Virgilio Cerda

Virgilio Cerda was born on November 15, 1996, in Worthington, Minnesota, to immigrant grandparents from Mexico. Raised by his mother, Yolanda Cerda, a registered nurse and creative soul, Virgilio inherited her artistic talents and caring spirit. At age 11, Virgilio’s life was shattered when his father, Billy Joaquín Brambila, disappeared in Mexico due to cartel violence. This tragedy led to years of struggle with grief, addiction, and rebellion.

As a teen, Virgilio found solace in poetry and creativity, but his life took a dark turn. He started using hard drugs at 13, leading to legal troubles, time in juvenile detention, and eventually jail in South Dakota, where he faced up to 50 years in prison. While incarcerated, Virgilio discovered The Complete History of Zen by Yu-hsui Ku, which taught him to find peace in the present. He also drew inspiration from Terrance McKenna’s teachings, helping him break free from addiction.

After serving his time and completing treatment at Project Turnabout, Virgilio rebuilt his life through creativity. He began creating a little bit of everything for himself, others, and small businesses, which eventually grew into Virgil with a J, a multimedia company specializing in photography, videography, and branding.

Virgilio has since worked on fashion shows in Minnesota and Colorado, collaborated with designers, and produced projects for clients like Monogram Meat Snacks and the Native American rock band Brulé. Along the way, he has used his talents to help small businesses access high-quality creative services that they might not otherwise afford.

Today, Virgilio uses his platform to uplift underrepresented voices and tell meaningful stories. His work is driven by a passion for making creativity accessible and helping others see their potential. Virgilio’s journey from addiction to artistry is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of giving back.