Jet Set: Joel Meinholz

Don’t let the name fool you, Joel Meinholz is no villain, in fact you might want to make this budding impresario your best friend. With his IamYourVillain creative event brand, the pro skater is working to bridge the cultural gap between MIA, SF, CHI and beyond with well-known events.

In a short time, the brands premier event, Chocolate Sundays has already partnered with such brands like, Vans, Red Bull, Stonesthrow Records and Fuji to produce fashion shows, listening sessions and skate events. CY recently sat down with Meinholz during his monthly Chocolate Sundays residency in Chicago to unmask the Renaissance man behind the brand.

PHOTOGRAPHED EXCLUSIVELY FOR CY BY LYNNETTE ASTAIRE @ BEAUTY BAR IN CHICAGO, IL

You’re from Milwaukee, which isn’t too far from Chicago; besides the obvious (weather) what made you make the leap to Miami?

It was time for me to meet new people, to grow and explore life

You’ve been in and out of the city quite a bit recently and have been working with some of Chicago’s brightest, what keeps you coming back?

The energy in the people, along with the city. I’ve always wanted to hang out in Chicago more and [IamYourVillain] gives me the excuse to meet the city.

You definitely fall under the jet setter category, what’s your best travel advice?

Less is better, a backpack or one bag so you are always ready to go. You can buy on the road.

Producing events is a bit different than skateboarding, how did you get into the event game and what are you plans to merge your success as a pro skater in this new lane?

It rolls into everything, learning how to market yourself, they run parallel for me, to keep creating fun.

What is the history with the IamYourVillain name?

It came to me as I was driving down the street in Miami. Thinking that we are always the villains. Always getting chased, always getting kicked out, always getting fucked with. That’s when I was like “fuck it” that’s a good name.

Skating, just like any other sport has its expiration date, what advice do you have for young skaters?

There is no expiration on passion. My advice is to enjoy every moment that you ride a skateboard. It will give you a different outlook on life.

You recently threw an event dedicated to the Smiths, what’s your favorite song?

The Smiths are timeless, I don’t have a favorite, but my favorite is when everyone starts singing and dancing with each other. That’s when you know you’re doing something right.

Now that Chocolate Sundays is getting its groove, what’s next on the horizon?

To strengthen the IamYourVillain brand by continuing to throw fun and unique events.

You have been quoted as saying “life is a creative opportunity,” what makes you say that?

Opportunities are all around you, you just need to look and believe and make it happen.

Keep up with Joel and  IamYourVillain @ www.iamyourvillain.com