Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Davalos, Jr.
Ron, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was first introduced to VaKu on the first day of my freshman year at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. I was roaming “the Oaks” (or quad area) looking for a friend and when I finally saw her, she was talking with my best friend and business partner, Allay. They were discussing their goals & aspirations. I was asked to share mine and all three of us had a great conversation. We exchanged socials & parted ways. About a month later, Al caught up with me on the Oaks one random day and asked if I wanted to be apart of the company. The rest is history.
Entrepreneurship has always been around me. My father and step-mom own a restaurant back home in New Orleans and I was there in the beginning stages of everything. From standing on the street holding signs to main water breaks. I’ve seen what it takes to start and experiencing rollercoasters in your entrepreneurship journey, but that is what makes it all fun. My mother sold supper plates to retirement homes while I was in high school to make things happen at home. That’s where I saw hustle.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth, but that’s the beauty of entrepreneurship. I’d say one of the main struggles we dealt with is truly defining ourselves as a company. For a moment, all we produced was clothing and that is what everyone saw and deemed us as a clothing line. Nothing is truly wrong with that, but we realized we shifted from our purpose which was to make others feel and experience VaKu firsthand. In addition to clothing, we have now officially entered into the event and live entertainment industry and increasing our community involvement.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about VaKu – what should we know?
VäKú noun: “Indescribable Happiness” (formal), noun: 1. Having a crazy, good time (slang), 2. Good energy, vibes (slang). VäKú is an innovative company birthed out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Our mission is to inspire humanity to join our mothership and to create Indescribable Happiness through Art and Charity. VäKú is a platform where like-minded individuals can co-exist while building relationships that propel philanthropy. We utilize Indescribable Happiness in our art, not only to combat the ills of society; but to promote love, peace, and happiness instead.
Through art, apparel and music, we fund our underlying mission of helping those in need. VäKú has earned and achieved several milestones regarding serving the community: Hosting food giveaways that fed over 500 homeless citizens. Partnering with various charitable organizations such as the ASL Association, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), including a featured news segment. A portion of our profit is donated to charitable causes, allowing us to donate over $1,000 to different charity events.
Also, we have co-sponsored both the Jerk Chicken Festival and the New Orleans Caribbean Festival. Everyone has a right to Indescribable Happiness. Through our artistic abilities and community service, we will work to make this accessible for all. We genuinely appreciate the support of our peers and will continue to use our platform to unify, uplift, and inspire.
I am the Co-Owner of VaKu. To sum it all up, I am in charge of keeping us moving forward through a time of technological and cultural advances. I am most proud of our adaptability to different markets. We traveled to over ten college campuses across the U.S. to spread indescribable happiness. It is a feeling most people are familiar with but may have not recognized it yet. One of our main objectives is to help others identify and join the VaKu movement. I believe this is what separates us from others. I am proud of #VaKuFridays. It started as just a few friends on a college campus then spread to other campuses and cities. Each Friday, we ask supporters to rock their favorite VaKu piece and spirit. This was started back in 2016 at Dillard University.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family, friends and frat brothers have been my supporters through every step of the way for me. Either that would be by attending an event, purchasing a shirt or sharing our story with others. My business partner Allay for starting this company while in high school. To have that type of mindset at 16 years old is remarkable. I’m grateful to have someone who keeps me balanced personally & professionally.
Teammates/Clients: Joel H. Tilton for allowing our company to be apart of his festivals in their early days and introducing us to the event & festival industry from an up-close view. Becky with Unspoken Word Podcast who greeted me with open arms when I first moved to Dallas.
Alivia Grace, Doretta Lang, DJ Halo, DJ T-Rex & Tremendous Heights, Dennis McMurray, Smims Mixology, Simply Phillip Brown and Josh Allen with 808 Entertainment have been of great help since VaKu planted itself here in Dallas. These companies have been instrumental in helping us produce our live entertainment series, “Where Memories Are Made”.
Pricing:
- Our pricing for apparel begins at $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vakuland.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatisvaku/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatIsVaKu/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatisvaku
- Other: www.youtube.com/channel/UCkyUfXnx4JhOYwu4CTjg5Vw/videos
Image Credit:
Derrick Perkins (Credit for Where Memories Are Made & Dilla Day photos).
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