Victor Wilson Jr shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Victor, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I was recently invited to speak with the children at The Sharing Life Academy. During my visit, I encouraged them to pursue their dreams—no matter how big or small—and to always strive for completion in whatever they start. I also emphasized the importance of teamwork and supporting friends, family, and teammates as they work toward their own goals and greatness.
It is always a joy and privilege to speak with young people. Their energy, humor, and honesty are inspiring, and they often remind us of valuable lessons we can carry into our own lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Victor Wilson Jr. I am the owner of PudgyEnt, an entertainment company focused on filmmaking and music, as well as the owner of The Free Phone Store, where I have proudly served my community for the past 14 years as a community outreach agent. Through this work, we provide individuals in need with free government phones, ensuring they can stay connected without the burden of costly monthly bills.
Before opening my storefront a year and a half ago, I dedicated my time to serving the community directly—setting up tents across the city to help people who qualified for free phones and monthly plans. The most rewarding part of this work is knowing that I am making a real difference in people’s lives by helping them stay connected to their families, resources, and opportunities.
In addition to my outreach work, I am also a filmmaker. Over the past few years, I have written, directed, and produced two short films: Return of The Shihan Part 1 and Part 2. This project is not a typical independent film—it blends superhero action, comedy, romance, and suspense. Return of the Shihan introduces Kansas City’s first local superhero and was filmed primarily in KC with a predominantly local cast and crew. Through this journey, our team became more than just collaborators—we became a family.
My mission is to continue building on that sense of unity and to spread it throughout Kansas City and, ultimately, the world. Because I believe deeply that art has the power to bring people together.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I come from a long line of hard-working men and women on both my maternal and paternal sides. My earliest lessons in dedication came from my maternal grandmother, Florence Walker, in Helena, Arkansas. As a child, I spent my summers with her, where I witnessed the discipline and commitment it takes to succeed. She owned and worked her own farm, tending it faithfully each day. By the time I awoke around 6:30 a.m., she had already harvested fruits and vegetables from her land across the street. I would join her in peeling and preparing them, learning firsthand that true success begins with rising early and putting in the work.
Though I was born in Arkansas, I was raised in Kansas City, Missouri. I like to believe that some of my grandmother’s work ethic lives on in me. She instilled in me the belief that I was destined for greatness, reminding me often that I was different, special, and that God’s blessings would follow me if I remained faithful and committed to the work required for success. She passed when I was a teenager, but her wisdom continues to guide me every day.
From my paternal grandmother, Elvie Wilson, I learned the importance of family—second only to our faith in God. Her example taught me to create a family atmosphere wherever I go. Because of that, I have seen many of the people I’ve brought together grow not only as individuals, but also as collaborators, working side by side on artistic and community endeavors.
And as my paternal great-aunt, Auntie Keto of Dominica in the West Indies, often said:
“A little bit of hard work ain’t never hurt nobody.”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In my early twenties, I traveled to the island of Dominica, the homeland of my paternal family. There, I encountered a well-known mountain that locals would run as a form of training and exercise. I decided to take on the challenge alongside my father, who had spent much of his life running marathons. Unlike him, however, I was not in peak condition.
Halfway up the mountain, my body began to give out, urging me to stop. Every part of me wanted to quit—but I didn’t want my father to see me give up. Instead of surrendering, I chose to push harder. Drawing on my martial arts training and fighting through tears, I tapped into the mental strength I had cultivated over the years. I reminded myself that the mind is often stronger than the body, and with that resolve, I pressed forward. To my surprise, I reached the top—faster than most had ever done before.
That experience taught me a lesson I carry with me every day: no matter the obstacles, perseverance will always carry you to the summit. Life itself is like that mountain—I am still climbing, still running—but I know that with resilience, discipline, and faith, I will continue to rise, achieve success, and bring honor to myself and my family.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would describe myself as an introverted extrovert. While most people might not realize this because of my outgoing personality, it is a balance I have developed over the years to navigate my natural shyness. I have always felt that I do not fit neatly into the boxes the world often tries to place us in.
My heart is deeply committed to my community, and as a leader, I recognize the importance of setting aside personal fears to fulfill the work that God has called me to do. When people witness my strength, they are not simply seeing me—they are seeing the strength that God has bestowed upon me. While Victor can be quiet, shy, and reflective at times, my alter ego, Pudgy, embodies the confidence and boldness I know I am capable of through Christ who strengthens me.
As individuals, we are multifaceted. I strive to honor and represent every aspect of myself to the fullest, embracing both my quiet moments and my bold presence.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am surrounded by family—and by those I consider family. Over the years, I have come to understand that family is not defined solely by blood, but also by the bonds we build through love, trust, and shared purpose.
One of the greatest blessings in my life has been the opportunity to serve my community through outreach and filmmaking. Both of these callings have allowed me to expand what the word family means to me. Each person I’ve connected with, whether through providing resources or through the creative process of bringing a story to life, has added to the circle of people I consider family.
Through this work, my family has grown far beyond what I could have imagined. It is a reminder that when you serve with genuine love and compassion, you not only impact lives—you create lasting relationships. For me, that is the true reward of everything I do: knowing that my work has allowed me to extend my family and that together, we are stronger, more united, and more blessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pudgyent.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogpudgy?igsh=MTBlY2w2ZHpkanJjdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15wMeQUN4m/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pudgyent7645?si=WtOrDqen4QFL9WT8
- Soundcloud: https://pudgyent.gumroad.com/l/pudhp
- Other: https://pudgyent.creator-spring.com/
FreePhoneStoreUSA.com
Image Credits
Michael Green
Kyle Babb
Jacquey Valentine
Omar Scott
