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

Hi Johann, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can make anything happen, and as they say, He works in mysterious ways. Over the years, I have faced the unknown while pursuing my dreams and remaining committed to my mission, even when I didn’t know what the finish line looked like. Having faith, trusting Him, and allowing Him to move through me and my talents have opened doors and showcased His true power. Everything I have accomplished is by His grace, and I want the world to know that.

My brand, MACIEAGO, is all about believing in you and the team, and having the confidence to keep going, regardless of life’s obstacles. It’s about having fun, staying connected to your inner child, and finding ways to make a positive impact and showing love to the people. With unwavering confidence, you push forward because you want to see better for yourself and others, leading by great example for the youth. Deep down, you know you will make it happen—no matter what—and staying true to the vision!

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.
My journey has been full of challenges, but the biggest one was overcoming myself. I had to accept that life would unfold in its own way, whether I wanted it to or not. We all go through things we never asked for, and it’s easy to feel like we can control everything. But for me, true change happened when I finally surrendered—110%—to Jesus Christ. From that moment, my life completely transformed.

I went from having everything I’d ever dreamed of to rock bottom, homeless, sleeping on floors in New York City. I crashed on couches in Brooklyn studios after long nights making beats, and spent hours sitting on the steps outside the Louis Vuitton store in Soho sketching designs for future fashion shows. Many nights I was in Central Park, painting under the stars, just trying to figure it all out. I realize now that Jesus had to break me down completely, to ground zero, to show me what it means to truly trust Him.

That’s where most of my art began—drawn from my journey with Him in the wilderness. It’s a space where it’s just you and God, spiritually isolated yet fully alive I’d say. I allowed the Holy Spirit to work through me, letting Him show what is to come through my paintings. My art became like glimpses into the future, a unique vision no one else had seen. I’ve been told time after time that my masterpieces resonate with people on a deeper level. I believe that’s because we all feel a connection to God, to love. Crafting my creativity with that truth at my core made everything come to life.

Before I create, I always pray so that each beat, each sound, comes from above. I truly believe my beats carry a piece of heaven in them. I feel confident saying that because of the feedback I get from listeners; they tell me my music lifts them up, makes them feel better, brightens their lives. It’s beautiful to see how the right sound, guided by prayer, can change someone’s day.

Leaving Atlanta for New York at the age of 20 was a leap of faith, and I had no idea what would come of it. My Four older brothers Marlon, Quan Cash, Paarty, and David showed me the ropes, not by holding my hand, but by challenging me to make my dreams a reality. New York became my playground and my canvas. I painted my entire journey, not with photos or videos, but through the strokes of a brush on canvas. My memory is photographic, so I captured every moment and brought it to life with my own creative twist.

Fashion was huge part of that journey, too. My favorite pieces are hoodies, and they show up in majority of my paintings and designs. Combining my faith, art, fashion, and imagination, I created a style that’s completely my own. One of my gifts is being able to paint people’s life stories on clothing—specifically hoodies. I’d listen to someone’s story, take a piece of it, and bring it to life in a one-of-a-kind design made just for them. Over time, word spread, and I started creating for people across the country—from California to Canada, New York to Texas. Celebrities and major companies started reaching out for custom pieces, and at one point, I painted over 1,000 pieces in a few months. It was intense, but seeing people connect with my work made it all worth it.

If there’s one lesson I’d want to share, it’s the importance of love, friendship, confidence, imagination, and faith. Keeping your inner child alive and trusting in Jesus makes anything possible. Believe in yourself, even if no one else does, because your dreams can take you places you never imagined.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost, I’m a pizza lover, and the first stop on my ideal day is my favorite pizza spot: Fellinis Pizza. You can’t go wrong there—just grab a delicious slice and pair it with two of my special drinks to complete the experience.

After satisfying my pizza cravings, I’d hit up some music studios to lay down a few tracks. I love creating cool, funny tunes that are perfect for a car ride with friends. There’s something about the creative energy in the studio that really inspires me.

Next, I’d explore a few shops to pick up some fresh fits and unique pieces. Then, it’s time to hit the highway with my car crew, cruising and making memories along the way, all while capturing the moments on my film camera.

For a dose of inspiration, I’d visit a few museums. Creativity flows effortlessly when you immerse yourself in art and culture, and I always find new ideas sparking in those spaces.

As night falls, I’d check out some parties (if they don’t get shut down) or hit up the clubs for a night of good vibes and enjoyment. A great walk along the Beltline would be perfect for meeting new people and soaking in the atmosphere, followed by some time in the park to unwind and enjoy the surroundings, perhaps even stopping by the skatepark to watch some talented skaters.

Finally, I’d wrap up the night with some fun drinks at Fat Tuesday or a frozen lemonade from JJ Fish. We embrace a “surfing” mentality—going with the flow it allows the authentic waves to unfold Ya Zimmie!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A Heartfelt Thank You to the MACIEAGO Team!

I want to give a huge shoutout to the MACIEAGO team and all my mentors who have supported me throughout this journey. To the incredible people I’ve met along the way—your belief in me has been invaluable.
Thank you for trusting that I could bring your dreams to reality, and for allowing me to help bring our collective vision as the MACIEAGO team to life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heemurz?igsh=ZmI0d2UzZGEyZGlr&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izarya-rawchaa-5247a5191?trk=public_post_follow-view-profile

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macieago/

Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/heemurz?igsh=ZmI0d2UzZGEyZGlr&utm_source=qr

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/heemurz/1586703877

https://linktr.ee/heemurz

Image Credits
Paarty
Aaron 31k

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