Meet Divine Anthony Richards-ahonsi

We were lucky to catch up with Divine Anthony Richards-ahonsi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Divine anthony, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I was born in Dublin, Ireland, where life felt like paradise. My childhood was filled with bouncy castle birthdays, street-lit BBQs, and unforgettable parties. I made lifelong friends—Jess, Jede, and Elrich Caputo. Shortly after, my family moved to the UK, with my dad saying it would bring a better life. Things quickly changed for me and my brother, Freeman.

In a Travelodge in East Croydon, adjusting to London life came with “African punishment” discipline—one finger on the floor, one foot in the air, and any slip meant a hit. After this, we moved to my Aunty Folake’s house in Coulsdon. She had a massive backyard, made the best jollof rice and chicken, and instantly felt like family. Her four sons—Debo, Deji, Folu, and Benga—were talented and successful: Benga became a dubstep pioneer, Alfie a salesman, Folu a tech expert, and Debo a savvy businessman. With them, we rode in Bentleys, Ferraris, and Maseratis, and were told, “Order anything you want,” at McDonald’s. It instilled in me the desire to succeed.

We eventually moved into our first UK home, on Rogers Close in Old Coulsdon, but we never really settled. I felt like the black sheep—caught between accents and identities. I didn’t fully feel British, but my Irishness was fading, forcing me to create a new identity. Life became a game, each level pushing me to reinvent myself. In 2011, after more moves, we landed in Redhill.

At 14, I learned that Elrich, my childhood friend from Dublin, had passed away. He had celebrated his 11th birthday the day before, and his mother had asked him not to play a match on October 16, 2016, because he was tired. The news hit me hard, and I found myself grieving a life that felt further and further from my own. His death was a reminder of how much had changed since Ireland, deepening my resolve to make something meaningful of my life.

Around the same time, I realized I needed money to live the life I wanted. We no longer had the big house with a backyard swing set. Instead, it was a two-bedroom council house, and I always felt like I was falling behind. I would tell people I lived in a house, not a flat, and even lied about my parents’ ages, desperate to feel like I belonged.

At 17, I discovered social media marketing and became obsessed with making money online. But after my first client asked for my ID, I was stopped due to my age. That’s when I became involved in the fast life London had to offer, leading me to chase fast money. This path distorted my view of money and hard work. I became deceptive, and it ultimately put loved ones in danger.

Determined to change, I started a jewellery business but partnered with the wrong person, which damaged my perception of business. I spent two stagnant years, facing untold relationship issues and trying to revive a dying venture. Feeling lost and alone, I slipped back into old habits, which only led to more pain. After a nine-month injury that left me in a cast, I vowed to change. I embraced personal development, lost over 25 kilos, and put myself in the best mental shape of my life.

Now, I run a clothing brand set to achieve £5,000 a month by next year. Reading the Bible and praying to Jehovah have been my ultimate source of resilience. I tried yoga, thinking it would bring me closer to God, but ultimately, it was my faith that gave me strength. This journey has taught me that resilience isn’t just about survival—it’s about growth and transformation.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I run Teeupwrld, a streetwear brand that’s more than just fashion—it’s a journey into bold self-expression and empowerment. What’s most exciting about Teeupwrld is that each piece is carefully designed to make a statement. Every element, from the colors and cuts to the textures, has been chosen with the purpose of standing out. When I was building this brand, I spent time reconnecting with my roots, diving into family photos, childhood music, and games that sparked my creativity. Rediscovering my inner child led me to my creative signature, and that signature is woven into every piece of Teeupwrld clothing.

I used to be shy, someone who avoided the spotlight. But through Teeupwrld, I’ve come to realize that my path is about bold expression and giving others that same power. Now, I create clothing that emboldens the wearer to step confidently into who they are.

When you wear Teeupwrld, you will be seen. You’ll feel the attention, the pride, and the energy that comes from standing out unapologetically. Our brand is for those who are ready to command a room, for those who want to make a lasting impression wherever they go. If you’re ready to be stared at, to be recognized, Teeupwrld is here to be your armor and your statement.

As for what’s next, we’re launching our latest release, which includes a new signature design element that will be featured on every piece moving forward. This is a huge milestone because it distinguishes Teeupwrld and defines who it’s for—those who embrace their individuality. This release marks a new path for our brand, one that unites our community and brings people together who share the same bold spirit.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Discipline: In building Teeupwrld, I focused on actions that truly moved the needle. If a task wasn’t helping me make money or pushing me to learn, I didn’t waste time on it. This disciplined approach kept me locked in on what mattered most, ensuring I made meaningful progress every day.

Mindset: Early on, I realized that how I viewed setbacks would determine my growth. Instead of letting obstacles discourage me, I trained myself to see them as challenges to learn from. That shift changed everything—each hurdle became a stepping stone, and my mindset strengthened with each lesson.

Belief: Believing in my vision, even when no one else fully understood it, was essential. Every day, I’d visualize where I wanted Teeupwrld to be, and that inner belief pushed me forward. When doubt crept in, this trust in my purpose gave me the courage to keep moving.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was bringing me to the UK, sharing their vulnerability, and instilling a deep faith in Jehovah God. Their sacrifices exposed me to the challenges of life early on, pushing me to grow up quickly and develop resilience. Seeing them navigate these hardships, while also holding onto their faith, gave me both the drive for generational wealth and a spiritual foundation. They set my brother and me on a path toward a bigger vision, where success wasn’t just about financial gain but about creating a legacy that honors our faith, our family, and the journey they started for us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://teeupwrld.shop
• Instagram: TEEUPWRLD
• Youtube: TEEUPWRLD