Basketball was a focus. I knew that I may kick it Friday night, but Monday morning I had to get right back to practice, and to the class room. It was finding that middle ground, and not getting too far outside of myself. It was finding that middle ground, and centered place. For me, outside of doing TV, I focused on my household and my wife. She’s been the anchor for me with staying grounded and focused on my vision. I picked up on mentoring men in Chicago. Our violence rate is so high, and it’s really out of order. My regular nine to five, I spend time with the youth in Chicago at alternative schools. I do that by day, I do the shop by night, and the show is my third job.
U.G. Digital Mag: What does that do in your mind for you to be “putting on” for the city? I say that in a measure of respect to you because you’re inspiring so many people and you’re impactful. On the outside, all we hear about is the violence. I won’t say Cleveland is that much better, but still though. You’re making a big difference.
Bishop Don: For me, it’s humbling, and it puts you in a position to realize how much of an impact you have on lives. To walk through Walmart, or the mall, or we go grocery shopping and people walk up and hug you, and say they appreciate you for the hope you give to their families, or their marriages. It makes us feel good because I feel like my life is a true testimony for people to watch and understand they have an opportunity to change things around. We don’t have to follow what’s in front of us. We have a system thats presented to us, and 90% of the time, we try to follow that because it’s what society wants. Once you’re labeled, you feel like that’s what you’re going to be, versus telling yourself you can be whatever you want no matter what. That’s my goal, that’s the shop’s goal, and 9Mag. Put us in any position and watch how we bounce back. We won’t let the world sit back and label us. We’re family men, tattoo artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, athletes, mentors, and everything. We want to show people you can be whatever you want. Don’t just let people size you up for one position and think this is your position in life.
U.G. Digital Mag: The key in this conversation is how you speak of family, your wife, and what’s keeping you grounded. That’s cool because it’s not normally what people are talking about. It instills hope for sure in people who really want to do the same thing, and do the right thing. You’re showing them they can do that, and follow their dreams.
Bishop Don: Exactly. Everyone has an opportunity to do something; we’re just afraid of the process. Somebody will say it took them two years to get something off the ground, and we’re thinking that’s too long. We want the fast money. It’s OK to let it come. That’s the goal. Follow the process, build the fan base, build the clientele and connections. Take your time, shake hands, be a good person and the blessings will follow. When my wife met me, I was down on luck completely. For her not to be materialistic, not looking for jewelry, fame, and cars, she met me when I was just Don. I had nothing but a trunk full of clothes and a smile. That’s all she needed.
U.G. Digital Mag: …and you know it’s genuine.
Bishop Don: It’s super genuine. That’s what made our connection so real. Our emotions on the show are real. We’re not faking and fabricating our lives. We’ve been through some strong ups and downs. We’ll curse each other out, but we’ll also be the first to knock a person out for each other. We’ll go to war for each other.
U.G. Digital Mag: I can relate to that with my wife. Even in her family, they talk crazy to each other, but will definitely take somebody down for each other.
Bishop Don: We try to keep our stuff internal though. We deal with enough outside, being on TV, and through social media. We don’t do the social media rants. Most issues, we handle in the household and discuss it. We’re getting to that point where we can have differences, but meet at a middle ground and move around it. You know when you ain’t going nowhere. Why argue when I know I’m not going nowhere. Let’s have a beautiful day. Choose your battles and wars. You got somebody that’s there for you so protect them just like they protect you.