We had the good fortune of connecting with Vitnelson Saint Fleur and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Vitnelson, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Launching a business was not a tedious aspect to launch all of my broad spectrum of ideas, further more , I started off with the combination of multiple people from graphic Designers/Filmmaker like Xavier Hurtado , Dave Ronny , Kelvin Vilcas, Elder LAHENS, Gianni Quintana.
Launching a business was not a tedious task for me; it was an opportunity to bring my broad spectrum of ideas to life. I started by collaborating with a diverse group of talented individuals, including graphic designers and filmmakers like Xavier Hurtado, Dave Ronny, Kelvin Vilcas, Elder Lahens, and Gianni Quintana.A longtime friend of mine, Kordell McKenzie, also known as Koolagamo, and I came up with the mantra “FTT,” which stands for “For The Team,” during our high school years from 2009 to 2013. I presented this idea to Kordell, and since we were always together, freestyling in the mornings before class and during lunch breaks, it resonated with us. Kordell then added a slang twist, turning it into “FDT,” meaning “For Da Team.” This phrase has stuck with us ever since.As we moved forward, we incorporated this mantra into musical compilations. My childhood producer, Ismael Degros, known as Izzy Valentino, would send beat packs to my email. I began recording myself after saving up for my first USB microphone around 2010. Eventually, I purchased an Audio-Technica AT4040 cardioid condenser microphone bundle, which included a pop filter, XLR cable, shock mount, case, and cover, while I bought the interface separately. I started recording myself and others, along with my brother Dave Ronny, and we became our own engineers, as Kordell would say, “Engineering ourselves.” I created several mixtapes, including “14k Gold” (cover designed by me), “Blue Flame” (cover also designed by me), and “Flame Thrower: The Mixtape” (cover by Xavier Hurtado), all of which debuted on DatPiff when it was still operational. I also uploaded the tracks to YouTube. Before graduating high school and entering college, Kordell and I had already developed a business mindset and earned certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint through the Business Academy courses we took with Mr. Cahill at John I. Leonard High School. The knowledge we gained then helped us navigate our paths in college.Eventually, my brother and I devised a business model to transform our mantra into a legal company. On April 16, 2022, at approximately 10:34 AM, we wrote down our concept for “FDT Merchandise” and brainstormed a logo. We planned to start with 20 shirts priced at $25 each and sweaters at $50, aiming to launch by the following month.We wanted to give FDT a more universal meaning while retaining its roots within our inner circle. Just like any modern sports league, we recognized the importance of having role players, key players, and bench players to create a full roster. Thus, we redefined the meaning of FDT as “Foundation.” “FDT: The Foundation Starts at Home” became a meaningful choice for those looking to create a supportive environment for self-discovery and personal growth. Our logo concept evolved to represent a house, with “FDT” symbolizing the foundation and the door opening for young entrepreneurs, artists, filmmakers, and graphic designers like myself and Koolagamo, along with the others I mentioned earlier.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
• Artist Development: We provide mentorship, resources, and creative guidance to help emerging artists grow in their craft and navigate the music industry. DJVIP510 (Anthony Orozco) who is known for being Nipseyhussle Personal DJ has help me also to become a Major Label Artist while I am still independent, With out Nipsey West Coast legend (rest in paradise) it would not be possible. I am a truth seeker a life path 7 A Gemini who yearns for information. Knowledge is power, I do the best that I can to make sure with this industry that I am currently in what they call the Music Industry Business , I try to gain as much knowledge I need as much as possible so I can apply it. I see myself as the point guard of the team so my IQ has to be top tier , there is sharks in this water and I myself prefer myself to be more like a dolphin I got that quote from my pastor Vamines Datus as an aspect of my spiritual Gifts including Clairvoyance. I will use my brain to make things happen not only for me but my team/ family. I discipline my self by keeping my neurons in my brain cells activated to sponge more information, learning how to read contracts , I want to stay as sharp as a Kunai Knife. At FDT = The Feed Foundation, with my business partner Olbert Jerome , we offer a range of products and services designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and the community.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I am surrounded by water, I would bring them to the beach just so they can soak up the sun, most likely delray or Miami South Beach . Second I would take em to go to go see an improve down town west palm beach, I went to see my first improve there for my theater course when I attended college it was an amazing experience. Lastly top it off with some museums paintings food ice cream at the end 😇 I do not have specific places but I would definitely find some cool spots I always do, the one in boyton beach off gateway it is called “cool spot “. I’m an introvert I don’t go out with too many people.
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?
ELYACINTHE, ALEX Dave Roney, Designers/Filmmaker like Xavier Hurtado , Dave Ronny , Kelvin Vilcas, Elder LAHENS, Gianni Quintana.D.J.Solution
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vishessauce?igsh=eDdwcmhkZ2NqNmJo&utm_source=qr
Twitter: https://x.com/vishessauce?s=21&t=mRuxY3iUU1Ka9X1jPoZEfA
Youtube: https://youtu.be/qfF8XScz2CQ?si=hVoHDRxg_EZjei1m
Other: https://symphony.to/vishes/golden-ticket-4
Image Credits
Es_mosca Vishes