THE GRDNT RADIO The Grdnt

In 2014, Deondra Wilkins, a determined and resilient individual, achieved a significant milestone in her life by obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. This achievement served as a powerful testament to her unwavering perseverance, especially after facing rejection during her initial application.
Deondra's passion lies in harnessing various artistic mediums, including painting and digital art, to drive social change, foster racial reconciliation, and empower not just herself but also those around her. Through her art, she delves deep into self-discovery and gaining a better understanding of the world we live in.
In the much-anticipated season finale, Deondra engages in a heartfelt conversation with Antonio Knoxx, where they delve into topics such as the importance of perseverance, Deondra's aspirations to become an art therapist, the challenges of making a living as an artist, and much more.
Their conversation promises to be enlightening and inspiring, as they explore the intersection of passion, creativity, and personal growth.

"We can until we can't. Don't settle for what you want. Be open to what you're ready for," emphasized James Williams III, a remarkable interdisciplinary artist dedicated to the pursuit of abstraction within his design practice. Having made the bold decision to relocate to Atlanta in 2018, Williams fully embraced abstraction as his primary artistic style, determined to break free from the constraints of representation and push the boundaries of form, mood, and tone.
Recently, in a compelling conversation with fellow artist Antonio Knoxx, Williams delved into the profound concept of art as an expression, exploring the ways in which it serves as a powerful medium to convey complex thoughts and emotions.
Together, they delved into Williams' personal journey, reflecting on the pivotal moment when he left Richmond behind in pursuit of artistic growth and newfound opportunities in Atlanta.
Intriguingly, amidst this dialogue, Williams unveiled his upcoming solo exhibition titled "Many Moons," a captivating showcase of his latest works encompassing exquisite drawings, breathtaking paintings, thought-provoking installations, and a mesmerizing performance.
Through these artistic mediums, Williams aims to encapsulate ancestral themes rooted in resilience, navigation, and perseverance, inviting viewers to embark on an awe-inspiring journey that transcends time and space, evoking a deep sense of introspection and connection with our shared human experience.

Jessica Holt is a New York-based fashion designer who is passionate about celebrating strong, bold women who fearlessly stand out in a crowd. Hailing from Maryland, Jessica's journey brought her to Richmond, where she pursued her education at VCU.
In this episode, she engages in a captivating conversation with Knoxx, delving into the realms of fashion design, perseverance, product development, and their shared experiences at VCU, among other intriguing topics. Together, they explore the transformative power of fashion and the unique journeys that shape one's creative endeavors.

00:51 Intro
1:40 The Beginning
5:09 Pivotal Points
7:21 Relationships
9:31 Networking
10:32 Introvert - Extrovert
11:37 Phases
13:03 Discovery
15:36 The Moment
17:22 Magnet School
22:21 Magnet Continued
24:37 Support
27:53 Parents Perspective
32:36 Choosing VCU
35:13 Nervousness
36:32 Polar Directions
39:28 Being In Richmond
42:36 Highlight In College
44:39 The Big Apple
54:22 Perservaring
55:56 Product Developer
59:32 Product Developer Continued
1:01:49 Apprenticeship
1:05:31 What’s Next
1:10:01 Capital
1:11:08 The Last Gem

David, also known as The Suit Brother, is not only a 40-year-old husband and father of eight, but he is also a talented men's fashion designer based in Richmond, Virginia. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, David was inspired by his father's love of fashion, which he developed during his early twenties when he dabbled in modeling as a hobby. Following his father's retirement from a 32-year-long career in the postal service, the family embarked on a new venture together: opening a retail menswear store that specialized in top-notch, luxurious men's clothing. Fascinated by the intricacies of the fashion world, David avidly observed and learned from his father's every move.
It didn't take long for him to see the potential of expanding the business's reach through an online presence. With this vision in mind, David joined forces with his family and took charge of spearheading the development of the store's e-commerce site. In this captivating episode, David Harrell engages in an enlightening conversation with Antonio Knoxx, discussing various aspects of his journey as a designer, delving into his father's illustrious lineage in the fashion industry, and revealing his extensive knowledge of private label.

Jerchovia Moxey, founder of Moxey, an exceptional up-cycle brand, redefines secondhand fashion through responsible sourcing and creative construction. MOXEY merges luxury and sustainability, presenting a sophisticated view on fashion, creativity, and design.
During an enlightening conversation, Moxey and Knoxx delve into the transformative journey of becoming a designer, the power of up-cycling, their shared experiences in Richmond, and the exhilarating process of designing Moxey's inaugural collection.

Jessica Meiko is an incredibly talented and passionate fashion designer hailing from the vibrant Northern Virginia. With a brand that is deeply rooted in aesthetics, quality, and celebrating individuality, she has managed to carve a niche for herself in the competitive fashion industry.
Through her creative processes, she seeks to tell a story that mirrors her personal journey of growth and transformation, effectively captivating the hearts and minds of her loyal audience.
In today's captivating episode, Jessica sits down with the renowned Antonio Knoxx to discuss the exhilarating journey of becoming a designer, recounting her experiences in design school, and unraveling the secrets behind making her mark in the highly dynamic world of fashion.
It's a conversation that promises to offer invaluable insights and inspiration to aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.