Viceland’s ‘HUSTLE’ Helps Business Owners Fulfill Their Vision

John Henry plans to revolutionize how venture capital affects women and people of color pursuing their own businesses while advising entrepreneurs along the way.

Henry-Matos, 26-year-old businessman and son of Dominican immigrants, marketed himself as the guy who went “from doorman to landlord,” however, Henry does so much more. In addition to hosting Viceland’s “HUSTLE,” a show where he works with business owners to perfect their craft, he is a Venture Partner of Harlem Capital Partners.

If you do not know about John Henry at this point, get to know John Henry. At Harlem Capital Partner, he focuses on media relations but he also serves as the Managing Partner of a Real Estate fund, VM Properties.

Henry accomplished a lot after leaving college to pursue what became his first company, on-demand laundry service at age 18. He carved a niche out in Film and Television Production, handling wardrobe for clients such as Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order: SVU, Power and more. After two years of launching Mobile City, he sold the company and moved on to a new adventure.

On Viceland’s “HUSTLE,” viewers have the opportunity to journey alongside Henry and his associates to learn the fundamentals of business. The show includes many gems for young and diverse aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether it’s Henry standing under a bridge somewhere in Harlem discussing brand awareness or having dinner in an apartment full of all Black entrepreneurs, “HUSTLE” teaches us anyone can do anything if they care enough.

The first episode “Jammed Up” incorporates the recurring theme of grit as works with Ashley, owner of Trade Street Jams, to turn her small, artisanal jam business into a profitable company with enough revenue to allow her to quit her day job. While entrepreneurship sounds like a fantastic dream, the reality of stepping out of traditional career lacks a safety net.

If there’s one single thing to be learned from Henry, our communities need more entrepreneurs of color. We need business fundamentals, mentors and access to venture capital. Viceland’s “HUSTLE” is both entertaining and informative.

The show also highlights some of New York City’s small and medium-sized businesses. Maybe now people will think about buying artisanal jams to mix in their beers, grocery shopping at Local Roots NYC, buying a hoodie representing their neighborhood from Bronx Native or enrolling in a class with Harlem Cycles owned by a Black woman who majored in Engineering.

The show features many entrepreneurs of color and women as well. “HUSTLE” teaches viewers that owning a business can be challenging, however, the outcome can be rewarding.