Industrial Engineer by day (until recently going full-time entrepreneur and following his dreams) and CEO and DJ around the clock, this young entrepreneur is quickly taking over by storm. DJ PaPaRooster started spinning in full swing his senior year of high school going into his freshman year of college. In the midst of mixing, mastering, styling and profiling from fitting into his rhythm, Darius simultaneously created his own clothing line “P.A.P.A Clothing” (Pushing Ancestors' Purposes Afar). Literally a world traveler, Darius has visited Amsterdam, China, Dominican Republic, Ireland, London, Mexico, Paris and more.
Welcome Darius as this week's feature:
Name: Darius Danner (DJ PaPaRooster)
Title: CEO and Founder at P.A.P.A Clothing
Location: Huntsville, AL, Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA [Catch him if you can!]
Background: 2018 graduate from the University of Alabama in Huntsville - BA in Industrial and Systems Engineering/ Studied abroad in Nanking, China at Nanjing University for International Business
YC: You're a true entrepreneur, how did you start your clothing line and DJ'ing?
Darius: With both brands that I manage (DJ’ing and P.A.P.A Clothing), my desire was to create. These desires stem from family ties/inspirations as well as my own passions. My interest in clothing arose simply from my love for fashion. I admire unorthodox pieces of clothing and styling others in fashion events and parties. Furthermore, my desire branches into giving back to the community in which P.A.P.A Clothing morals are based on. As far as DJ’ing, it has always been in my family, but particularly came about in high school as I began DJ’ing alongside the help of my best friend Allen G. Bailey.
I started my clothing line on the premises and principles of giving back. My main purpose was birthed from the inspiration of my big brother who I met in the 7th grade. I met Jeremy Donald in a Big Brother Big Sister program. When the program lost its funding in the 8th grade, Jeremy still gave back and helped me as a big brother. For him giving back to me I give back to others. I began DJ’ing my senior year of high school and since then I've mastered the art of music and techniques to perform multiple ways and have found my unique touch to entertain the crowd.
YC: Why do you love what you do?
Darius: When I’m in front of my turntables, I have the ability to mix, master and cut music to cater to everyone in the crowd. I get goosebumps all the time from creating new live mixes on the spot. One of my favorite quotes relates to my statement “Music takes us where words cannot.”
Far as clothing, I love fashion and why not create something that everyone would like to wear. I also like to see smiles on people's faces who are wearing the merchandise.
YC: What does the first hour of your day look like?
Darius: For P.A.P.A clothing a typical day consists of stat checking, shipping orders, creating and developing new ideas for the line, researching today’s fashion, as well as marketing on social media platforms.
For DJ’ing, my day consists of updating and checking on clients, keeping up with the latest music, downloading and creating mixed music to play for upcoming events, publicizing and marketing the DJ brand, as well as updating contracts for new events.
YC: Do you believe that the people you surround yourself with make a difference in your overall success?
Darius: Yes, because the people you surround yourself around should be like-minded and have the same intentions you do with succeeding. I personally can attest to that considering those I associated with when I was younger to now, it’s a complete difference. It’s important you keep good company and learn from those who are continuing to excel.
YC: Who inspires you the most and why?
Darius: Any person who has set a goal and accomplished it is my inspiration. My inspirations are people who devote their time to what's important, work relentlessly, and promote positivity. I strive for excellence and helping the next person gain success and reach their full potential is what is important to me.
YC: What's the main thing holding you back?
Darius: Capital! And some of the biggest problems my business faces and I've faced as a business owner has been advocating the purpose behind the brand to audiences who are clueless about the meaning or origin of my brand. Once I grasp my audience’s attention with the purpose, my job is done.
YC: What's your definition of success?
Darius: Success is not the result of luxurious cars, clothes or houses. To me, success is setting goals and having the drive and passion to accomplish them.
YC: What's the biggest lesson you've learned on your overall journey?
Darius: No one will ever be more passionate about your brand more than yourself, so the more you put into yourself the better your brand will be.
YC: What's the best advice you would give to anyone striving to reach their goals?
Darius: Be passionate about whatever you put your mind to, never put a dollar before your dream, and never give up even though the pace seems slow.
Thanks Darius for being on Yvonne Camille's #FeatureThursday series. If you want to learn more about Darius (DJ PaPaRooster), make sure to check out his social platforms listed below:
Website: www.cluckup.com
Instagram: @djpaparooster/@papaclothing
Facebook: Darius Danner/@papaclothing
For 2019/2020 wedding and party booking info. and pricing, email Darius at djpaparooster@gmail.com.
Check back every Thursday for a new feature. If you know someone I should feature, email me via the Contact Page.
Sending love and positive vibes your way!
Yvonne Camille