I couldn't think of a better way to close out an amazing interview series than to sit and talk with this amazingly talented soul.  With a humble spirit and a drive like no other, it's easy to see why everyone loves him so much.  A talented musician, writer, editor-in-chief, driven entrepreneur and CEO, Donovan "Groov" Henderson is someone you should know if you don't already.  So, kick your feet up, learn more about him, support his creativity and get into his Groov...

 ◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I’m doing quite well. I have a beautiful wife and five children, my life has been blessed beyond measures. An amazing day indeed.

◆ When did you realize you were in love with the art of music?
You know what, when I think back, I would have to say it was around my early teenage years. I was exposed to a lot of different types of music at the expense of my grandmother and her love for listening to the radio in the mornings. I can remember her always having the local radio playing, in another room, and I could hear it, before getting ready for school. The local radio station would play some of every kind of music, pop, rock, R&B, folk, you name it. Little did I know, it was at that point, that my music palet was being formed and it continued from there. I started recording music, from the radio, on cassette tapes in my room, picking out my favorite songs. I began buying records, turntables, and deejaying became my thing. That’s when I began to really fall in love with the art of music.

◆ As an entrepreneur what has been most challenging?
The most challenging to me is, not having the necessary working capital to really function at the highest level possible. Most of what I do from an entrepreneurial perspective comes from my savings account. I don’t have any investors of any kind. 

◆ If you had to describe yourself in the form of a song, what would that be?
​Tough choice here, but I was able to narrow it down. I would say it’s “So Ambitious” by JAY-Z & Pharrell Williams from the Blueprint 3 album.​

There is definitely a shift in the atmosphere.  Everything has been packed away and perfectly stored until next year!  I can hardly believe it myself.  I am one of the first people to pull out the storage bins with most everyone wondering, 'why so early?'  In some way, I am sure my entire year is planned around the grand unveiling of my treasured and loved decorations.  

Literally, no signs remain that Christmas existed within the walls of my home.  Except for finding a bit of glitter here and there one might wonder if my heart was a big ole lump of coal.  Oh, far from that my friends.  If they were hiring for a stand-in for Mrs. Claus I would be a perfect fit, with a few minor tweaks here and there.

The holiday season is one of great joy and it always has been for me.  The laughter seems deeper, the hugs so warm and comforting, the love always sincere, and the memories are the icing on the cake.  I come from a family of celebrations.  We make promises to keep it simple but we just don't know how.   

Traditionally my decorations hold their ground until right after the New Year.  Making the decision to start 'the great takedown' the day after Christmas will go down in history at my house.  Have I confused the world with this grand gesture?  Well, maybe not the world but a few of my friends are looking like the wow emoji.

When I moved into the house mom asked why I didn't choose to put my decorations in the garage.  I gasped and said, 'In the element?!'.  Oh no, I want them close by, just in case I need to catch a glimpse of sparkle and what is to come.

After the lights were boxed, the ornaments packed away with care, and the figurines wrapped tight, I missed everything just that quick.  Smiled and reminded myself I do this every single year.  The space now feels a tad bit naked, however, it will soon feel like normal and the countdown will start all over again.  How many more sleeps until the next Christmas?  Oh, quite a few, but I'll be ready...

​~AJ

I wake this morning with such joy.  With admiration and profound thanks for a day as special as today.  A day that is all yours mom!  A beautiful day indeed to celebrate a beautiful and phenomenally fabulous person.  80 turns around this universe and you continue to do it all with style and grace.  You are so beautiful in every way.  

Decembers have always been my favorite.  A month of holiday cheer, time with family, making memories, and celebrating another blessed year of life with my dear mother.  

As time moves in a constant motion forward we never know what is waiting for us around the corner.  What obstacles are ahead and where our feet will take us next.  We remain firmly planted in our faith knowing that whatever journey we take it all starts with the glory, love, and grace of God.  

When we asked mom what she wanted for her birthday she said I have everything I need.  In my mind, I'm thinking but surely you want something.  Maybe new jewelry or perhaps a pretty new coat.  My mom loves flowers so much, and flowers she received.  Cards, sentimental gifts, hugs filled with love, amazing food, and an overflow of happiness.  Joy lives within her soul.

If I could carry a tune I would sing for the entire world to hear, but since I cannot I'll just sing it to you.  "🎶 Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear mother, Happy Blessed Birthday to you, and many more. 🎶"  

With love from this end of the universe to the next, I love you so much mom ❤️

~AJ

It's a brand new month, so what are you going to do with it?  There is something about a new month that feels wonderful.  The previous month is a thing of the past, so out with the old and in with the new.  With an air of excitability, sprinkled with a dash of unknown happenings, it's like watching a really good movie unfold.  You have no idea what is going to happen next but you are in for the long haul and patiently wait to see how it all plays out.  

It's not just any month either, it's the last month of the year to be exact.  No pressure to finally finish all of those resolutions you planned 11 months ago while downing your 4th or 5th glass of bubbly.  But I'm not counting, so by all means, do you!  Chances are you don't even remember what you said.  If the pressure of living up to your resolution promise is too much to bare you can always chuck those promises right out the window and simply say fuck it.  Just for the record I typically do not use profanity on my website, but then I realized one thing.  Keyword being 'my', so... 

I'm into lots of things.  Shopping, decorating, opening a nice bottle of champagne, playing in the dirt to give my green thumb a bit of exercise, and of course one of my favorites of all time, writing.   A new diet, a revised business plan, or maybe even saving money to take that amazing vacation you have been dreaming of are all things worth being excited about.  Giving yourself a much-needed reset is important so don't be afraid to jump in and give it all you got!

Of course, this month comes along with holiday celebrations, fun times with family, friends or that special someone.  A little perfectly placed mistletoe ain't never hurt nobody, so dust off those plans and make some magic happen!  

With as many feel-good vibes as the soul can take, a friendly reminder is to simply enjoy it all no matter what day it is.  Plan ahead and set yourself up for ways to enjoy this month instead of working yourself into a frenzy.  Time is just as important as anything else, plan accordingly, and thank me later.

In closing... Hello December, I've been waiting for you.

​~AJ 🍾