We had the good fortune of connecting with JaVaughn Graves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JaVaughn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had a big imagination and drive. When I went to college I never really saw myself taking the conventional route career-wise and was always drawn towards creative entrepreneurialism. One of my biggest inspirations at the time was Jay Z, Russell Simmons, Berry Gordy, etc. Music & entertainment executives who established themselves as pioneers and innovators. My freshmen year I was failing my courses––I think out of a lack of motivation and not really understanding how to apply the opportunity to the life I wanted. On academic probation I remember having a meeting with my counselor at the time. She asked me very simple question, ‘what do you want to do?’. I couldn’t really answer it because I didn’t know, but I did know who I wanted to be, and what I wanted to become. I told her who inspired me most and she helped me understand the necessary skillsets to become it, and how particular classes could develop them. There was a paradigm shift and soon after I started my first entertainment/ production company. It also gave me the confidence to go all-in on my passion for music and storytelling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The last 5 years of my life I’ve been more business than art I’d say and so a lot of people are shocked when they find out I make music. You can find music, videos, interviews, etc. from me on YouTube dating as early as 2010. In 2020 after a 4 year hiatus I released my 3rd studio album Heaven In Earthly Places that I’m extremely proud of. I’ve been working with the same production unit for a decade and so huge shoutout to 5th, Ethan White, Ike Jordan, B. Will, Chef, Jay Mills, and so on.

Early in my career I focused so much on the creative element that I would produce a ton of music but didn’t know how to capitalize on it––nor did I really care. I just wanted to get what was inside of me out and to the world. Once I hit 25 there was a shift in how I viewed the industry. This happened when I moved to Los Angeles. I realized I didn’t want to fall victim to the woes of the music industry. I loved music, but to what degree? Was I willing to give up happiness? Family? A healthy marriage? God’s presence? After having a really tough year in 2016, dealing with depression and anxiety living in LA I decided to pivot away from music for a while and figure out WHO I wanted to be––or rather, who God wanted me to become. I decided to move back home to Ohio. What came of this self-imposed four year creative silence was my 2020 album Heaven in Earthly Places.

I’m working on my next musical piece, but like I’ve always approached my music it’s with patience and intentionality. With a daughter on the way I’m just taking it day by day, waiting for God to speak to and through me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, when my mother comes to visit us we’d start off grabbing coffee probably a Brash in Buckhead or in Woodstock. My wife loves Tin Lizzy’s so lunch there would be on the table. To be honest, I’m still fairly new to the city so I’m not familiar with the whole city yet, and my wife and I are home-bodies. We’re fans of coffee shops though and the Chattahoochie river has a dope coffee shop we like. I’m also a big fan of Ponce Market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost a very special shoutout to my wife [Maya Prosser-Graves] for her encouragement, support, push-pull, prayers, love, and inspiring me daily to be the best version of myself. My family has always been extremely supportive and always reminding me that I have something to offer the world inside of me and them behind me.

The biggest boss-mentor of all is Christ Jesus, who through thick & thin has always been a huge inspiration for how I treat people, how to love my family, and how to remain faithful even in tough times.

Website: https://www.vongraves.com

Instagram: realvongraves

Twitter: realvongraves

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYWXVBPtn-I

Image Credits
Paige Tinnel, Valencia Dove, Greg Castel

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