Meet Draper Joyner | Innovator | Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Draper Joyner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Draper, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Inside my head, I can think of over 101 ways to market, execute, and exploit a project creatively. Growing up, I’ve come to realize that creatives need more like-minded individuals who
understand their crafts and can easily cope with them, while being one of those creatives.
Growing my platform and “creating a buzz” while I’m in my prime, I plan to be one of the greats
that will pave the way for the next generation.
Me wanting to gravitate over to the P.R/ creator world came from my overthinking. To be able to
see how a curse and blessing mesh so well together is incredible. It started out in college, once
upon a time I was an electrical engineer major. And coming from an engineering family, I could
only describe a little of how much my pops hated the idea of me switching to public relations.
Sitting in class, my brain would wonder off to “how can I make this better,” “how can I recreate
this,” “ouuuu let’s diy this, and diy that,” it was a never-ending cycle. Luckily, I did not fail any
classes but I just had to do what made me feel good.
After the switch, I was able to help start and grow small businesses, created a starter clothing
line, was a radio DJ, walked in different celebrity fashion shows, have been published, have
been made into cartoons in movies, became an actor, I mean the list goes on. Although I missed
out on the money from engineering, being able to live and see the world from a different p.o.v
has been incredible. I do not regret anything, because not only has it molded me into the man I
am today, it allowed me to be the person baby Draper always dreamed of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My main objective is to build my own Public Relations management firm, focusing in the different branches of media. Since moving to Dallas, I have been blessed to model for different
shows and brands, growing my platform. My thought process is to get connected, and create a
name for myself. Not only will that give me more knowledgeable insight to the different fields, it
helps me build more trust to future clients. I mean would you trust someone who has
experienced what you are looking to do or trust someone who knows nothing about your idea,
only the meaning to what marketing is.
What sets me apart from others is that I know how to make “Plain Jane” the loudest in the room.
I’m excited about my growth within both my modeling and professional career. Once upon a
time, I was a quiet, timid, shy guy who was afraid to even wear colors at one point in my life. It
wasn’t easy, yet I don’t regret one thing.
I’ve learned how to live and not take time or opportunities for granted. After missing a huge gig
for my career, I had to learn the hard way how to prioritize my time and schedule and do what
makes me feel good.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas has a lot of hidden gems. Since I’ve moved here some of my favorite spots have been downtown. With the different food options, chill spots, lounges, and even activities you have so
much to do. Even in Deep Ellum aka Gotham City, you have so many food options and chill
spots to hang out at.
Dallas has been hands down the best city I’ve been to that has a lot of things to do. Since
moving here I have grown my taste palette because I am not limited to my options. From trying
Pho, to Japanese entrees, even some Louisiana options, the choices are almost endless.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out all of Dallas Creators. Since moving here, I have been exposed to a broad range of ideas and incentives that have grown me to break more out of my shell. Without the
people that say forget the regular shmegular lifestyle, big shoutout to you all!

Instagram: I’m on Instagram as realnamedraper. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1b5yz9uipbma&utm_content=4k5i19