In my latest episode of the Dr. Virga Podcast, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a longtime friend and fellow Navy veteran, Jabrian Johnson. Over the course of our interview, we dove deep into Jabrian’s story of resilience, leadership, and how he’s thriving after his transition out of the military. It was an inspiring conversation full of wisdom and lessons that anyone, especially veterans, can relate to and learn from. I’m excited to share some key takeaways from our discussion, including his current ventures, his reconnection with faith, and how he’s channeling his creativity into a business and a book.
Transitioning from Military Life: The Challenges and Growth
Jabrian served 13 years in the Navy and described how difficult yet empowering the transition was when he left the military in June 2023. Like many veterans, Jabrian found himself in uncharted territory, trying to navigate civilian life without the clear structure and routine that military service provided. He candidly shared how the pressure of others’ expectations, as well as his own, weighed heavily on him after leaving.
Jabrian’s ability to push through the uncertainty really struck me. He spoke about how important it is to not let outside expectations define your success after leaving the military. "I placed unrealistic expectations on myself," Jabrian admitted, "but I’ve realized that growth happens when you give yourself the grace to take things one step at a time."
This message resonated with me deeply. It’s something that I believe everyone can benefit from, whether you’re transitioning from military service or simply going through a big life change.
Leadership and Mentorship: The Impact of a Good Leader
One of the most powerful aspects of our conversation was hearing about Jabrian’s natural leadership abilities. From the first day I met him in the Navy, I could tell he was a true leader, not just because of his rank but because of how he connected with those he mentored. His leadership wasn’t about exerting authority; it was about empowering others to succeed.
Jabrian shared how his junior sailors would often come to him, excited to share their accomplishments, and how he felt immense pride in their growth. He was always there to support them, both in their successes and their failures, turning every situation into a learning opportunity.
For Jabrian, leadership was about showing up authentically. He wasn’t afraid to let his sailors see his own struggles, mistakes, and how he overcame them. He believes that by sharing these experiences, we can help others avoid the same pitfalls and grow stronger.
Creativity and Business: Kustom Krowns, LLC
In addition to his leadership journey, Jabrian is now tapping into his creative side with his business, Kustom Krowns, LLC. What started as a personal project—designing hats and accessories for himself—has now evolved into a full-fledged business. Jabrian’s hats are not just stylish; they’re deeply personal, incorporating symbols that hold significant meaning to him, like roses, which represent both beauty and struggle.
Jabrian’s creativity shines through in every design, and he’s now working on perfecting his first official collection. He’s also taking his time to ensure that every detail aligns with his vision, sharing that he wants to launch when the time is right, without rushing.
I was especially excited to hear about his plans to expand Kustom Krowns beyond hats to include apparel and other accessories. Jabrian’s vision is about more than just fashion; it’s about telling a story of resilience, beauty, and overcoming adversity. He’s also working on a book titled Finding Strength Through Struggle, which will detail his personal experiences and how he’s used his challenges as fuel to keep moving forward.
Reconnecting with Faith: A Journey of Spiritual Wellness
Another powerful part of our conversation was Jabrian’s reconnection with his faith. After going through tough times, including the loss of his mother, Jabrian felt a pull to revisit his relationship with God. He spoke openly about how his faith has been tested, but how it ultimately remains a source of strength and guidance for him.
One thing that stood out was Jabrian’s perspective on faith as a journey, not a destination. He mentioned that it’s okay to question and re-evaluate your relationship with God, and that doing so can lead to a deeper, more meaningful connection. This really resonated with me, as I’ve been exploring my own path with faith recently through my Path to Faith series, and it’s a reminder that spiritual wellness is an essential part of overall well-being.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jabrian
As our conversation came to a close, Jabrian shared his plans for the future. He has big aspirations for Kustom Krowns and hopes to expand the brand into a full lifestyle brand that includes apparel and accessories. He’s also working on his book, which I know will be a source of inspiration for many.
In true entrepreneurial spirit, Jabrian is taking things one step at a time, focusing on perfecting his craft and staying true to his vision. His five-year plan includes launching new products, hosting events, and using his platform to share his story with the world.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Jabrian Johnson
Jabrian’s story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and staying true to oneself. Whether it’s through his business, his book, or his faith, Jabrian is finding strength through the struggles he’s faced, and he’s using that strength to inspire others.
I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with Jabrian and share his story with all of you. If you’re looking for a reminder that you can overcome any obstacle with the right mindset and support, I highly recommend tuning in to this episode of the Dr. Virga Podcast.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jabrian’s journey, and be sure to follow him and Kustom Krowns for all the exciting things to come!
Listen to the full episode here: drvirgapodcast.com
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