A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For our guest Dmitri Julius, co-founder and president of House Dreamr Streetwear, his first step was cutting lawns as a youth, and his next was serving as a Sergeant in the Marines. A tale of transformation from military life to the world of social entrepreneurship, Dmitri's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, and continuous learning. He details how his time as a youth entrepreneur, then serving in the military, and working for the start-up Icon Homes conditioned him for success in entrepreneurship and shares the inspiring story of founding House of Dreamr and the Dreamer Foundation.
In the heart of Austin, Texas, Dmitri has built space for community in a city with few Black folks, underlining the significance of collaboration, mentorship, and relationship building. He shares the challenges and rewards of being a Black entrepreneur in a predominantly white city and the importance of building social capital in such an environment. His insight into working with established entrepreneurs and his belief in uplifting the younger generation is truly inspiring.
Buckle up as we traverse the terrain of Dmitri's personal life, his pursuit of a doctorate in psychology, and his commitment to passing down knowledge to budding entrepreneurs. We navigate through his transition from military service to civilian life, the pressure of catching up with peers on traditional paths, and the importance of mental health among veterans. As we round off our conversation, Dmitri recommends books such as "The Lean Startup," "The Pivot Year," and "Unreasonable Hospitality" for those embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to turn their dreams into reality: a testament to the power of knowledge, the value of mentorship, and the benefits of a community-focused mindset.

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