John Wheatley - Movements : CORE Magazine

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March 24, 2007

John Wheatley
JW DESIGN COMPANY

By: ms.cyntje
From Our Mar - Apr 2007 Issue

In this edition of Virgin Islanders making Movements, CORE Magazine profiles John Wheatley the owner of JW Design Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

CORE: How was it growing up in the Virgin Islands? Were there any obstacles you had to overcome?

JW: As a Youngman growing up in the Virgin Islands one of my biggest obstacles were running into people/ teachers who would label me as a problem child or a delinquent that would never become anything. Most of the teachers that I came in contact with in the VI public school system had a very gossip like personality and would always talk amongst themselves about the different students.

I was a very outspoken person and I was known for questioning authority. If you were to tell me something I would always want you to explain how, where, why and most teachers would not really have valid explanations or real opinions about different things…they had the: “because I said so” mentality or “you’re a child, I’m an adult, what I say goes, I’m right, you’re wrong don’t question me”. And so I got in a lot of trouble, teachers talk, and I was labeled as a bad seed

CORE: What motivated you to go on?

JW: The main thing that kept me motivated in pursuing my dreams was the support of my Mother Mae Wheatley & Grandmother Mary Classen. Big shout outs to Mom & Granny!!

Whatever happened to me in school, they would always listen to me and ask me my side of the story and not jump to any conclusions about it. I really appreciate them for that.

Another major motivational factor was ironically a teacher, two teachers to be exact: my former band teacher Mrs. Francis, and former drama teacher Ms. Humprey from CAHS. They changed my life, seriously. If it wasn’t for those two teachers being the great teachers they are, I wouldn’t have ever ended up in the music & film industry.

They really listened and guided me into becoming the creative person that I am today. That’s crazy aye? For all my years in school, all the years of whack, drama filled, non supportive teachers, two teachers really stood out in my high school years. Not that I’m against teacher’s that discipline students; you can discipline students, but your job is to reach us, and make us feel good about learning.

Two other teachers that were very memorable was my 7^th grade teacher Mrs. Kirby (St. Peter & Paul) and Mrs. Morris (5^th grade Lockhart Elementary)

CORE: What was the hardest thing about moving away from home?

JW: Not having any good home cooking!!!!

The beaches, my family and the comforts of living at home, like not worrying about bills and money…

CORE: Who would you say made the biggest impression on your life?

JW: My Mother, she is the Best person to me in the whole world. She really did a wonderful job raising me and my brother Michael. She told us we could do whatever we wanted and supported us in everything.

CORE: When did you realize you were beginning to accomplish the goals you set out for yourself?

JW: My first BIG check!!! LOL and seeing my name on TV! Some of my credits are:

"Partners in Crime: The Next Generation Atlanta" (2006) TV Series (Director/Producer/Editor)
"Thou$and Dollar Bee on the Road" (2006,2004) TV Series (Director/Producer)
"Playhouse 22" (2006) TV Series (Director /Editor/Camera Operator)
"Speaker's Box" (2004) TV Series (Director/Associate Producer)
"Spoken" (2004) TV Series
"Lisa Knight and the Round Table" (2004) TV Series

CORE: Looking back what would you say was your biggest accomplishment?

JW: Getting hired by Hollywood Actor/ Director Robert Townsend as the Executive In Charge of Production for the Black Family Channel in Atlanta, GA

CORE: What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

JW: Point Blank…. I’m a perfectionist, and I don’t think there are many people who can do what I do better than me. Why waste time, let me do it myself.

CORE: Tell us about your business.

JW: JW Design Company is a full scale media production and consulting company with a mission to provide high quality media solutions for Television Networks, Corporate Businesses and Individual Clients and has already created a buzz in the industry by becoming one of the newest and most creative design companies around today. Established in 2006, JW Design is an award winning company whose team has experience in marketing campaigns, corporate video presentations, and full-scale television series.

CORE: What has changed about you within the last 5 years?

JW: Nothing much… my drive and hunger for success just continues to grow, day by day!

CORE: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Are there any road blocks along the way?

JW: I see myself helping people!!!! I really love helping those less fortunate than me. And Making paper like O Wheezy!!! …Oprah Winfrey for the non hip people…

I don’t want to change NOTHING!!!!! I am who I am because of my experiences… If I change that, I change me….

There will always be road blocks along the path to success, what make a person a successful is the way you handle the road block!!!

CORE: If you had to sum up your life in one quote or thought what would it be?

JW: I’m blessed by God so I’m cursed by none!!!

CORE: Who is John Wheatley?

...The coolest guy you'll ever meet!!...