I founded Breakn Grounds in New York City, a pioneering breakdancing and hip-hop culture company created in partnership with Homey Rockwell of the legendary Rock Steady Crew. Together, we launched one of the first dedicated B-Boy/B-Girl schools, offering structured classes, workshops, and community programs that brought authentic breaking culture to a new generation.
As Owner and Creative Director, I oversaw the brand’s full creative vision and operations, including:
- Developing the school’s identity, curriculum support materials, and marketing
- Designing and publishing a newspaper-style print magazine covering hip-hop culture, dance, music, and community events
- Producing original music and CD releases that supported the brand and featured local artists
- Building partnerships within NYC’s dance, arts, and youth-culture communities
Breakn Grounds became a cultural hub — equal parts training center, creative studio, and publishing platform — honoring the roots of breaking while pushing the culture forward.
Honey (Film) — Origins & Influence Through BreaknGrounds
Role: Creative Influence / Concept Origin (Indirect)
Through: BreaknGrounds
Through BreaknGrounds, we played an indirect but foundational role in what eventually became the film Honey. The original concept, tone, and character inspiration were deeply connected to the real Honey Rockwell, who was part of our extended creative community and a central figure in the breaking and hip-hop dance scene at the time.
Although the production went forward without formally crediting Honey Rockwell or BreaknGrounds, many of the stylistic elements, themes, and character cues were clearly drawn from her real story and the culture we were documenting and supporting.