Today we’d like to introduce you to DeJon Paul.
Thanks for sharing your story with us DeJon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my career in the field of entertainment at the age of 13 after literally stumbling into a developing recording studio in Inglewood after school one day. I began doing mostly intern work in social media management. From there, I would presume paid positions in public relations and social media management for a litany of Los Angeles rappers throughout my years in high school. My senior year in high school, I began managing then local dj, DJ A-Tron, who now is the resident dj at Crazy Girls in Hollywood, and the official dj for RJMrLA. Together, we would launch A Day In LA Records, a label and management company that would go on to work with brands such as BET, Reebok, Yogurtland, and Monster Energy, as well as convey talent as Compon native Kee Riche$, and producer, RadioAktive.
In 2017, I executive produced Kee’s debut LP, “Get Rich”, with appearances from Rucci, and AzSwaye, and it’s follow-up, “Get Rich 2” in 2018. After so, A Day In LA would secure a distribution deal from a pivotal label in west coast music, Priority Records. The Capitol / Motown owned distributor, most notable for launching the careers of N.W.A., Ruthless Records, and later, Ice Cube’s solo career would be the ideal distributor of such a Los Angeles steeped entity. Aside from over ten years in music, a year ago I launched my very own lifestyle and apparel brand, A Day In LA by Dejon Paul to homage and style the palm tree clad scenery of everyday Los Angeles life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had challenges, just as anyone in any field, I’d assume. But I’m grateful for my afflictions. Failure, pain, disappointment, betrayal, abandonment, and mistakes all parented me, as I was a young kid as I got into this business, without either parent’s permission or supervision. What I can say is that God’s ultimate favor over my life, his gift of creativity, steady prayer, and my stewardship is what pulled me through every obstacle I faced as a social media manager, as a publicist, as a manager, as an A&R, as a producer, and now as a streetwear designer. Constantly moving me to break boundaries, and pushing me to new limits, despite recognition sometimes. If I had to bluntly state a challenge, it would be a personal one. And that would be getting out of my own way. Overcoming shyness, and reclusivity, and letting my big heart shine through both my work and my voice. Not always standing in someone’s shadow or three steps behind someone. My biggest challenge was placing the “by dejon paul” on a brand, in contrast to just running brands for others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
A Day In LA by dejon paul is my baby. I have a partner in my cousin and closest friend, Bianca Roberts, whom you’ll see me out eating brunch or drinking pineapple juice and tequila with all over town on a regular. She’s my favorite person. And here at ADLA by Dejon Paul, we (myself, Bianca, and an all-female staff of contributors) market and maintain a pride in Los Angeles day culture, as well as it’s rap scene. We sell colorful articles of clothing, along with smoker accessories, all stamped with our signature palm tree which I designed and am most proud of. We promote both up and coming, as well as established LA rap talent via our platforms. Most importantly, we provide moral support, listening ears, and advice to these up and coming artists. It’s that blithe love, as well as that relaxed business model that entices a great deal of business our way, and separates us from other similar companies, in my opinion. We’re celebrating our first year in apparel with an anniversary capsule of ADLA sweatsuits and tees. There’s been a demand for fleece from us all year, and I’m grateful to service that need, especially with the holidays coming up. We get to market more love, and that’s exciting.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
While I can be pleased, I’m not a person that can be satisfied. So success to me is always going to be accomplishing whatever is the next goal on my mind. And once I’ve done that, I’m going to have something else in mind. I’m a serial entrepreneur, so that’s going to come with that. I’m involved with over a dozen businesses at a time, in both active leadership and ownership capacities, so I can’t quite gage success off anything I’ve accomplished in the past or even the things I see myself accomplishing within the next year or so. I look at it all steps. I believe everything is to be done decent and in order. I’m very neat that way. Perhaps a billion dollars would change that mindset or put it at ease, at least.
Pricing:
- *$80 ADLA Anniversary Sweatsuits (Gray, Pink, Blue, Black)
- $30 Palm Tees (Gray, Pink, Baby Blue, Black)
Contact Info:
- Website: adayin.la
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/adladejon
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/adladejon
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