Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Eugenio.
Filmmaker, Entrepreneur, Community Organizer — Raymond is originally from San Jose, CA. He spent his adolescent years developing a deep passion for the stunning world of cinema and later on building upon that love through sports and street culture. Raymond’s creative impact is transformative and globally recognized. In his early 20s, he moved to NYC where he eventually started his own media agency, Pushstory. His agency specializes in producing experiential activations and content that breaks the barrier between in-person and digital. Working hand in hand with small business owners to larger conglomerates, the appeal of connecting the dots for communities has been prevalent in his work. Now you can find him working on his craft (ceramics and films), discovering DTLA and Chinatown (enthralled in creative projects with his friends), or simply enjoying a surf (or a run) at Manhattan Beach. With a foundation carved by his early adulthood environment in New York City, infused with inspirations from his frequent travels to Tokyo & pursuing his fascination of intricacies within the realm of art in Los Angeles — Eugenio continues to develop various exquisite creations that combine unparalleled imagination along with his unique multidisciplinary experiences of narratives, communities & culture. As an artist, his style reflects elements of international charm, a deep appreciation of history, and a strong identity of purpose. Connecting traditional elements with contemporary techniques to reflect playful works of American fine craftsmanship, Raymond is at his best when he’s allowed to simply flow. What comes is a humble rhythm that seems, for the most part, like dancing as much as it is fun.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When you take off the beaten path, you will always face challenges. Not having some sort of traditional path to take within your career and for your company, you usually have to wing it or feel your way through situations. At certain times in my life, I felt lost for the most part. Other times, it feels like we’re invincible. I think the biggest challenge that I’ve faced so far was learning to balance my own personal relationships and mental health while building my business coast to coast before turning 30. No one told me that it was going to be this type of rough, nor did they mention anything about a global pandemic to watch out for. These are things you just experience, then you adjust or learn to take care of yourself after the damage is done. Was it worth it? Yes. Will I do it again? Probably not in that way. There’s always a better path to strive for and you don’t have to risk your sanity to do it.
A few lessons I’ve learned so far is the art of detachment and to never give up. Things come and go, that’s how life rolls. In life, we can’t control the things that happen to us but what we do have control of is how we respond and react. For those that are reading right now, I hope you never give up regardless of your setbacks, whatever they may be. Never giving up has allowed me to understand that you are the one crafting your own story. Make yours count since it’s the only life you’ve got.
Pushstory – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Born in 2016, Pushstory is rooted in Chelsea, Manhattan. From there, we set the foundation to create an agency that could provide top-level work for brands, corporations and small businesses. We’re the internet kids that grew up to be media professionals. Experimenting and cooking up wild ideas all the while throwing various creative experiences with our friends! We are the crew behind the scenes to some of the most prolific street culture (sneakers and streetwear) educational programs. A big reason we do what we do is that we’re big on learning and sharing but also we actually have a lot of fun with the projects that we’re involved in. From working with comedians, female-empowerment tours, tech conglomerates, to universities – it’s difficult to pinpoint our specific demographic. The underlying theme of our work is the aspect of communities.
Since then, we have expanded to Los Angeles this summer. In a world of VCs & investors, we’re proud to say we’ve never taken in any type of funding. No family trust funds, no financial backings, and no private investments. This was all built from the hard work and sweat that our team poured in… as well as the little life savings I personally was able to build during my time in NYC, freelancing and working for my former agency. Sure, there’s a lot of ‘creative agencies’ out there right? The big difference is that we live and breathe in support of fostering community. Our mindset is play first. We love to experiment and discover fun ways to create impact with our clients. The best thing about it is, most of our clients are our friends too!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
It’s quite exciting because as professional storytellers, we aren’t limited to operating solely as a media company anymore. Now we’re pushing the envelope of creativity as a global lifestyle brand as well. As the people behind the first-ever sneaker and streetwear university courses, respectively for FIT & Parsons School of Fashion — we are now producing home products, accessories, and sometimes apparel. Having the working experiences with Complex, Nike, and Spartan Race, the brand is no stranger to streetwear, luxury goods, and sports culture. Our very first collectible item has already dropped secretly on the low low. Voyage LA is the first publication to exclusively tell the world that PUSH by pushstory ™ is now live. For the most part, it’s only been our friends that have known about this so we’re happy to be able to share the news with your community.
You can find our iconic PUSH ceramic mug currently available at www.pushtownmarket.com. We weren’t satisfied with only having the ability to provide a service for the communities we support, and so moving forward we are directing our growth towards being of service for our own community. To build together and provide something for everyone; this is an intentional aim to expand one’s frame of reference and drive self-transcendence. PUSH as a brand is the experience of confronting something greater than yourself. This is just the beginning and there are more drops to come. Encompassing admiration and inspiration, the message is clear: Take a sip, make it happen. Be the PUSH.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Life has everything in it but you can only see what your perception allows you to see. I used to think that success was the accumulation of your accomplishments. Before, I would ask myself if I’m proud of my career or has my work created ripples of influence. Operating my life from an accolade-stacking, transactional point of view; now, I worry less about the ‘cool points’. Does everything have to be career-oriented? What matters most at the end of it all?
Success is something you practice, day in and day out. It doesn’t just show up nor can you expect it to be there in 10 years if you don’t even know what it is today. The gesture of finishing what you started, if you can make a difference in the world, and to live a purpose-filled life with integrity while making fond memories with friends and family — who wouldn’t call that successful? Our greatness comes when we realize that it was a choice all along. I admit, this still feels short so I would refer to a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson to help me with this answer, “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
Pricing:
- PUSH ceramic mug – $28 MSRP
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pushstory.co / www.pushtownmarket.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/pushstoryco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PushstoryCo/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/PushstoryCo/
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
