We had the good fortune of connecting with Jhonny T and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jhonny, what makes you happy? Why?

Loved ones. Sharing the joys of life with those I love…As I get older I understand and appreciate more and more how lucky I am to have the people that I have in my life. I’m constantly reminded by this crazy game of life that all things are best enjoyed with those I love…that these moments, and these relationships are priceless, and true happiness that can’t be bought. In the past and even quite recently I’ve lost certain relationships/people, where I’m left with some sort of regret – didn’t do enough, didn’t say enough, didn’t fight enough, didn’t appreciate enough, didn’t say I love you enough, didn’t share exactly how I felt about them enough…all things that have taught me invaluable lessons to not only appreciate those who I still have, but to continuously aim towards doing all the above leaving no room for regret..

I was once asked about success and whether or not I want to be successful. Followed up with, why are you so hungry, why do you work so hard…and I quote, “of course I want to be successful, but I don’t crave success for myself. I crave success to bring success to others. Not to give out success like a handout, but to open the door to success and opportunity for others…” My biggest drive in life is all the people in it…Everything I do, I do for and with the people I love in mind. Nothing in the world truly makes me happier in life than to see others happy… To my loved ones, if you’re reading this…I love you, I appreciate you, and I cannot wait to enjoy more of what life has to offer to us.

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.
Truthfully, where I am “professionally” is still beneath the surface…I don’t want to takeaway from some of the amazing things I’ve gotten to-do thus far, but a lot of what has been done to date has been more foundational work. Not really by choice but more-so dealing with the cards I’ve been dealt. Like most people, 2020 was supposed to look a lot different for WiM and myself – on paper it was set to be the breakout year for both me personally and Women in Movement as a community. Early on it was a tough swallow.. Many life-changing opportunities were lost and timelines were deeply shifted, but looking back I’m incredibly grateful for the reset, health, family and friends. Outside of the heartbreaking tragedies and hardships tied to the pandemic, I really got to find new perspectives and meanings to life. Like what matters to me most, what impacts do I want to have on others, what shifts would need to be made for WiM, and what I, JhonnyT wanted to do for myself.

Nothing about anything I’ve done to date has been easy…It’s been unorthodox, messy, structured, unstructured, over ambiguous, uncertain and a whole lot of trial and error. There’s so much that I want to do in life that many times its to a fault. Everything feels achievable, like I can if I want, and while that may be true, often times it makes things incredibly hard on myself. Women in Movement is my pride and joy and will always be at the forefront of what I do, but there are also things as an individual, creative and designer that I want to do as well. Things that make me happy. That bring me joy and freedom. I love fashion, I love design, and over this last year I really lost touch with that side of me and it effected my drive and passion I had for WiM…Everything sort of got mashed together and nothing about it was organic. It was all forced with no great outcome. Ultimately leading me to have zero desires to create, which in-turn affected my emotions towards my work with WiM..
Then I met someone who changed it all, Alex Lemon. She taught me about balance, and the importance of taking care of self. She was the constant behind making sure I was doing things because they made me happy and not doing things just to do. She was my biggest hypewoman who got me excited to create again, bringing back those feelings of joy and freedom. She taught me one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned through this messy journey; that no matter what the journey may be, or who it is, it is best when shared with others. That I needed those around me…whether that was just to talk to about personal hardships and my feelings, or that was utilizing their help in any way that I could…”Trust in your ability to-do. Help from the people around you isn’t charity work…its love. Utilize the extra hands and be grateful. Nothing is ever meant to be done alone – it can be, but doesn’t need to be.”

Sounds cliche but what truly sets me apart from others is the people in my life. People like Alex and so many others. I’ve realized, when it comes to “setting myself apart,” the greatest thing about art and artists is that, you don’t have to do anything other than be yourself to set yourself apart. We are all unique to our own and have our own experiences and surroundings. Our own story to tell. To be singular, and to be unique, is to be you. A lot of my work has to do with words and story – and I believe my surroundings, relationships and desire to love simply, creates a very unique take and perspective on things. My journey has been as rocky as it gets, but through it all I’ve learned the most important thing I could’ve learned for myself, and that was to be me, unapologetically-so.

As for my work and what I’m excited about…theres so much to be excited about in the coming months/years. WiM is working to put together an annual community-zine/art-book to continuously showcase the work and stories of all the amazing women within our community and to have those things live on in homes for generations to come. Then personally, I’ve been working on a new community/brand/space, MEBJT.WORLD – where I hope to create and collaborate around the embodiments of self, circling the motto “Living Life Unapologetically.” Bringing my love for words, story, design and fashion together. Designs that encourage purpose and inspire others to own who they are, unapologetically-so. A place for me to be ME, and more importantly to have that never ending constant reminder to myself to never dim my light to make others comfortable. To be myself unapologetically-so.

I love simply, I’m empathetic, I fight for what I believe in, I think and act with others in mind, I’m over competitive, I fail and I fail and I fail, I make mistakes, I’m over ambiguous, I’m complex, I’m daring and ambitious, and most certainly – I am far from perfect. But everyday I strive to be a better me, unapologetically-so. This is Me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I wish I was better with this stuff at the top of my head but…Coles, Park BBQ, Kato, Tatsu ramen, Roscoes, Amazebowls, Kouraku, Wolf & Crane, Pizzanista, Wurstkuche, Prime Pizza, Howling Rays, TOT Little Tokyo, Daikokuya, Philippes, EightyTwo, Resident, Cliftons, Tatsu, Kogi, Hae Jang Chong, Quarters, Langers, street vendors… Everywhere! There’s definitely so much more that aren’t coming to mind but that’s the beauty of Los Angeles/Southern CA…Everywhere you look theres just so much to do; museums, sports games, food, drinks, hikes, views, beaches, mountains…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much of who I am and where I’m headed to all the people in my life. Not exaggerated but there are so many people who have played such an important role into who I am today…old and new relationships that I’m eternally grateful for. Starting with my mom and my family. Growing up it was me, my mom (single parent mother), my two grandparents and my two aunties. Lots of dress-up, dance parties, and tutu wearing. That’s where a lot of who I am comes from and where my foundations were built. Where I was taught everything about values, understandings, mannerisms and so much more. My stepdad, who came into the picture when I was 8 and has been there for me every step of the way since and continues to be one of my biggest supporters. My friends, old and new. They play such a huge role in my life, and I couldn’t be more fortunate to have met the people I have met thus far and continue to meet. Every single one of them inspire me in more ways than none. My rocks. Alex, my best friend, my confidant..the one that changed it all for me. The one who continuously pushes me to be a better me in every way possible and who’s there every step of the way by my side. The one who taught me how to love unconditionally, and the one who makes me feel most seen, heard and respected. The one who excites me most about life…I love you and couldn’t be more thankful for you. You truly are the best thing to happen to me and wouldn’t trade up what we have for anything in the world. The incredible women I’ve been blessed to have met through my journey with Women in Movement, you all inspire me in more ways than none and something I’m forever grateful for…something I never, nor will ever take for granted. And lastly, my two sisters, Brie (17) and Dally (3). The two who inadvertently ignite the fire in me when it comes to change and all things Women in Movement. I don’t have all the answers, nor will I ever, but I promise to devote my time contributing towards creating a better tomorrow for you and all the young girls of tomorrow. Always remember; you’re powerful, valuable and deserving of every chance in the world…brother is forever in your corner…

Website: wmnmvmt.com / jhonny-t.com / mebjt.world

Instagram: wmninmvmt / byjhonnyt / mebjt.world

Twitter: wmninmvmt / byjhonnyt

Image Credits
All images by Isa Dimaranan Socials: @isa.dimaranan Website: igvd.me

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