Meet Woody

We recently connected with Woody and have shared our conversation below.

Woody, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I believe that my work ethic comes from a place of self-doubt. Growing up, I was constantly told that I would never amount to anything, and even to this day, I still hear those echoes. This doubt has driven me to prove otherwise. After serving just shy of 10 years on active duty in the Army, I was frequently placed in positions where making the impossible seem possible became my reality. There’s an old saying from my favorite superhero that resonates deeply with me: “Everything’s impossible until somebody does it” – Batman. This mindset, coupled with my military experience, has instilled in me a relentless drive to push boundaries and achieve what others might deem unachievable.

My mission is to instill this mindset in others around me. I want people to understand that self-doubt and the negativity of others don’t have to hold them down. Instead, these challenges can be the foundation upon which they build their success. Let the jealousy and skepticism of others drive you to reach the top. By embracing this philosophy, we can all turn obstacles into opportunities and prove that nothing is truly impossible.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As a multi-faceted artist and entrepreneur with a mission to empower others through various creative outlets. As a rapper, I create music that spreads awareness about everyday struggles, giving a voice to those who feel unheard. My graphic designs, sold on shirts, provide a unique medium for people to express their emotions more freely and comfortably. Additionally, I’m an accomplished audio engineer and filmmaker, helping others bring their thoughts and emotions to life through sound and cinema. My work allows individuals to develop alter egos—personas they can externalize and confront, helping them channel their frustrations and negative emotions in a healthier way.

One of my significant ventures is 1134, a production company I created to give others something to represent with pride. Through 1134, I produce music, media arts, films, and podcasts, continually striving to help people shed light on their internal struggles and bring their stories to life.

I also refer to Tucson, Arizona as $uicide $lum$, a name reflecting the harsh realities I’ve observed. Tucson is a beautiful place, but the issues within the city are deeply troubling. Since my return after serving nearly 10 years in the Army, I’ve seen alarming increases in overdoses, drug use, and domestic violence. The community struggles to find unity, and I want to create something for the misfits around me.

My goal is to raise money through my clothing sales to fund therapy for those in need. I believe that by selling more clothing, I can make a significant impact by helping get people off the streets and providing them with the mental health support they desperately need. I am committed to turning adversity into opportunity, fostering a community where creativity becomes a therapeutic and transformative force.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and empathy.

Resilience: Life is full of challenges and setbacks, and the ability to bounce back and keep pushing forward is crucial. My time in the Army taught me to face adversity head-on and to never give up, no matter how tough things get. For those early in their journey, I advise embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger. Learn from your failures and use them as stepping stones to success.

Creativity: Whether it’s through music, graphic design, or filmmaking, creativity has been a cornerstone of my work. It’s allowed me to express myself and help others do the same. To develop this skill, I encourage people to experiment with different forms of art and media. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and push the boundaries of your imagination. Creativity thrives in an environment where you allow yourself the freedom to explore and innovate.

Empathy: Understanding and relating to others’ experiences has been fundamental in my mission to help people express their emotions and struggles. Empathy has enabled me to create work that resonates deeply with others and fosters a sense of community. For those starting out, practice active listening and put yourself in others’ shoes. Building genuine connections with people will enrich your work and make it more impactful.

In addition to these qualities, continuous learning and personal growth are essential. Stay curious and open-minded, always seek new knowledge, and be willing to adapt. By focusing on resilience, creativity, and empathy, you can build a solid foundation for your journey and make a meaningful impact along the way.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I am always looking for like-minded individuals and organizations to partner or collaborate with. I am particularly interested in working with people who share a passion for creativity, mental health advocacy, and community building.

I’m seeking collaborations with:

Artists and Musicians: Individuals who are passionate about using their art to communicate powerful messages and address important social issues. Whether you’re a musician, visual artist, filmmaker, or graphic designer, I believe that together we can create impactful work that resonates with people on a deeper level.

Mental Health Professionals and Advocates: Those who are dedicated to improving mental health awareness and providing support to those in need. Collaborating with therapists, counselors, and mental health organizations can help bridge the gap between creative expression and mental health support, creating a more holistic approach to well-being.

Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Groups focused on addressing the issues facing our communities, such as homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence. By partnering with these organizations, we can work together to provide resources, support, and creative outlets for those who need them most.

Brands and Businesses: Companies that are committed to social responsibility and want to support initiatives that make a positive impact. Collaborations with brands can help amplify our message and reach a broader audience, while also providing opportunities for creative marketing and product development.

I believe that collaboration is a powerful tool for creating change and that by working together, we can amplify our efforts and make a greater impact. If you’re passionate about creativity, mental health, and making a difference in the community, I would love to hear from you and explore how we can work together to achieve our common goals.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Korbin Schill, Joseph Temple, Leon Woods

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Perspectives on Being an Optimist

We’re often asked if we’ve seen a pattern of success among the many thousands of

Leadership Development
Mastering Communication: Stories & Lessons

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,