We recently had the chance to connect with Jerome Chester and have shared our conversation below.
Jerome, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
My past selves
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I go by “TheGroovyVandal”, a blue-collar working artist from West Baltimore. My story is about turning extremely limited resources into a world of creativity. I carved out my lane through “Alleykidart Studio”, which operated as an independent graphic design house where I created, sold, and distributed my own merchandise; took on design work from other small businesses by helping with their branding; and worked on community projects such as murals, workshops, and mentoring. I also run “Groovy’s Corner Store”, my merch line that feels like a neighborhood corner store reimagined through art—essentially operating within the essence of “we have something for everyone.”
What makes my work unique is that it’s rooted in the era and area I came up in—the early 2000s—in a vibrant Black community full of hardworking families and everyday dreamers called “Edmondson Avenue.” I try to preserve that energy while also pushing it into new forms, whether it’s hand-printed T-shirts, reimagined memorabilia, or building out entire fictional universes with original characters like “The Oriole” and “The Blue Jay.”
Right now, I’m working on expanding both sides of what I do: more public art, more community-centered projects, and more storytelling through my characters. Everything I create is about showing people that you can build something colorful, meaningful, and lasting, even when you feel like you started at a major disadvantage.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That somebody was coming to save me—but no one did, and no one is coming; I came to terms with it very young. I had to learn, grow, and sharpen my own mind. Knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and discernment became my armor against the world. Truth is, I became the man and father I needed when I was younger. I give all the credit to myself and my consistent family members.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience; as long as I have breath in my body, I can bounce back from anything and still find a way. I believe in myself now more than I ever did before. For most of my life, I put my faith in other people and they let me down. But I have the belief that I wont let myself down.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Nipsey Hussle and Ryan Coogler. They’re 2 of the most authentic people I’ve ever seen, they’re the embodiment of what I think a man is, wisdom, discernment, discipline, perseverance and resilient. They’re very kindred spirits who remain the same in any room they enter.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I never kissed ass to play ball. I stayed “thurl”even even in times of chaos and uncertainty. I loved black people, culture, and art. I was more than what met the eye—family meant everything to me, I was a nerd, and I genuinely loved to learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.groovyscornerstore.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: TheGroovyVandal
Image Credits
All taken by me
