Jimmy Rensimer: Built to Win

The Jimmy Rensimer Story

INTERVIEW BY: EMILY ARAUZA

FEB  25th., 2025

“If you knew you were 20 fails away from succeeding, how fast would you want to fail?”

That’s the mindset fueling Division1, the movement Jimmy Rensimer is curating from the ground up. He’s not just a photographer. Not just a videographer. Not just a content creator. He’s the lens capturing Houston’s underground in real-time, turning moments into movements, and moments into momentum.

Jimmy is in the crowd but never just part of it. His work documents the city’s rawest creatives, the parties that feel like they shouldn’t be legal, and the energy that makes Houston different. Through Division1, he’s building more than a brand, it’s a platform, a pulse, a culture shift. Think Boiler Room meets Rolling Loud, but with a Gulf Coast vision  that doesn’t need mainstream validation.

At the intersection of fashion, media, and community, Division1 is creating its own lane. The faceless identity isn’t a gimmick, it’s a statement. The art is bigger than the artist. The movement is bigger than the moment. Whether he’s behind the camera, dropping exclusive merch, or throwing a party that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, Jimmy isn’t just documenting the scene, he’s defining it.

Jimmy Rensimer: “My name is Jimmy Rensimer, I’m a Party Photographer, Videographer, and content creator! I’ve also started a brand recently called “division1” which I’m trying to incorporate into a party/fashion, community-centered brand.”

Emily Arauza: “I’d like to ask what drew you to that space? And with division1, how do you see it blending the party scene with fashion and community? Are you aiming for more of a lifestyle brand or something event-driven?”

JR: “I started creating content when I was very young. I used to use my dad’s old Sony Handycam when I was a child, and with my parents’ cameras I started “vlogging” just for the fun of it without even knowing about Social Media. I eventually found out about YouTube, and quickly found a comfort for that space and the creators expressing their emotions and own life experiences through relatability to others. As soon as I fell in love with watching YouTube I yearned to start creating and expressing myself through YouTube to not only entertain others, but also to help them feel comfortable and distracted from their lives’ problems while hopefully enjoying my content! After experimenting with vlogging content, I had finally found worthy content that I was satisfied with posting at the time and would promote on my own around 13-14. I started to gain a small following from it around my school and the dopamine hit from everyone wanting to be a part of my vision and content just made me love so much more! Eventually I stopped vlogging and started editing livestream highlights for a Twitch streamer for a small amount of money, and it got my name out there a little more but I wasn’t content or happy with being so much behind the scenes. After that I forgot about my camera/content creation hobby and went to college. I ended up failing my entire freshman year of college due to partying and decided to stay back from college after I picked back up an old camera I found and realized that I could try and take this seriously. I made my Instagram page last September and I would go to car meets to promote my photography, then I went to my first event (USER) in October, and from there I met so many amazing and talented individuals that I’m so happy to call my friends in the Houston scene! For division1: I want people to incorporate the brand with the partying/scene lifestyle, similar to @boilerroom, I want it to be a community based brand and I don’t want a face to the brand. I want to hold events/festivals and sell apparel, as long as a magazine to capture it all. I want people to see division1 clothes and recognize the parties, or go to the parties and realize they’ll probably end up in a magazine, vice versa. I want everyone to simultaneously realize how the lifestyle and the brand are all intertwined somehow.”

EA: “That’s such a real and organic journey into content creation. It’s interesting how your love for YouTube started with a personal, almost instinctive form of vlogging before you even knew what the platform really was. The way you describe that dopamine rush from people resonating with your vision—was there a specific moment or video that made you realize, this is it, this is what I want to do? And how has that early passion influenced the way you approach division1 now?”

JR: “For me, it happened as a “middle school celebrity” (if I could even call myself that). When people caught on about my vlogs, I would walk into school on a Friday (I’d upload Friday mornings) just to see everyone watching the vlogs, talking to me about it, asking if they could be in the next one, etc. And I feel like it’s that real organic support from genuine people that really resonate with me even to this day. Even after working with some minor celebrities, the support from my friends and community meant more to me and stuck with me more than numbers or working with people with numbers. Honestly my approach for division1 was mostly sparked by my recent experience in the Houston underground scene. I just wanna make it known that Houston gets down like that and can hang with places like New York, Chicago, LA, etc. I could say that my early drive for success at a passion project (content) definitely helped me in being eager to create and experiment as much as possible with the brand to see what works and what doesn’t. It seems like just simple trial and error, but many people don’t even try to see the errors that they need to fix to succeed, and I hope that division1 can teach/inspire people to not be afraid to fail in order to get to where you need to be. I always think of a quote when I’m feeling demotivated, “if you knew you were 20 fails away from succeeding, how fast would you want to fail?””

EA: “That’s a crazy full-circle moment—starting out vlogging for fun, stepping away from content, then finding your way back through photography after failing freshman year. It’s dope that instead of letting that setback define you, you used it as a pivot point to rediscover your passion. And now with division1, you’re channeling all those experiences into something bigger than yourself—something that’s not just a brand but a movement, a culture that ties fashion, events, and community together. I really respect how you emphasize real, organic support over clout. That’s rare in a space where so many people just chase numbers. The idea of division1 being faceless, where the brand itself becomes the identity rather than any one person, feels like it has the potential to be massive—especially with the magazine component tying everything together. I gotta ask—Houston’s underground scene is clearly a huge inspiration for you. What do you think makes it unique compared to places like NYC, LA, or Chicago? And what’s the vision for division1 in the next year? Are you focusing more on events first, or pushing the apparel side to build brand recognition before going full-scale with festivals?”

JR: “The numbers and working with people with numbers always feels amazing don’t get me wrong, the dopamine hit is there, but it never lasts. Numbers and possibly working with celebrities does excite me, but it doesn’t feel real. The love from numbers doesn’t compare to the love from genuine support in my eyes. I want division1 almost to be similar to Boiler Room, in the sense where people don’t need to know the mission behind it  entirely in order to enjoy it, but also at the same time I have a dilemma of wanting people to recognize it as its own stand-alone thing like Rolling Loud, XXL Mag, On The Radar, etc.

 I really want people to understand that I’m not just pushing my own events and content with this brand, and instead that I’m trying to almost create a community and a platform for creatives and capturing the civilians and everyday people who are apart of that community as well!”

EA: “That makes a lot of sense—numbers can be exciting, but they don’t compare to real, organic support. That’s what gives division1 longevity. I get the vision—you want it to be immersive like Boiler Room, where people don’t need to fully understand the mission to enjoy it, but also stand alone like Rolling Loud or XXL. And making it about the entire culture, not just artists, is what sets it apart. How do you plan to bring that vision to life? Are you building division1 locally first, or do you see it expanding beyond Houston sooner?”

JR: “For division1: I want to start by going and capturing the scene and different events for the production of the magazine, but also would like to make custom apparel for artists/djs/influencers at said events to help push the brand, along with making normal apparel to giveaway and make for sale. I do as well want to start throwing events/festivals, but I expect to start pushing that narrative around the last quarter of this year. And the Houston scene seems more genuine to me. It feels like everybody’s helping each other and that we’re all apart of one big team. LA, NYC, Chicago, Miami, etc. don’t feel that way to me bc influencers and creatives there all compete for being in a position of power. In Houston, it feels like everybody is super humble. People here don’t have the amount of ego that people in those bigger cities do that feel like they require the need to boast status or power. I want to promote locally around Houston, but also include social media advertising once the brand starts to attract attention, to bring it hopefully across the U.S. sooner than later!”

EA: “That’s a solid plan—starting with capturing the scene for the magazine while using custom apparel to build brand presence organically. Giving artists, DJs, and influencers exclusive pieces while also making apparel available to the public is a smart way to create both exclusivity and accessibility. And launching events later in the year gives you time to establish division1 as a recognizable name first.

I get what you’re saying about Houston—it feels more like a collective effort rather than a competition for status. The humility and support in the scene make it a great foundation for something like division1. Do you think Houston’s culture will stay this way as it grows, or do you see challenges in keeping that authenticity intact?”

JR: “It’ll take time to see where the Houston scene goes. I’ve heard from others who’ve been in the scene for years that it’s starting to get “oversaturated” with media and new events popping up, but honestly I love it. I don’t see it as oversaturation if everyone’s doing what they love but also supporting each other. I think if you’re confident in your work, the “oversaturation” and “obstacles” won’t affect your determination. I have no doubt that the scene will remain as it is for years to come. I don’t think that hostile and competitive energy will make its way to Houston unless Houston becomes as big of a city as something like New York in terms of national/international recognition and/or population.”

EA: “That’s a great perspective. A growing scene doesn’t have to mean oversaturation—it just means more people are finding spaces to create and connect. As long as that support system stays intact, Houston can keep its collaborative energy even as it expands. Confidence in your work is key; if you’re focused on your vision, the noise around you won’t matter. It’s interesting to think about how Houston might evolve. If it does gain that level of national or international recognition, do you see division1 playing a role in shaping how the city is perceived on a larger scale?”

JR: “I think many people should try to switch their perspective on things like that. There’s no home for negativity and doubt in this world, if you truly want it you’ll go after it, whether that costs time, money, or any other sort of sacrifice. And God, I sure hope so!! It would feel surreal to be apart of something not only bigger than myself, but national/international. As long as I do what I need to do, and push the agenda in the time that Houston evolves, I could definitely see it being possible. It may be a difficult process, but nothings impossible!”

EA: “That’s a powerful mindset. God really does work in incredible ways—when you stay committed and move with purpose, He clears paths you never even saw coming. The way you’re approaching division1—with patience, confidence, and a real love for the community—feels like something meant to grow beyond just Houston. But let’s talk about you outside of division1 for a second. What keeps you grounded through all of this? With so many moving parts—building a brand, navigating the scene, staying focused on your vision—how do you balance it all and still make time for yourself?”

JR: “Honestly I don’t balance it well enough yet, I’m still behind on multiple projects at the moment and I also have a day job on top of it all. I wouldn’t say I get much time to myself anymore, but I used to be hungry for this stuff so I can’t ever complain about having too much on my plate!! I work a day job and then edit during the nights on weekdays, my weekends are for networking and going out to get content/work on the brand. In my limited free time though, I enjoy hanging out with my friends outside if I can! When I’m alone I enjoy watching live streams and interacting with various communities across X to be social still, and I also enjoy going out for drives, shopping, and trying out new food spots! To get rid of stress, physical activity like the gym always helps me! It’s all about distracting myself. I used to be a HUGE overthinker even as recent as last year, so I’ve found that using all of my time helps keep my mind busy and that keeps me in a positive mental state. I’m sure that eventually I’ll need a schedule and to manage my time a lot better, but so far it hasn’t overwhelmed me to stay constantly busy!”

EA: “That kind of hustle is admirable—you’re fully immersing yourself in the grind, which is exactly what it takes to build something real. It’s refreshing to hear that even though you’re swamped, you don’t see it as a burden but as something you once craved. That’s the kind of passion that makes the long nights and packed weekends worth it. It’s cool that you still make time for little things. Those small resets are probably what keep you from burning out. And the shift from overthinking to just doing is huge—sometimes, staying busy is the best way to keep a clear head. Since you mentioned last year, I’m curious—what changed for you? Was there a specific moment or realization that made you go from overthinking to fully committing to this lifestyle?”

JR: “Last year was a huge 180, January - April 2024 was rough. To put it simply: I was already failing in college, but hadn’t found something at the time to give me purpose, in order to change my ways. So I was failing school, I was unemployed, and all I would do is get high or drunk all day everyday alone or with friends to try and fill the void of purpose that I was seeking but couldn’t find at the time. On Top of that, I was in an extremely toxic relationship that took up a good majority of my time during the relationship and left me mentally confused and emotionally vulnerable after the relationship for months to follow. I’d say there were a few specific realization moments that signified different things. My first was in April. I was in San Marcos staying with friends there and we went on an 8 day drug and alcohol bender. It was fun, but it made me realize that I can’t do that everyday for 4 years throughout college, and that if I wanted to make something of myself I’d have to cut back on the unhealthy distractions. That bender also left me almost completely broke too so that was pretty eye opening to realize that I can’t be living my life like that for extended periods of time. My second realization happened when I found my old Sony Cybershot digital camera in my apartment at College. My roommate at the time introduced me to some friends he made at our college that happened to make music. The realization happened when I met them, their drive and eagerness to succeed with their plans, along with the quality and professionalism of their craft made me feel determined to go and get what I wanted like they were. I owe my entire mindset and all of my success so far in the scene to them, without them I wouldn’t have the perspective I do right now. And finally my 3rd realization happened after my first party in the Houston scene. I had made my Instagram account last September and only went to car meets and one of my model friends to shoot/get my name out there. I followed my now friend, Chris bc I liked his style and wanted to shoot for him. He ended up posting about the “useyourfu*****words” $1 party and a pregame party along with it. I was broke at the time and maybe had $6 to my name. I decided to use $5 on gas and the $1 for the ticket to go to that party and pregame party, but that was where I met now close friends, made important connections, networking, and fully immersed myself into the Houston party scene that day. I’m not sure where I’d be at or if I’d even still be doing media if I didn’t go to that party that day. I was isolated for a couple of months socially at that time, so it was hard to build up the confidence to go out to a party, let alone by myself. But again, I’m so glad I did, the people at that pregame party made me feel so welcomed and treated me like family even though I was a complete stranger to all of them. I’m so grateful for each and everyone of them for giving me a warm welcome to Houston and the community involved in the scene!!”

EA: “That’s an insane transformation—going from drifting through the motions, numbing the void, to finding something that not only gave you purpose but completely altered your trajectory. It’s wild how life works like that. One bender that forces you to confront reality, one old camera that sparks something inside you, one party that opens the door to an entire world you didn’t know you needed. What stands out most isn’t just that you turned things around, but that you recognized the moments that mattered while they were happening. Most people look back and piece it together years later. You felt the shift in real-time. That says a lot about your level of self-awareness and hunger for more. And it’s poetic in a way—your first step into this world was spending your last few dollars on gas and a $1 ticket. You quite literally invested in yourself when you had nothing. Now, you’re not just in the scene, you’re shaping it. But I have to ask—do you ever think about what would’ve happened if you hadn’t found that camera, or if you hadn’t pushed yourself to go to that party? Do you ever wonder who you’d be right now if those moments hadn’t aligned the way they did?”

JR: “I’m not 100% sure what would’ve happened, but I can assume based off of what my backup plan was. My roommate at the time and friend suggested that I enroll for this completely free Electrician Apprenticeship program offered by our college through grants. I was going to take up that offer for the free schooling and immediate salary and job security afterwards, but after tough consideration with my parents and I, we both could recognize that i didn’t truly want to do that and that I only was accepting that position for a stable job. My parents made me aware of their support for fully going after media, and once that was set in stone I decided to fully go after it. I think without my parents confirmation of support, and my own realization, I would be working 12 hour days as an Electrician in College Station right now.”

EA: “It’s crazy how close you were to a completely different life—one that might’ve been stable but not yours. That electrician apprenticeship would’ve been a straight path, predictable, safe. But safe doesn’t build culture. Safe doesn’t shift narratives. Safe doesn’t leave a legacy. Your parents’ support was the tipping point, but you still had to make the call. Plenty of people get reassurance and still choose comfort over risk. You didn’t. That says everything. Now that you’re in this world, pushing forward, what does success actually look like to you? Not just in numbers or recognition, but in impact. What’s the moment where you’ll look around and say, yeah, I really did this?”

JR: “I wouldn’t necessarily say recognition towards me, but recognition towards division1 and the movement. When I can walk around downtown to see advertisements of my events, people wearing my clothes or reading my magazine, and see the love for the movement spread across social media - All without knowing who I am and the identity behind the narrative of pushing Houston culture - that’s where I’ll start to become self aware of my minor victories and look to scale nationally! But I’m not convinced at this moment in time that there will be a moment where I’m fully satisfied with my work and its influence. I feel like I’ll always push for more until I burn out, if I burn out.”

EA: “That’s the real goal—building something bigger than yourself. When Division1 is its own force, moving through the city without needing your name attached to it, that’s when you know the vision is working. It’s less about personal validation and more about cultural impact. And honestly, that kind of mindset is what separates movements from just another brand. The hunger to keep pushing, even without a finish line in sight, is what keeps legends in motion. Burnout might come, or maybe it won’t—maybe the momentum will evolve into something even bigger than you can see right now.

With everything you’ve learned so far, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to someone trying to carve out their own space in media and culture?”

JR: “You can talk about your plan all you want, but nobody’s validation of your vision can set it into motion. If you truly want something, go after it without thinking about what others will think of you for doing so. If you never try, you’ll never know what works and what fails, to build off of to succeed. Network, network, network!! Before I knew about the Houston party scene I went to random car meets that I would find on Instagram. Obviously people there want their vehicles appreciated and captured, but taking the extra step of asking permission allows a dialogue to build and a chance to introduce your skills to a future potential client! And never be afraid to try new things on your own! It may be easier and more comforting to go to new places or try new things with a friend but doing it yourself truly allows you to get out of your comfort zone. For example: the USER party where I went by myself and knew nobody. I had to network and interact with people that were complete  strangers to me, but that made me more social than I have ever been before and more successful with what I’m passionate about! 

It’s all about trying new things. Love going to the parties? Why not try and throw your own! Love watching the DJs? Why not try to become one of those DJs you love watching! For the media: experiment! I experiment a lot with angles and lighting to try and capture unique looking shots! DM celebrities or micro celebrities and offer your services for free, I shot my first music video for underground rapper “sadboyshaq” just by simply DMing him showing love for his music and offering my services. People like genuine support and the willingness to do something for the love of the game and not just for money. It helps in building connections and maintaining professional relationships! I mainly just want to emphasize going out and trying new things incorporated with the space, try to make yourself apart of the space uniquely with your talent! And also try to make yourself known by being at many different events, many of the same people running the scene and enjoying the scene end up at the same events so recognition and connection becomes easier that way!”