker 22362.46s - 2363.66s

Like, I like stuff like that.

Speaker 02364.08s - 2364.34s

Yeah.

Speaker 32364.96s - 2365.18s

Wow. Now, for this year, Like, I like stuff like that. Yeah. Wow.

Speaker 02366.02s - 2371.86s

Now, for this year, and this would be our last question, unless did you have any further questions?

Speaker 32373.06s - 2379.46s

What are some goals for you for this year of 2024 that you're looking to not only achieve creatively, but also just personally?

Speaker 02380.3s - 2381.36s

Great question, man.

Speaker 32382.96s - 2386.82s

Understand, I think, sharpen my business model a little more.

Speaker 02389.98s - 2410.84s

Definitely scale up. Scale up in regard to different things that I used to just pay for. I need to pay for, but also be able to have it as a tax write-off. I do a lot of stuff that is tax write-offable. Also, continue to apply for more grants.

Speaker 12412.5s - 2415.9s

You know, as a creative, a lot of people don't know, like, you know, the city will give you

Speaker 02415.9s - 2466.94s

money if you're able to speak to what you can do and the value that you add in the community. Another goal. Finish the new website. You. Finish the new website. You know, the new website is looking, it's looking real good so far. And, you know, I just have some different functions. I have to implement with my web designer.Like, you know, I want a blogging feature. So when I hit these exclusive events, pictures and stuff that I take, I can upload in like real time and talk about it and drive traffic to the page um um fitness and health uh just keep my fitness and health and check and it's super important man I think you know this is my first year that I've been in therapy right and uh thank you bro it's been it's been a, I think it's been a successful challenge.

Speaker 12467.56s - 2476.26s

That's what I call it, because I feel comfortable that I can speak to someone about things without feeling judged.

Speaker 02476.86s - 2477s

Right.

Speaker 12477.7s - 2483.12s

You know, so I think those are the things that my core is just like, you know.

Speaker 02483.96s - 2499.32s

And also, I think one more thing I'll say I want to do this year is just expand my reach a little more. Reach more people. Reach more people, man. Reach more people. That's what I want. So, yeah, that's that.

Speaker 32500.04s - 2515.3s

Perfect. Well, her, man, it was honestly like a true pleasure having you on. And like I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, you know, you're someone who I look up to in terms of all the work you're able to do. I really appreciate that. And I wish you all the most best in all facets.

Speaker 02515.96s - 2536.54s

And so thank you so much. And, yo, where can the people follow you as well as, yeah? Yo, fellas, love and respect. I appreciate every moment today. Everyone can find me. Success is my cologne on Instagram ORG.Success of my cologne on TikTok ORG. And threads. I've been rocking with threads lately. I like threads.

Speaker 22536.54s - 2538.8s

Yeah, I thought I got to get on threads. Are you on thread?

Speaker 02539.3s - 2546.48s

Threads is good, man. I like threads. And Herf Gotti PERSON on Twitter. Perfect.

Speaker 32546.66s - 2554.14s

You heard from the man himself. Ladies and gentlemen, this has been the Van Nuutra podcast, and we are signing out. Peace. Cool.

Speaker 02554.54s - 2555.8s

Thank you so much for coming on.

Speaker 32555.94s - 2556.46s

Thank you, man.

Speaker 22556.72s - 2557.64s

Well, look, absolutely.

Speaker 02557.76s - 2560.08s

This was dope, man. I like the setup, man. The studio was dope.

Speaker 22560.48s - 2560.96s

Oh, yeah.

Speaker 32560.96s - 2562.5s

Thank you, man. Yeah, appreciate it.

Speaker 02562.66s - 2577.28s

Oh, yeah. Hell yeah, man. Damn. Did you do you know, um, what's homely ORG's name? I'm forgetting right now. Um, what's that store, A-D-N-S ORG out there? Yeah, A-D-N-S.

Speaker 32577.28s - 2577.94s

Oh, A-D-S.

Speaker 02578.48s - 2587.12s

Yeah, ADS. So, Angel Dust. You know, um, dude from Ghana GPE. He's like, Ghana GPE. He's like mixed, light-sk skin dude. What's my name?

Speaker 32587.12s - 2588.16s

Xavier, Xavier.

Speaker 02588.16s - 2589.12s

Hey.

Speaker 32589.12s - 2589.42s

Yes.

Speaker 02589.42s - 2593.24s

I got Isaiah, you, man. Yeah, Zay PERSON good people, man.

Speaker 22593.96s - 2594.84s

Yeah, it's sir.

Speaker 32594.84s - 2595.8s

Yeah, actually, uh...

Speaker 02595.8s - 2596.6s

He's one of our first guests.

Speaker 32596.6s - 2598.6s

Yeah, he's one of our, he's our very first guest.

Speaker 02598.6s - 2600.8s

And actually, you used to work at the showroom.

Speaker 22600.8s - 2601.4s

Oh, for real?

Speaker 02601.4s - 2605.34s

I think that's where I might have seen you and be like, yo, this dude's killing it, bro. Like,

Speaker 32605.72s - 2607.54s

wow, you know, but yeah, he, uh,

Speaker 02607.82s - 2609.86s

I know Zay PERSON, I think

Speaker 32609.86s - 2613.64s

it was his business partner. They're still business partners. And, um,

Speaker 02614.46s - 2623.74s

darks can do, bald, lights can do, darts can do, but they used to, I became cool both for them. I'm like, oh, this is dope. And Zay PERSON, Zay PERSON, he's just hilarious. He is hilarious, man.

Speaker 32623.88s - 2640.34s

Yeah, yeah, he, he is. That dude is hilarious, but he's on the move. Yeah Zay PERSON, Zay is just hilarious. He is hilarious, man. Yeah, that dude is hilarious, but he's on the move. Yeah. Oh, yeah, most definitely. Yeah.But yo, man. Yeah, thank you for just taking your time out to talk with us and everything. And, yeah,of course, definitely going to stay in contact. So, yeah, thank you.

Speaker 02640.44s - 2642.76s

Yeah. Absolutely, fellas. I appreciate your man. Y'all be able.

Speaker 32643.24s - 2644.3s

Hey, stay safe. Yes, sir.

Speaker 02644.72s - 2644.94s

All right.

Speaker 32645.16s - 2645.44s

Peace.