INTERVIEW: Professional Bartender, Model & Brand Ambassador, Derrick (Hitch) Jackson Talks What Sets Him Apart, Turning 30, Living in the DMV, Heartbreaks, Misconceptions and More…

Meet Derrick Jackson aka Hitch. The DMV based is a Jack of All Trades…LOL as he’s a professional bartender, model, actor, and event management. He attended Delaware State University and graduated with a degree in psychology.

Hitch also love cars and enjoys making people smile. He said is father told him never to say he can’t and his own rendition of that is you can do anything you put your mind to. Lead by Faith, not by Sight.

Check out my interview with him below;

Hey Derrick! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Derrick Jackson aka Hitch based in the DMV.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you? 

On an average day I usually start off motivated to go to the gym or watch something motivational to help me get amped. I usually don’t go to work until later. In between time I’m booking gigs while playing Fortnite. Kind of like to multitask and research on how to better myself, brand and other’s.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?

I attended Delaware State University in 2008. Graduated in 2013 and studied originally Computer Science with a minor in Psychology. I soon became a double major in Informational Technology and Psychology, but only graduated with a Bachelor’s in psychology.

How did you come up with the nickname “Hitch”?

My friends started calling me Hitch when I was 16 years old right after the movie Hitch came out. I basically got it due to an ex-girlfriend who was cheating on me at the time and I was in love with her. I was able to still help other people out in their relationships, friendships and family issues. For some odd reason my same advice didn’t work for me back then. I eventually went from Hitch, to ladies man hitch in college, to eventually prettyboihitch once I cut my braids off. As I got into modeling people just started calling me Hitch as a staple and image for me.

You have been modelling now for about 5 years now, tell us what made you decide to go into it?

I never decided to go into modeling. I just got asked to do a show for Jarmal Harris and eventually a casting call the next day for an Anthony Tilghman’s Agency. From there everything just came to me as I moved on year by year. I guess I just had a natural talent for it and presence. Now I find is as a lucrative hobby and passion of mine. I’m a little shy at times, but being a model brings a different personality out of me.

You will be attending your first international modelling show in the Bahamas in March, what the show all about?

The show in the Bahamas was offered to me last year by Designer Pearlina Designs. As far as I know there will be a runway show, a photo shoot and it’s all inclusive. I’m just excited to be going and further my modeling resume, make connections and network while there.

You are into fitness trainer, what are your area of specialty?

I specialize in isolation though when i do workout. Love working on my arms and back the most. I use to hate lifting weights, but after another heartbreak in college, I fell in love with working out. It keeps me motivated and helps me to release the negative energy you can gain from the outside world at times from people loss and internal pain. Its also a spiritual and mental therapy that I believe everyone should just get to a point in life and enjoy working out. Maybe one day I will be a fitness trainer. For now I just like to help people if they ever want to go the gym or need tips.

Given your passion for bartender and modelling, how as the experience been so far especially the fact that you are based in Washington, DC?

My experience as a bartender and model goes hand in hand. I got into the liquor industry with both. Being in Washington DC, well the DMV area period has allowed me to grow my clientele, meet new people and gain new opportunities I never thought were possible in this area. I’ve bartended for quite a few celebrities, politicians and CEO’s.

Tell us more about the LLC you are about to start and what will the business be all about?

My LLC is kind of confidential, but let’s just say the idea is to give back opportunities to those who don’t know how to do certain things or have an idea, but need an extra push. I’m praying that I will eventually have the right passionate people on my team and go from there.

With so many bartenders out there, what sets you apart?

Even though there are a lot of bartenders out there, I’m different because I’m me, The Jack of All Trades. I basically give an experience that is felt also spiritually and genuine instead of just making money. I make sure all of my clients are happy. Most bartenders just chase money which is why there is a high turn over rate for majority of the bars out here. They lack knowledge of having consistent clientele, how you treat each person you interact with and a few more things such as networking. Also I’m a model, bartender and brand ambassador. That alone sets me apart from the rest. My knowledge of  wine beer and spirits also sets me a part as well.

You will be 30 this month, so as a young entrepreneurial minded guy. How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Well being as though I’m almost 30, I balance my life (professional and personal) the same way I do everything. Multitasking, staying productive and motivated even with depression. Anyone can achieve a balance. You just have to get the work done. I encourage everyone to be the best version of you and never age stamp the positions in life your in.

I heard you went into fitness due to a heartbreak back when you were 22. Can you tell us what happen?

I got into fitness after my girlfriend at the time for 3 years didn’t want to be with me anymore due to insecurities she had within herself. Probably the best thing that could of happened to me. I wouldn’t be as tough as I am today and learn my true potential. I always try to figure out whats wrong with me when I fail and I fix it. Back then I thought it was my body although I was and still am an all around athlete. Over time it became meditation for me and the results are awesome. The heartbreak was basically another Hitch type of story. All I can say is you can be faithful to someone, but you can only truly trust God and pray the other person is faithful and honest. If I never got my heart broken that time I would not be the man I am today. It’s the traumatizing and painful experiences that help you become better.

Looking at your photos from 2014 to now, there as been massive changes and improvements when it comes to fitness, why do you feel need for this?

I feel there has been just a few ups and downs. I went into college a solid 150lbs, left a solid 175lbs. My weight fluctuated over the years, but never looked bad at all. I now sit at a solid 152lbs all lean muscle mass and then some. I believe my body is in sync with my spirit hence the need for me to look the way I do now. I don’t do cardio, I don’t diet I don’t take any supplements and barely go to the gym as much as i did. I eat what i want when i want and do what i want, but my body still has made drastic changes over the years. I believe the mind set of making excuses is why most people don’t get to a level of fitness that makes them feel good. Only the strong persevere.

How often do you go to the gym and how many hours do you spend while you there?

I go to the gym for 30 minutes no breaks and I go when ever I can get in there. The busier my schedule the less I’m in the gym. Max time frame I’d stay in the gym is probably 45 minutes, but if I want to do more I’ll stay maybe a little longer it just depends on how I feel. I don’t like to waste time. I treat the gym like a Casino. The longer your there the more of loss your taking whether it be time or money. I like to go big and go home.

What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to starting up and doing business in the DMV?

Do’s:

1. Stay Motivated
2. Network
3. Never Give up
4. Treat yourself at times
5. Pray

Don’ts:

1. Don’t beat your self up
2. Don’t make excuses
3. Don’t work too hard
4. Don’t trust everyone
5. Don’t stop thinking of what more you can do to be better.

What would you say is the main misconception the public have about models, especially those in the DMV?

The main misconception people have about models is that people assume your cocky, gay, in to yourself, spoiled, into fashion, things like that. I’d say in the DMV it’s the worst because people are so visual and when they see you. They automatically judge you for doing something they can’t and the minute they see you going up they try to pull you back down. So as far as being a model in the DMV I get criticized just because of the way I look. I’m just a cool laid back confident well groomed handsome man I’d say, but other’s would assume otherwise at times and most women are scared of me because of the misconceptions. I don’t dress like the average person from the DMV, but I’m not into fashion either.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as a bartender?

The thing that surprised me most as a bartender is that I didn’t know how many opportunities would come from it and how many people I would meet. It taught me how to conduct business, network and helped me get out more as well.

Which brands, clients, models, photographers, have you worked with?

I have modeled and been shot by way too many to name them all. To name a few brands/designers Ainsley and Troup, Dasoul, Lord and Taylor, Reebok, G star Raw, Lawrence Clothier, Black Pyramid and many more. Way too many models to name as well. I could name more if need be, but it would take all day.

What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?

The most memorable jobs I have done was probably bartending for a client that had Michael Jordan as one of the guest. It was fun and there were so many celebrities there so of course no pictures could be taken, but it was an awesome experience. I had the honor of serving the VIP tables at the location.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet? 

Personally I’m not sure who I would want to work with, but Calvin Klein would be awesome if I make it bigger than where I am now.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?

People don’t know I love gymnastics and can still flip at my age. People also don’t know I look up to greats such as Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Jackie Chan. my first nickname has and always was Kobe. I got it in the fourth grade. It’s unfortunate that Kobe Bryant is gone now because I lost the GOAT – Greatest of All Time, but now at least one day I will be as influential just as he was as the JOAT – Jack of All Trades.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?

My biggest professional success so far as that I never gave up and have a vast amount of clients in each category I excel in. I think that networking and just talking to all types of people is key to brand and build everything and anything you want to do in life. I never thought I’d be doing anything like this after college.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge I would say is basically trying stay motivated to keep pushing as far as I can. Would love some help here and there, but seems like no one’s to truly help in the area unless you make them believe in you. Most just have the tools already, but they still want to see what you can do on your own.

You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?

It very important to stay active on social media so that you can reach as many people as you can to keep your business or image relevant. Just can’t over saturate your image. You have to let people miss you at times and try to use all platforms create ways to hit different audiences. My Facebook is different from my Instagram, to business cards not having any social media on it. It makes a huge difference.

You are currently based in the DMV. How is that working out for you?

Being in the DMV is working out well, but can some times get really stressful. People are very judgmental, but it’s still fun non the less especially when I see some of my fans who have seen my work or support me. People are starting to really notice me now as well.

What are your must visit travel destinations?

I  would have to say just Tokyo, Japan. Not much of a traveler. I don’t really like planes like that. I do love to drive though.

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?

I believe the 5 things we gotta take seriously about style is

1. Hair
2. Accessories
3. Does it fit your image
4. Colors
5. Patterns.

These 5 things say a lot about a person.

How would you describe your style?

I would say my style is more of a head turner. When I walk in the room I want to make heads turn with out saying a word.

What style genre appeals to you the most?

I’m more of a preppy Fall fashionable in Winter and Fall. Sporty when it’s hot out. Something about scarves and multiple layers that come out best in the colder and windier seasons.

Name your five must have accessories/essentials?

1. Cologne
2. Watch
3. Healing Crystals (bracelet or necklace)
4. Scarves
5. Coat/jacket.

What are your favourite fashion trends?

I don’t really follow the trends, long as I look good in it I’m cool. It’s funny I model, but don’t really follow trends. As a model you would think I do, but I believe we are the canvas as models so anything can be a fashion trend in my book.

What is your favourite dish?

My favorite dish would be Japanese cuisine. I love seafood especially any kind of sushi. My favorite food though is corn bread. I love food so much I always try out new stuff when I can. I believe food is one of the best things you can test in life.

What other songs are currently on your playlist?

I listen to every genre. I believe that music is life, so the songs on my playlist are usually vast as I spend a lot of time making playlist. Lately I’ve just been listening to two of my cousins song  called By Myself and Destined for Great. I also listen to Mac Miller’s song called Conversations and a song by Fat Trel called Feeling’s.

Apart from business, modelling, fitness, what other projects are you currently working on?

Just created my fan page on Facebook called Modeling with Hitch and currently working on a podcast. YouTube should be coming soon too. Everything is do time I want to do as much as possible and spread my knowledge as best I can.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams? 

Well never dreamed I’d be a model or bartender. I more so want to be a marriage counselor, but I would say anyone who are trying pursue their dreams should just keep going. Don’t hesitate to network and be proactive. There will be a lot of times where it seems impossible, but God and the universe has a plan for us all. So keep trying and never say you can’t. The one thing my father always taught me was to never say I Can’t.

Any specific plans for the future? 

I have a lot of plans for future none specific as we speak. I like to lead by faith and not by sight. I let God guide me in the mean time I just do the work. My faith in what God has in store for me and the people around me is limitless.

Any final words?

I don’t really have much to say. I talk a lot, but I also tend to be mysterious. One last thing is I’m  on the Aquarius and Pisces cusp. Makes me even more versatile and different than most. I’d like to say as an Aquarius I carry the water, but as a Pisces I choose which direction to swim and flow in.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?

You can follow me on Instagram @prettyboihitch, Facebook Derrick Hitch Jackson, and my fan page Modeling with Hitch.