Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Campbell.
Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been different. I was not your average boy. I did not like football, baseball, wrestling, and bragging on how many girls numbers I got at that party. Everyone around me made A’s and B’s. On the other hand, I made C’s. I was not perfect, but I worked hard at my weaknesses. For me, Fashion, drawing, singing, dancing, and filming was my passion. Because of that, I was talked about. In school, I was teased constantly. “Why do you talk like that?” “Are you gay?” “Act like a boy!” “Go outside!” “You’re weird” “Where’s your man at?”
PEOPLE made me feel like a creature, like I wasn’t good enough. I cried many nights in my room. Of course, I did not tell my parents because I did not want to disappoint them. Even if they saw fit to taunt me. I had aunts down my throat saying, “don’t draw girls all the time,” “Play football,” “Put some bass in your voice”. I could not figure out what I was doing wrong. I felt like a science experiment one who was beautiful to the Creator, but a freak to the public. Over time I began to internalize what people said about me as a result, I changed. I took what they said as the truth. I lost what made me unique. Attached to my hands and feet were imaginary strings. I was a puppet in a horrible joke.
I looked myself in the mirror staring back at me was a face I no longer recognized. One day my Mom called me into the living room. She told me I was different from Everyone else. God blessed me with enormous talents and I should use them all. I remember her saying you are unique like no other. Not knowing what I was going through she spoke words of encouragement. As only a mom could, she knew what I was going through without a word being told to her.
With her words, the chains that bound me were broken. Though the color of gray gently faded away I prayed on the situation and felt so much better. That different and unusual kid came back. I realized I was different for a reason. I learned to be myself no matter what people say. I am original and cannot be replaced.
Being myself has taught me to stay creative. The road to success is not easy, but you will be through it. I’ve had to overcome self-doubt and people’s perceptions of who I should be. I’ve learned every storm won’t last a minute, but until then, enjoy the weather provided.
I want the world to know It is okay to wear a bulletproof vest, but I need you to be okay knowing you don’t always have to wear it. My brand is about creating yourself for yourself. Through the art of fashion and writing, I’ve bloomed. Being featured in GQ and my debut bag worn by a movie star during his movie press week and more. “I’ve watered myself with tears I’ve cried from days with no sunlight yet I still grow as if there was” – werdna.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always been smooth. Challenges I’ve faced included not asking for help. As an individual, whenever I set my mind to a task, I always set out to complete it. I am not one to ask for help, not because I feel I can do it only on my own, but because I am passionate about fulling said desire. I’ve learned there is no harm in seeking help. Surrounding one’s self with like-minded individuals can bring such light to certain projects and everyone needs help in some areas.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would consider myself your modern-day renaissance man. I do everything from writing, to music, fashion design, photography, and so much more. I pride myself on being a master of the arts. I am known for being the author of five bestselling poetry books, 1/3 of Gospel award-winning group The Campbell Trio, and Founder of Beyourownvogue, fashion brand Nawdre. I am so proud of all of my accomplishments, but the one I am most proud of is being able to touch people through my craft. I’ve always said BYOV (beyourownvogue) means “standing away where everyone else is keeping warm, just to see what its like to be cold.” I am unconventional and I see the world though a different lens that sets me apart of the norm.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’d like to shoutout to my beautiful mother for planting the seed of my foundation. Without her words of encouragement and countless prayers, I have no clue where I would be. She is a true representation of a warrior. I am so proud to call her mother. I’d like to also acknowledge my family and friends for their support. My followers on my social media have played a huge part in my career! The undeniable love and outpour of support they’ve given me over the years has been so rewarding I am forever grateful.
Pricing:
- The Miranda Tote $250
- The ZanderCrossbody $195
- Stick Fingers Book $20
- The Ocean and the Tide Poetry Devotional Book $20
- The Polaroid Project $18
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beyourownvogue.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werdna290/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/werdna290/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/werdna290/
