DaVon Sullivan
Michigan

DaVon Sullivan is a 15-year-old drug-free entrepreneur who started his first magazine in middle school. His venture is now expanding to many schools and his hope is to one day take the magazine, Platinum Status, to the national level.

FV: How did you come up with the idea of starting your own magazine?
DaVon:I was unable to find a magazine that was geared towards teens that truly related to what we go through. In middle school, I started making small magazines with celebrity covers and articles that related to whatever I was going through at that time. Sometimes I talked about peer pressure; sometimes I spoke on teachers that were doing a wonderful job or teachers that were not doing such a great job. Students really responded to my 10-page magazine, so I started selling them for 25 cents and I made about $25.00 a month. I could have made more, but my mom was always complaining that the ink cartridges were empty when she was using the computer, so I stopped printing so many copies. It was not until I was 13 that I showed my mom what I had been working on and she completely supported me and helped me take Platinum Status to the next level.

FV: What is Platinum Status Magazine all about?
DaVon:Platinum Status Magazine is about empowerment. Empowering youth to be better and do better. On a quarterly basis, we are planning to conduct seminars to help empower our future leaders. We are also planning some very fun and exciting events for youth to participate in.

FV: What is your Anti-Drug (the hobby, person, or reason you don’t do drugs)?
DaVon:My anti-drug is writing. I keep a journal and I record my day-to-day events. My mom gave me the journal when I was really struggling in school. I used to get so frustrated and she encouraged me to put my thoughts on paper. She told me some people use songs to get things off of there chest, some write and some use drugs to try to escape whatever they are going through. I refuse to hand over my power to drugs and alcohol. You cannot do any job well while you are high. Drugs always hurt people and destroy families.

FV: What do you see yourself doing 15 years from now?
DaVon:By that time, Platinum Status will be a national magazine with its own clothing line. I will then have the ability and influence to help empower youth on a national level.

FV: What would you say to a friend who is experimenting with or using drugs?
DaVon:I would inform them that drugs will kill your spirit, your body and mind. I would encourage them to get help and I would be there every step of the way to help them through a very difficult time. I would attend meetings with them and visit them in rehab. When people have problems, they need prayer and good friends to encourage them to try to better themselves. What they don’t need is someone to put them down.

FV: Is there anything you’d like to share with Freevibe?
DaVon:Because of my age, some people find it hard to take me seriously. Although I am only 15 years old, I know what fashion, good music and good books are all about. My peers share similar thoughts and ideas. Advertisers that have products that are geared towards youth should really consider actively supporting Platinum Status. I would also like to thank you for this incredible opportunity. You are doing a wonderful job educating youth about drugs. Keep up the good work!!!