It’s no secret that when the pandemic hit last year it put a sketching halt to many things. While the column may have paused millennials all over Delaware didn’t let it stop them from continuing to make moves. So, we’re back to highlighting the great things that they’re doing. There was no better person to kick things off again than with a true son of Wilmington – Charles Dayquon. He’s an entrepreneur, coach, blogger, content creator, and much more. Even though his schedule is packed he took some time to answer a few questions for me so we could get to know more about this millennial making moves.
You’re very talented with dreams of being a future media mogul. Why have you chosen to stay in Delaware instead of moving to a place like NYC or LA?
I was born and raised in Wilmington, DE it’ll always be my home. I did the thing where I went to the big city for a while for more opportunities but I never want to forget where I came from. I love Delaware and want to help bridge the gap so great opportunities are available here too.
Not only are you a natural in front of the camera but you have entrepreneurial skills too. Have you always had the hustle in you or is it something that’s developed as you’ve gotten older?
I’ve always had that spirit in me. In high school, I ran a fashion show from my sophomore year to my senior year. I only had the help of two friends but we were able to raise over $30,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation. I chose to raise money through a fashion show because I’ve always been into fashion and I wanted to help others express themselves in more creative ways. I feel like my time at Concord HS really helped me build my leadership skills. I come from a family that has a lot of leadership styles but at school, I was able to be a leader to my peers which set the tone for helping to build my confidence in that area.
Besides building your leadership skills was there anything else you took away from the experience that’s helped you?
Absolutely. When I was putting together the fashion show I faced a lot of doubt. Many people thought that I couldn’t do it and I had to stand strong because I knew what I was capable of. During school everyone wanted me to play football but I knew where my passion was, so I followed that. There was also some doubt because of the community I grew up in. Where I come from a lot of people think they can’t make it because we come from such a small city. So, they tried to put those doubts on me. A major lesson I learned from that whole experience was to always be myself and never change for anybody.
Were you able to use that experience in college next?
I didn’t go to college right away because I didn’t get accepted to the schools I wanted. I had a low GPA of 1.7 in high school because I was bored and not challenged. This didn’t change the fact that I wanted to learn so I went to the president of Cheyney University to express my passion and drive. She believed in me so much not only did she accept me to the school but I also got a free ride. I studied fashion and merchandising. During my time there I got a 4.0 GPA and then transferred to Lincoln University.
It’s great that you were able to turn your GPA around like that. What do you think caused the big difference?
The difference was finding something I was passionate about learning. My teachers always knew I was smart and had something special in me, even in high school. They allowed me to graduate with a low GPA. I took what I went through then and became a Graduation Coach at Wilmington Public High School teaching their credit recovery class. I teach students to stay confident, stay involved and keep your mind on your prize because if you don’t, they can easily take it from you. Just because you failed a course doesn’t mean you can’t advance to whatever your potential is or whatever your dream may be.
Your dreams include fashion and communications. How did your love of communications come about and which do you love more?
At Lincoln, I majored in Mass Communications with a strategic track. I learned how to do things like making a pitch deck and other things that a publicist would do. If I had to choose between the two I would say that communication is more my passion because I can use it to influence fashion. I’m just as passionate about fashion but I need to be able to communicate why you should pick one outfit over another or why certain clothing pieces go together. I like being able to help people grow and see the value in themselves through fashion.
What ways have you been able to use your love of communications to make a career?
I’m very comfortable in front of the camera. Not many people know this but I have a tattoo on my chest that says “Born for A Cameraâ€. A recent project I worked on was a show with DETV28 called “Old Money, Young Problemsâ€. The purpose was to bridge the gap between the trendsetting millennials and the wise baby boomers. I feel like the seasoned generation has the knowledge that my generation could use. That’s why I created this show.  I’m also working on creating another project to work with Jet Phynx Film. I actually have a few show ideas that I hope to make happen over time. I’m also a blogger for The Media Landlord in Atlanta. Their social media page has over 23.8k followers.
In addition to your media work, you are also an entrepreneur. Can you tell us a little bit about your company?
I created a luxury brush line called Veni Vici. It means “I came and I conqueredâ€. The brand is all about having a problem and overcoming it. It’s always been a dream of mine to create this brush line. When I was younger, I would put stickers on my brushes at home to show that they were mine. I’d love to own a barbershop as well one day. For now, I figured getting into the male cosmetic line by creating a brush that helps was a good way to start.
You have a lot going on. What drives you to succeed?
Being told no. Not being able to have the things that I want or provide for my loved ones drives me. I want to help my family not have to worry about anything. I’d like to be able to help my little brother both financially and as a role model. I want him to see me grinding and being successful which will make him want to do the same thing. That’s what drives me to chase my dreams.
When you think of your future is there anyone you want to model your career after?
Friends sometimes ask who I would be if I could be anyone but at the end of the day, I’m me and don’t want to be anyone else. However, if I had to compare the type of success I’d like to have to someone already well known I’d say I want to be the Black Ryan Seacrest. I’d like to do something similar to Terrence J or AJ from 106 & Park. Charlamagne Tha God, Joe Budden, and Kevin Hart are a few people I look up to.
You’re also quite involved in the community. How do you find the time?
I make the time because I love my community work, especially with teens. I started a guy’s afterschool group at Wilmington High School. The purpose of the group is to help transform the way that guys do certain things. I try to help them look at things in a different way and give them a different outlet for their frustrations instead of fighting. We also do things like providing them sponsored lunches, group discussions, teaching them how to dress professionally, and much more.
As you can tell Charles Dayquon is a man who wears many hats but does it well. Earlier he mentioned his “grind†and I don’t think there’s anyone who would disagree that he puts in the works to make his goals happen. If you’re not already following him on social media make sure you find him on Instagram @charlesdayquon and you can also visit his website to stay updated on his latest ventures.
