Today we’d like to introduce you to Juancarlos Villamil.
Hi Juancarlos, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Village of Thousands which is a lifestyle brand started with an interwoven mixture of life experiences from the different twists and turns throughout my journey of life. The Journey began in Bogota, Colombia in the 1976 in 1986 a big move to the Bronx, NY in 1986. Sk8boarding, Hip Hop and fashion where the major influencers of self interpretation and character building which solidified my extremist ways & rebellious nature. Those ways served a purpose and a way of life unimaginable to most but mishandled and unappreciated by me as it drove me to the depths of self destruction. Having hit Bottom on August 27, 2015 and having the opportunity to reincarnate my life and journey thru Recovery a new purpose and the revival of those influencers of past days would become of use thru the creation of Village of Thousand VOT.
Its a dream come thru to be able to create a brand that solidifies the past, present and future with no regrets or secrets as our stories are examples of truth, redemption and Hope.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In my opinion smooth and struggles are a most in the creation of our brand. The struggles teach us how to grow, surrender and reach out and once those are achieved one task at a time then we rejoice in the smoothness of the journey. I have learned in this new journey to ask for help. Surrender to Win!! in that way we let others shine, grow and create which is the motto of our brand Village of Thousands:
We are a lifestyle brand based on Sustainability starting from the individual and building outwardly towards the environment and those about us!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would consider myself a fashion designer & brand creator. I have a passion for aesthetics and a sincere commitment to provide high quality sustainable apparel and products. At the moment we specialize in creating a brand that showcases the talents from each individual in our team. Our Graffiti artist , Our incredible Social Media Guru and our grown in the USA SUPIMA cotton T-shirts and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified Hoodies & Sweatshirts.
We were honored to Showcase Village of Thousands during NYFW September 2024 in collaboration with the amazing Runway 7 Fashion production company.
What I’m most proud of is being able to reach out to others in order to grow! Ask questions, follow suggestions and see this life long dream come to life organically!!!!
What sets me apart is the opposite is finally feeling part of this crazy world and bringing a story of hope, redemption and purpose. Today I want to be involved and present in the life of others, whether is thru fashion, friendship our life experience
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I think the most important advice about this whole new journey into the fashion industry has been education and networking. Starting from an ego base mentality I thought that just having a passion for fashion and a few bucks to spend on my dream would be all that was required to launch a successful brand. The universe and a dose of humility guided me into taking a Streetwear Essentials course thru Parsons Institute X Complex, this gave me an unthinkable first hand view of the industry. The importance of paying homage to those before me as well as the right tools to navigate in a very subtle way into the creation of a successful brand (still yet to be revealed). Networking and asking questions has also been vital as was the case when we were blessed to Participate in NYFW in collaboration with Runway 7 Fashion September 2024. It opened so many doors and relationships that are ever evolving and growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://villageofthousands.io
- Instagram: @villageofthousands
- Twitter: @VoThousands
Image Credits
@alyssaszucsphotography
@winninagainand_again
@hswizzle
@jesusss02
@ravinaval
@anhelina.smith
@moonwanderings
@jailex
@will.andersonn_
