Applying Pressure...

Even though I've known this already, I guess I can say that I'm re-learning this lesson.

-You Have To Be An Asshole To Achieve Millions- 


Not being an asshole per se. Not the kick-the-dog for no reason asshole. But a more of a I'll-be-completely-honest-with-you-and-I-don't-care-if-I-make-you-mad-or-hurt-your-feelings kind of asshole. You know the ones that actually say what's on their minds and doesn't lie to avoid confrontation. Even though I've done and said my share of asshole-ish things, I have to admit that much of it was unjustified and was just for the sake of being an asshole. That for which I apologize to those who were affected by it. 


But I mean more so being the one that just really gets the message across of what I really want and if I don't get how I want, then I apologize that we couldn't work out a deal. I think I got caught up in the hype before and just went with whatever I assumed was going to work. I've always been known to run blindly into things when I was younger, but I thought I'd have grown out of it. But I suppose that some habits are just very hard to break.

So I got caught up in the hype and just rolled with whatever these fools wanted to do. My how foolish have I become. But it is okay because I at least noticed this problem before I got too deep into it. But it still pisses me off from time to time which is the reason I talk about this often.

After seeing this rapper sort of go through something similar with music rights and such, but on a higher level, meaning there was big $$$ involved, I know now that I really have to treat this as what it is: a business. I need written NDA's and things of that nature. Contracts, I need to bind you, so if you don't deliver, then lawyers get involved.

I know I'm not the best....yet, but I need to protect the intellectual property I do have and protect the little talents and skills I do possess. You can't own talent and skill...right?

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Don't Try to Use Me and Expect For Me To...

Come back to you.

It's like those girls who use guys for their own selfish needs and expect them to stay and/or come back after the split. Nah, once you're done, you're done, move on, get a new b*tch.

-You Only See What I Want You To See-


That's not being "a boss" or being arrogant about things, but that's just good business. Never give them too much, because giving them too much just gives them the opportunity to take more from you. I used to keep myself open, but why? For someone to just take advantage of me? For someone to just assume I'll always be around? One thing is for sure, I won't always be around. That's just good business and life in general. I didn't get what I wanted out of the deal/relationship so why hang around? I'd rather get with someone who actually will give me what I need and consistently deliver. Not just give me what I need once or twice and try to hook me up, I mean consistently give me what I need. 


I'm always the one giving and not receiving. Scratch that, was the one giving and receiving. I'd like to just be receiving once in a while. I digress though.

These folks that I know longer deal with, they hate the fact that I no longer give them access to my processes and updates on what I'm doing with my company. I am not making the mistake of giving too much info and access away again.

So you only know what I want you to know.

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What have you done for me?

I know I dwell on the past, but I do so because it takes time to get over such past events. After thinking about what alcohol has done to benefit me, I was thinking of the people who I've done business with that tried to get over on me.

-What Have You Done For Me?-


It's a simple question, but those who are guilty of the offense will never give a simple answer. When I have went out of my way for you and your business, when I would stop working on my own business to help yours, what have you done for me? Why was I the one coming out of pocket when it came time for you to help me? Doesn't make sense.


When I would give awesome tips and suggestions, when I would solve your problems, what have you done for me?

It's a cut throat world, and I'm walking around with my head half-attached. I am bemused at the fact that I have to go around slashing throats myself just to get ahead in this business. At least in my city. Once I start to branch out to other cities, I wonder how the competition will be then...Poppa has a brand new dagger.


What, Have You, Done For, Me.

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*OFF TOPIC TIME* I Have A Problem

-I Have A Problem-


...And no it's not a deficiency of Cowbell, if anyone gets that joke reference. It's actually alcohol. Yup I am an alcoholic. Now I just gave it up going on two days ago now. I've given it up before but it crept back up on me. But at that time, I didn't admit I had a problem. I believe now, since I admit that I have a problem, it will be a lot easier for me to not relapse. Granted yeah, I'll have a drink from time to time, but that will be more like once or twice a month, that's it, and I'm even debating whether I should do it that much.

When I went on vacation with my mom and sister, I think my addiction peaked. Because they were inconsiderate of my fear of heights, and my sister's lack of mental soundness due to her own addiction to her cheating husband, they got a hotel on the top floor of the hotel. They didn't think to reserve a lower floor before we even left town. So here I am, a big ass bottle of liquor and a bottle of cranberry juice. Every time I had to go downstairs, I would drink. Well it seemed like a good plan, until I got into the hot tub. Because of the heat and the sweating, the effects of the alcohol amplified. I mean I was seeing double of everything, my head was pounding, and I couldn't walk in a straight line for jack. It was scary. I made it back up to my hotel surprisingly. But when I got there, I got hungry. I was alone in the hotel. I started hallucinating, seeing things. I looked in the mirror and I seen a person that was not me. I didn't recognize this man, and it scared the shit out of me. Then I went into the other room of our suite in the pitch dark, just trippin' balls.

So I went to get some food, where I grabbed a glass container that contained mashed potatoes. I couldn't hold on to it, so I dropped it. Glass everywhere. I tried to eat the glass! That's when I knew that I hit rock bottom.

I called my girl and wanted to stay on the phone with her forever. I felt like if I got off the phone, I would die. I think she saved my life. I then had the worst night I have ever had. I threw up so much stuff, it was scary. I threw up brown stuff and red stuff. And it hurt like hell when I threw up, I even almost choked on my own vomit at one point. I told myself that I couldn't live like this anymore.

-How The Hell Did This All Happen?!-


I think for starters, in recent times, I think all of life's pressures just got to me. I didn't want to conform to society's norm. Society wants me to find a job, get married in my 20's and live this miserable mediocre life. My girl doesn't understand it, she just wants to be married, society has brainwashed her so bad, I pretty much give up explaining why I just couldn't get married yet. She's surrounded by it, her friends, relatives, everything, her environment just breeds this whole culture of family's living in shitty means but married young and living the sad blue collar life.

I lived a different life and the culture surrounding me coming up was a lot different. I was brought up around class. But due to my dad's death, living the classy life was gone. I haven't lived the classy life in a while, but I still have the desire to live that. If I got married young, my dreams to pursue that lifestyle will be crushed. And I think I'd divorce, or worse, fall deeper in my addiction.

I was not satisfied with my life for a while. I questioned every day, whether this path I have taken is the right one. It sucks when you want one thing, but no one else wants it. Is this the reason why entrepreneurs are single for so long before they reach success? No one to get in the way of their dreams?

Relationships are a lot of work, I do everything in my power to make my relationship work, but I always get that it's never enough. So I drink to numb it, because I would of just ran away otherwise. I got tired of the times when saying "I love you" just ain't enough. "I miss you" ain't enough. Or for a long while, we didn't agree on the ideas of marriage, or the fact that my girl just has to marry before she's old. Just wanted to say "fuck it all" and leave.

Now on to the family. For a long while, as much as I love my family, I just kept saying that one day, I'll leave and say "I have no family". Because of my sister's husband, shit has been upside down for us. I became a raging alcoholic, my mom became, and still is, addicted to the lottery. My sister is addicted to him. My brother...well he was probably the only sane one through this whole thing. Which is ironic because he is by the far the strangest, most introverted and easy-to-stress person I know.

My mom shouldn't have let them move back in. I saw it coming the first day and she just yelled at me and accused me of just being mad and complaining. Ha, I have the last laugh. He's been doing grimy shit since day one. My mom never thinks. It seems she never wants to think, she's not educated and has never tried hard enough to get educated. I have to help her spell things all the time. She can't really read well, but she think she knows everything. And sometimes I still think she's smarter than me, at life. Being that she's been around longer than me and has experienced a LOT more things than I have.

My sister's husband was splitting the family up. It was like he was bad luck. I truly believe he was bad luck only because my mom let him in. If she didn't let him in, our lives would have been better. He's an alright guy, he even said bye to me on his way out last night when he got kicked out. But I think he needs to grow up and stop bringing negativity and misfortune to others.

MY FAMILY WAS SO FUCKING CLOSE, PEOPLE DON'T GET HOW CLOSE WE ARE. WE HAVE BEEN HOMELESS TOGETHER AT ONE POINT. WE COPED WITH DEATH AT ONE POINT. I STILL LOVE MY FAMILY A TON AND FUCK ANYONE TRYING TO SPLIT US UP AND FUCK ANYONE WHO DOESN'T LIKE THE FACT THAT WE ARE CLOSE.


Now, my addiction is all me. My fault, my girl didn't force me to drink, my mom didn't force me to drink, no one did, I forced myself to drink. These things I said, is not placing blame on them for my drinking, just symptoms to my sickness. I drank to cope with the situations, I drank to numb the pain of just not being good enough for anybody. I was so used to not having anybody pressure me, or anybody stress me out. Hell, I was alone for 5, almost 6 years. No one to answer to, no one telling me what I should do, what they want, it was about me. It hasn't been about me for a long time. I feel cheated out of life right now. Why does no one care about my goals? My life? Alcohol was there, Alcohol seemed like it cared. But Alcohol betrayed me. 


But now I want my life back...scratch that, I'm ready to start my new life. No more drinking to cope with the pain, the depression, the stress. If someone stresses me out, well I will have to part ways with them. Leave for a while. If a situation stresses me out, I will just think more, analyse why I feel that way about the situation. 


I ain't perfect. Yeah I've done questionable things for lack of judgement, but I still have to hear about the error of my ways in some form or another. I tried to escape those things, but now I no longer will run away from any problems. Hell, the people that give me problems never run away from me, they run at me, so I will run at them. I have to care about myself again, I can no longer try to care about anyone else, when I'm getting the shit end of the stick. Me admitting I have a problem and kicking the addiction is me caring about me again. 


My business is me caring about me again. Well...nevermind. I started my business so I could help others, really. Yeah I like to make a lot of money, but making a ton of money isn't fun if you can't use it to help others out as well. I cannot achieve that being an alcoholic. 


I think after giving up the alcohol, I will become a more fun person again. I used to have a lot of fun, I don't anymore. I used to be around fun people, when's the last time I had a night that I could never forget? That was years ago. I mean atleast 6-7 years ago. The past few years, I have been trying to have fun under the sluggish haze of alcohol. I have tried to force fun, but it didn't work. 


I'm getting back in good shape again, I'm looking better each day now, but now I know after giving up the alcohol, I'm going to be looking even better quicker! I want my girl to get in shape with me too, I want us both looking good! We can't get married in the current shape we're in, we'll blow up and both me fat as shit, and unattractive. 


I'm ready for my new life, I already have the people I love around me, I'm not looking to make new friends, I'm not looking to drop anybody from my life to "start anew", because that's bullshit. I'm just ready to start Life 2.0 and upgrade my lifestyle and environment without sacrificing anyone I love. 


That is all.

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A Higher Level Pt.2 - Our Own Rules

-"...This Time, When I play this game, I'll be playing by my own rules"- 


I remember playing little games with all my friends and other neighborhood kids. We'd play tag, freeze tag, dance tag, hide and seek, hide in plain sight but in the dark, Tackle-loco (which is tag, but with a football but instead everyone but the ball carrier is it), and pretty much any type of variant of tag you could think of.


I remember whoever started the game, or rather, whoever's house we were at, was the unofficial captain of the damn game. This meant they could make up and/or revise the rules however they see fit. Which usually ended up in fights, because fuck your rules. Why do you get to have a say in whatever I do and however I play? Then, those of who get pissed up, would just go back to our own respective front yards and play our own games and play by our own rules.

And that's why, as of this morning after a pretty decent workout outside, I declare that I seriously play by my  own rules. I'm for real this time. Everything I do, will be done because I think and believe it is the right thing to do. I will do those things and make decisions based on how much will benefit my company and my team and future employees. My rules, I make them, I play by them and I will change them however I see fit. There will be no more, "hey what do you guys think of this?" or no more "hey, do you think this is a smart move?". I'm a smart person, who has always done his own due diligence and research, so I think I am smart enough to know whether it's good or not; or whether it's smart or not.

-Stress Is Like Allowing That Annoying Bratty Little Kid Affect You With His Little Childish Words-

Seriously, I've been letting that annoying little shit's words affect me for years now. What the hell, dude? After I  came to that realization while meditating in the woods in my backyard, it really woke up like a smack to the face. Like someone throwing searingly hot coffee on my crotch. I really smartened up on the spot. I amazed myself, really.

Even in life, I am going to commit to playing by my own rules. I'm not going to let anybody make my decisions for me, and I certainly won't let anyone pester me into going their way. For one, when I get up in the morning, I will tell myself I will play by my own rules today and everyday after it. It's like a drug addict in the 12 steps program, every day they quit today. There really is no I quit a week ago and I'm still going good. No, it's more like I quit a week ago, I quit yesterday, I quit today and I will quit tomorrow and day after that and so on and so forth. I will be like that, every day I will start to play my own rules.


-If You Have To Ask, Then We Aren't For You-

Okay, so I've been working on my clothing company's new image, new brand, and new mission statement. I finally came to terms with it all. I won't lie, though I am seriously excited about the new image and re-launch,  I was little nervous about it, because I know I will have to answer questions and always put forward what we are about. But now I'm not anymore, I'm ready.

I know a lot up and coming brands are trying to push this exclusivity thing based on their limited quantities, which is cool, but I will be going about it a different way. A different method. Sure, we will have limited quantities, which is just smart for us at the moment due to our budgeting and overhead costs, but I won't really mention that. It's mainy because, one day, I do want to wholesale my products to different retailers, though only selected retailers,  but nonetheless I do want to wholesale. But really what I will do is be of a sort of snobby variety, like if you have to ask what this means, then we aren't for you or If you have to ask how much or why our products cost more than other brands, then we aren't for you . And that's not pretentious, because I sure as hell ain't pretendin'. I'm really serious about it, and due to past experiences of trying to please everyone, I know for sure I will 100% real behind it. I'm not going to claim I"m super exclusive, or that we're better than others. What I am claiming is we have our own culture, our own image, our own following so if you're with it, get the fuck out our way. It's like a Lamborghini dealer, if you walk up in there, asking how much the Aventador or Murcielago is, or that you're not into exotics you just wanted to know what it's all about, then you will promptly asked to leave. That's us, that's who we are, we're about luxury, success and simplicity so if you're not about that, then please get the fuck out of our store and get off of our website.

If You Have To Ask, Then Sorry, We Aren't For You.

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The Sweetest Revenge x Random Thoughts Mini-episode 1 1½

-The Sweetest Revenge- 


...is going about my business not attempting to get revenge at all. It sounds like a weird catch-22 type of thing, but hear me out, I'm getting the sweetest revenge by not trying to get revenge. It bothers those who have done you wrong when you display the fact that you're not bothered by it at all. It irks them when you're just going about your existence without trying to get revenge. Here they are, losing sleep, paranoid, keeping one eye open, scared shitless that you're going to try to get revenge on them. But when it shows that you clearly aren't trying to, they've realized that they've wasted a few extra heartbeats and flutters, they're wasted a lot of sweat because of their nervousness, and they lost a bit of their mind due to lack of sleep. I cracked myself up with that one, definitely going to write that down in a notepad and use it whenever I have meetings with future clients.

Anyway, I've been silently building my brand and company and have been marketing in a way that the certain people I don't want to see it, won't see it. I mean, they won't see it until this shit blows up. Real bosses move in silence.

-Random Thoughts mini-episode 1 1/2-

So it was AMAZING seeing that an owner of a very big streetwear brand liked my crewneck sweater design. I felt like jumping through the roof!

It makes no sense that i let the most littlest things stress me out so much.

This vacation I'm about to take should help me release the little negative energy I have left in my soul. It should help me rejuvenate.

I find myself wishing I was married already, because it seems like society bends over backwards for married couples.

I find myself distancing away from those who I view of "trashy" and just really ghetto-ish. I used to love that, but not anymore.

I ran the numbers on how much inventory I'm going to be producing, I think it looks pretty good and I think it will keep my costs down for sure.

I feel really good and excited about the fact that clothing company finally has an image and direction. It's unfortunate it took me almost two years to figure it out.

I need to get my sleep schedule back on track.

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I Like Being Under Appreciated

-I Like Being Under Appreciated-
Seriously, no sarcasm involved!  I enjoy when people expect me to always be there and I enjoy when they always assume I'm doing to do whatever they request or desire. Because it enables to disappoint them greatly. When you always assume and expect me to be your little personal whatever, I will go out of my way to show you how you're taking me for granted. I'm like that drug dealer, who sells to his addicts at low low prices for a period time, then when they're hooked on that good shit, he jacks up the price. What're the addicts going to do? Find a new dealer? You kidding me? Finding a new dealer is even harder, it's like trying to find a new girlfriend/boyfriend. You have to feel them out, you have to figure out whether the new dealer is a cop or not, all of that stuff that comes with. So the dealer let's the addicts know: I know you're used to me selling you at low prices, I know you expected me to always sell to you at low prices, so I jacked up the price to give a wake up call, ya junkie. 



That's how it is in my line of work. I was working for different folks, designing for them for an awesome deal, then when they expected and assumed I was their little personal army, I gave them a wake up call. 


I don't play that game. I'm not someone's bitch boy, and I won't settle for nothing less than what I think I am worth. Which is, I am worth business. When you didn't want people to know that I designed those pieces, when you wanted to take all the credit, when you pretty much told me to stay behind the scenes so that you can take all of the shine, well, I had to be that nice warm cup of Foldgers. 


You see, I can't get any business when people don't even know who fuck I am. That's what irked me the most. I can't get any new customers or a customer base when people don't even who I am and what I do. If someone says "man I love that shirt, I'm thinking of starting my own line, who did your work? Can I contact him?" You're supposed to say "Yeah man, I appreciate that, yeah I got a dude who also owns a line of his own and he does some design work for me, here's his phone number/email, hit em up". No, you want to be on some I did it all myself or something like, I have an artist that does all my stuff, and don't give any info on who the artist is. Ghetto, trifling mindset, I tell you.


I don't feel entitled to anything...hold up, I DO FELL ENTITLED TO THINGS, because why? I PUT IN WORK! I don't just sit around complaining, I suck it up and do work! That's what I do.

But when you're expecting or assuming that I do something for you, I atleast feel entitled to some sort of monetary compensation or a shout out or credit or something. What the hell you think I got in business for?

I don't do this for my health, I'll tell you that much

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I'm actually excited for this year's release.

So I've been hard at work, designing and really taking it slower than before. Instead of cranking out like 30 designs a day like I used to, I'm more cranking 1 or 2 every 3 days or so. I'm really taking the time out and looking at what direction I want my line to be, and what message am I trying to send with each piece.

I'm no longer doing the whole "well, this idea is dope, so I'm a design it!" no it's more so "well, my brand stands for this, it means that, so I'm going to design and build each design accordingly". I'm doing it right.

I was talking to my brother about the folks I used to deal with. I was telling him about how they were always just rushing their processes trying to get a quick buck. But to me, and I'm sure I'm atleast 80% right, a quick buck doesn't have any lasting power. I mean yeah, you'll make money for a certain time period, but you're not going to have a company bringing in good revenue consistently if you're all about the quick buck.

I'm not about the quick buck, I'm all about creating a brand, that will be consistent and one that will always strive to bring new stuff to the table. I mean, I hope to bring in 6 digits a year consistently. You don't get there going the "quick buck" route. Atleast that's how I feel. But it still isn't an excuse to be slow on things, because even though I'm taking my time this time around, I still want to get back in the market as soon as humanly possible. I will for sure have to spend some serious $$$ to do it, but fuck it, I'm going all out on it this time around, all out.

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Having Focus Seems To Be Less Common These Days...

Do People Even Have Focus anymore?


Not to brag or sound like I'm most perfect person in the world (because I am the opposite of perfect), but a lot of times I feel like I am the most focused person around. For example, when I was trying to do "business" with DWS, I swear I was the only one that was focused all those times. For example, whenever I'm really trying to brainstorm with him and really get some ideas out on finding a direction, he was busy glued to his laptop, looking at other peoples' labels and brands. It always stuck in my head, all those times and it definitely made start questioning him early on. No focus. And what it looked like keepingupwithjonesitis, but only business form.

I have an even greater example, I had a client that I was designing for. It was a Company Identity Development, which is, of course, fancy entrepreneur lingo for creating a logo for a company. I mean no disrespect to the owner of it, but geezus la-weezus, this guy had no focus whatsoever. It was like, one moment, he wants a fancy elegant font with some environmental type objects surrounding it, then another moment, he wants it to be more of a fun casual, animated type of logo, then he wants a South Beach style logo, it was just horrendous. I wasn't get paid much for it neither, mainly because we were associates of the same company from back in the day, so I cut him a deal. Well, I cut him a deal before I knew he'd flip flop so much. No Focus. That type of flip flopping would have cost him thousands of dollars and I should have run a bill on him, just to let him know what the deal was. It was crazy.

I forgot where I read it, or who wrote it, but those without focus usually don't end up as successful as those who are focused. I'll admit, I wasn't focused last year, I was all over the place and I knew I was, I just thought I could wing it, like an idiot. These two examples, definitely teaches a lesson on focus. For one, lack of focus just hurts you and your business, because those who you encounter will just be annoyed at your randomness. Potential clients and partners will avoid you like the plague if you're not focused. I definitely learned that lesson.

For example, I'm having a website being built right now, and whenever I talk to the guy whose part of the team building my site, I make sure I have a focus and a certain style that I want, because all of that changing mind and flip flopping is just a waste of time and money if it ever gets that far. I've never been an indecisive person anyway. It got very annoying dealing with those who are. Believe me, I won't deal with those types ever again.

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Professionalism

I know sometimes people wonder why it takes me so long to release my products. Especially when they see my friends and other brand owners, releasing their products at break-neck speed. While I can only speak for a couple of them, I feel like they are just rushing through their processes just make that profit. They don't really offer anything to their customers except a t-shirt, a hoodie, or a crew neck sweater. There's no feeling of worth, or any sense of being a part of the brand's own culture, etc. It's just, hey here are some new pieces, buy them now!  


There's no sense of community or belonging. Whenever I buy clothing from a certain brand, I'm buying it because I feel like I'm a part of that brand's culture and identity. For example, my favorite brand, Cashletes, when I buy their stuff, not only are their designs really awesome, but I feel like I fit in their culture, the culture of making money and trying to be successful. Same with Ralph Lauren, I don't buy their stuff just because it's Polo, I'm buying their stuff because of the culture around it, their identity, the country club life, the yacht life, elegance.

Same with Wiz Khalifa, even though he's mainly in music, it's still the same. It's the Taylor Gang identity, people listen to Wiz Khalifa because they feel like they're part of his movement, his own crew, Taylor Gang. He created that, the look, the lifestyle, a lil bit slang.

That's why it's taking me a while to roll out the new brand. I'm not just doing 'clothing' anymore, I'm selling a brand, I'm selling a lifestyle, and most importantly I'm selling invites into a culture. I'm engaging heavily in twitter, and once the website launches, I'll be on the site's blog 24/7 with updates on the brand and my travels. It's a thing called Professionalism. 


I feel like, people will respect my company for the effort we put in to this. Because, when someone or a team puts in a ton of effort into creating a product, it's very hard to accuse them of trying to make a quick buck. Hard to accuse them of trying to take your money. It's the ones that pop up out of nowhere that people give the side eye, because they know those pop up folks are always out to make a quick buck and bounce.

Definitely not trying to make a quick buck, that's not longevity, I need that staying power.

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Random thoughts: Episode 1

1 : I need to figure out a way to have an invite-only feature on my ecommerce site

2 : I shouldn't worry About the competition, only those with passion and knowledge make it and have staying power.

3 : the ones who brag and get the big head are the ones that fail ultimately.

4 I have a skill that everyone wants and only I can reap the benefits of my skill hahahaha!

5 do I even know what color Lamborghini I want yet? That's important!

6 i have 30 days to crank out these designs, plus I'll be on "vacation" so I'll be able to really to get inspired for more luxury based designs and ideas

7 I need figure out how to rent a Lamborghini and a small yacht for the photoshoot.

Thtat is all, goodnight world :)

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The market is saturated!

But it still doesn't bother me. I mean, I'll be honest, it did at first, but after doing a lot of research and reading, I learned that a good entrepreneur doesn't let that deter him or her from pursuing business in that market.

I think that those who get discouraged at a saturated market, are those who are doing the same thing as the countless others. Have to be able to evolve and change and ADAPT!

That's what I did. I evolved. Everyone was doing the same thing and I was too, until I woke up and asked my self "they're doing that print, I'm doing that print, just because people like theirs, does it mean they will like mine?"

If someone already bought one maybe two different elephant print t shirts, why the hell would they wear mine. Leg alone buy mine at retail price?

Sometimes I worry about saturation. But then I think about all these people who are making millions from iPhone apps, all the new rappers coming up and still making it amongst countless others.

I know I can do it, im just going to carve a lil bit of that market out and call it my own

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I'd like to have employees one day...

-I'd Like To Have Employees One Day- 


"...I'd like to have employees one day.." I wrote to my friend Deal Went Sour. I laugh my ass off thinking about it, because for one, he never replied, and two, I had finally just let it all out in those communications. I don't know if it was the fact that he and another individual for which I designed were having a Cash confetti party and I wasn't invited, or the fact that I was finally fed up with the messages that he sent me under the guise of "just want to help you". Ehhh, it's probably both, and seriously he got served with an ice cold pint of Fuck off you leeching prick and I was the bartender. Obviously, I would never say that to him ever, because that's just rude, but I did get my message across while still being respectful and polite, at least the best I could, you know it's hard to read emotions through text :). But the fact of the matter is, his way of doing business is just a joke and makes a mockery of the clothing biz. These unofficial "deals" and "ideas" that we made are just plain stupid and not professional at all. The game is changing and I'm sure there was a time when unofficial shit was going down, but not now. Things are fast these days, things are more modern, more mature these days and most can't afford to these hook me up and I'll hook you up deals. Especially when it ends up being just HOOK ME UP. Why would I just hand you $20 dollar bill just for you to give me back quarters? At least hand me back $15 and promise me your respect and merit. Doesn't even have to be a Pinky promise.

If I kept doing these ghetto deals, I'd never be able to build a company, a legit one, with employees. See people that know me, know that I am obsessed with being rich and successful, but I am equally passionate about creating jobs and helping others. I've always had fantasies of being a leader, being a shaker and a mover. I even had dreams about it. I think that's why quite a few  of us are passionate about building a company, we'd love to contribute to society in the biggest way. Especially with the economy the way it is, the way these big corporations are letting people go left and right just to cut costs and save money, the way the government doesn't want to really help its citizens anymore, the way these lenders are cherry picking who they lend to. It is us, the entrepreneur that really change, shape and mold a societal landscape. Y'know if every entrepreneur would have gave in to their negative friends, gave in to their significant others to live give up on the dream and just their stupid ass boring fantasy of a pathetic married and mortgaged existence, given in to the debtors who are calling them 24 fucking 7, there would be no jobs. If you have a job now, there's a very good chance that an entrepreneur started that shit, in a garage or an apartment.

I'd like to have employees some day.

Unfortunately it takes a lot of work and it really makes relationships very hard. Friendships are totally non existent, especially when the culture in my city are the every-friday-saturday-sunday-we-drink-and-party-and -celebrate-our-little-paydays-only-to-do-it-again-next-weekend-and-the-weekend-after-that-and-the-weekend-after-that-and-the-weekend-after-that-....It's a worthless cycle and because I'm working to break that cycle, I don't really get the luxury of going drinking every weekend just to return back to the 9 to 5 life hungover and miserable.

I'd like to be the one, chilling on the beach, making money while I sit in a lounge bar while sipping the finest of beer. Or chillin' in a cabin in the woods, while making money while I sit outside sippin' Guinness beer and smoking a black n mild. 

I only live once, so why do I have to live by the same old stupid ass blueprint of get a job, get promoted, marry while you're young, get a mortgage, die. 


How I make my own like start a business, build the business, re-invest while saving, build the company to sell it, get married, get rich with my wife, travel the world with my wife, take my wife for a ride in my lamborghini, let's all get the family together and go party on the yacht, start another company, build that company, re-invest, go public, hire CEO, sell that company, have some more fun, travel the world some more, purchase bugatti veyron, buy an existing company, make money while I sleep, make a nest egg for my children, die. 


Damn, now one of those really sounds good, hmmm I wonder which one is it?

I'd like to have employees one day...

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Am I still mad? uh, YES!

 Not as mad as I was, but honestly, I like being mad, it's like gasoline to my car. Fuel to the fire, the pop to the soda, the pep in my step, the sugar to the ca- fuck it you and I get what I'm saying.

-Letting Go is a process-


It's been a internal emotional rollercoaster the past few days, ahem, excuse me, the past week or two, I don't even know what day it is anymore. Honestly, I can't tell time anymore. That's what happens when your bed time is 10 o clock in the morning. 


Anyway, I think my mind and emotions are finally winding down, and my anxiety levels are well on the way back to manageable. If anxiety were lethal, I'd been long dead by now, I swear. But I digress.

So I know that letting go is a process. I should know that by now, having experienced death, heartbreak and disappointments since a young age. But still, it does not stop one from yearning to get over something fast. And it's funny, because the quicker you want to get over something, the more you seem to dwell on it.

I know what I did wrong, and I know what I didn't do, and because of those I know what I should do and be doing now. 


I know my shortcomings and I know what mistakes I made. I do not place blame on anyone else but myself. Without a doubt, it's hard as hell to admit when you're wrong, even harder when someone has to remind you of the wrong things you did, which i seriously can't stand, I deplore it. But I did the hard part and admitted to myself that the mistakes I made were because of me. 


I'm still young, I'm still learning, but I know for a fact that these lessons are just adding more points to my leadership skills. Leadership is definitely one of the most important traits to possess as an entrepreneur. I have a team, therefore, I constantly need to step it up, and my team is definitely going to expand.

But, I'm still a bit mad, and I think it's okay for me to be. Y'know, the friend that I helped, while I still consider him a friend, I just know I won't be going out of my way to say hi, or congratulate him on his business. It won't last. But nonetheless, don't brag to me on how much money you made off something that I practically made. You only changed %15 of the design and now you're the Second coming of LRG. I laugh at him, but I pity him all the same. You sell to your friends, but how friendly will the market be to you? Will you even try to push your "line" to the market? I'd like to assume that the brutally honest market will most likely hurt your feelings.

I don't know what to think sometimes, but all I know is that every day is like the main character in the Count Of Monte Cristo, every day I'm in a metaphorical prison, honing my skills in math science and literature (which in reality is business, graphic design, and...uhh literature.)

And to the other person, who I'll just call DWS, Deal Went Sour, well you know what's up and I gave you the courtesy to issue a sort of 'warning' of my plans and what I'm going to do, because now I'm silently re-building my company, re-building my brand as well as building a stronger customer base and network and I just know you hate not knowing what's going on. I guess it's because, oh I don't know, you cant steal any ideas when you can't see them. I would say good luck on finding another designer, but honestly, when I look around my city, full of desperate nobodies trying to make a name, there are plenty of dumb fucks willing to take that spot. Only question is, how long will you go trying to build a brand off of cheap and/or free labor? Business isn't based on this whole "hook me up and I'll hook you up" bullshit, it's ghetto, contrived and very unprofessional. And it's like, I look around my city and it's like that, everyone's trying to "hook" somebody up in order to get hooked up in return. What the fuck happened to just legitimate business deals? What happened to Non-Disclosure agreements and things of that nature. It's like these days, especially here in my city, it's like people are just doing verbal agreements over a couple of beers and calling that "business", I for one am no longer subscribing to that culture. I admit, I was guilty, but I seriously just stopped sipping the Kool-Aid. 


i can't deal with that shit anymore, and what the hell is up with not getting a legitimate receipt from the screen printer? I mean geez, how are you running a legitimate business and not able to even give me a decent invoice or receipt? Freaking ridiculous. I seriously think I'd seal my fate if I kept dealing with these two parties. I'm glad I woke up when I did, I have a company to run, a legitimate one at that.

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Motivation: Picking up my Bugatti Veyron today...

Not really...I say that because I know one day it will true. To be honest, I really just want a Lamborghini, a Hyndai Genesis and/or A Rolls Royce. But I honestly envision myself sitting inside of a Bugatti Veryon and Maybach because I might as well really shoot for the stars, because if I fail, atleast I'll just land on the moon. Or my favorite I'm going to aim for being a billionaire, because if I fail at that, I'll have to just settle for being a millionaire. 


I'm so motivated, that even on my most discouraged and down days, I'll still motivated as hell. That's how I know I've gone mad, I'm insane! I'm like the Mad Scientist, both brilliant and insane. But I sincerely believe you have to be insane in order to shoot for success in business. When I look at it, I have yet to see nor communicate with a 'normal' self made millionaire. We're not sane, or 'normal' people! Because normal is boring. Normal is lame, and normal certainly isn't fun!

I always thought of things like marriage as 'normal' and that shit turned me off, because of the lame ass facade that society likes to portray marriage as. I just was never interested in that life. Only until I've came across very success self-made millionaires who are married. Now THAT'S not normal, I like not normal. I'd rather be dead than normal. I know for a fact that I'm meant to live a not so normal life. I joke with myself about things like "welp, if I'm ever not enjoying life, I'll just commit suicide, ehhh I'm just clockin' out early".


Anyway, I always pat my pocket because that's my exotic super car's key is. Heh. That alone gives me a small morale boost. Having rode in a ferrari now, I see that the lifestyle that comes along with those cars are real. It makes it tangible and it further reminds me that I get closer to that lifestyle every day, I just have to keep meeting it halfway (meaning work hard).

Ehhh, random thoughts....Had to dump the brain right quick.

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Networking: The Marine in the mine field.

-You Ever Suck Dick for business?-


Reading a very informative article on tips on starting a clothing company. Specifically streetwear. It breaks down into different parts on what needs to be done in order to pursue starting a successful clothing brand. Now, just like every article and book out there, it doesn't ensure success, but sure as hell puts a lot of us on the right path.

I know I've been at this for almost 2 years already, but I pretend like like I just started yesterday. I need to say hungry and vulnerable, to keep my senses sharp. One of the things the article stresses is the DREADED NETWORKING. 


Many people treat networking like entry level male pornstars: they start with the mindset of I have to suck some serious dick if I want to make my up in the ranks in the industry. My opinion, it doesn't have to be like that. I know that sucking other peoples' dicks is just going to make me and my company look like, well, dick lickers. People that they shit on any time they feel. Pretty much, the insiders will just pat a dick licker on the head, say "you're so cute, now move along" and just forget about those dick lickin' labels.

Screw that, I'm going to treat this networking thing like a male porn star with a hustle: I'm gonna introduce myself and bring my own porn bitches and camera man with me. Oh yeah I own a production company, so we do our own porn, just wondering if you'd like to do business with me and we can both make some serious money and snort some serious lines of coke.

That's how it's going to be with my company, metaphorically, I've got my own dick, my own porn bitches and my own cameraman with me. We are a production team. I believe that's how to effectively network. There's a reason why I'm not retweeting and tweeting all of those popular streetwear labels like a sucker, they're used to that, and I'm too fly to be lickin' dick.

I'm going to just have to really start this from the ground up....

-I'm The Marine In The Mine Field- 


So I'm in the Drop Zone, just got dropped off by the chopper, with my Assualt Rifle in hand, ready to kill some tango's. BUT DAMN IT, WAIT A MINUTE THERE'S A MINEFIELD, SEPARATING ME AND MY SQUAD FROM THE TANGO'S BASE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FLANK 'EM. That's how I feel right now as far as networking. I'm going to have to strategically, carefully, and surgically move in and out of the mines in order to get to the base. Because I'm most likely on a couple people's bad sides (not my fault I swear!), I'm going to have to avoid them when it comes to networking, shouldn't be too hard as they don't play a major role in my market, but nonetheless, one plays a role. Indeed I will stay respectful at all cost if I were to come across any of them, as is in life, two parties will always eventually come across each other, especially when both are competing in the same market. It's all a mine field though, and I'm the marine who really has to watch his step.


How can I network though? It's sure as hell isn't impossible, as I see new companies and brands come up to prominence each and every day, I'm sure there's a method to it, I'm just going to have to keep digging.

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Damn it, WTF was I doing the whole time?!

So I'm on the Millionaire forum, and I see I successful entrepreneur who started a thread, just to "dump his mind", those are his words, just in case someone thinks I am being insulting. So he's breaking down all of his ventures into processes. I'm sitting here, reading through each one, and I need a f#%cking hammer so I can hit myself in the head. WHAT THE HELL HAVE A BEEN DOING THE WHOLE TIME? 


-The Art of Freestyling - 


NOT!!!! Damn it, so the past year, I've just been freestyling. I mean it's good when it comes to rappin', skatin', bikin' and all of that, but NOT BUSINESS. Damn it man. I didn't have a process down. None, whatsoever. I'm such an idiot. EEEEEDEEEEYOT. Oh well, can't fret over the past, but I can surely use the present to change the future.

So now I need a process, and I need to go by it like it's my Bible. Cool, I'm on it, oops, I mean I'm in on it.

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A higher level.

hmmm, been thinking to myself about the brand change. I look at it like it's an 'upgrade', since I'm stepping the image up a notch, or two. I figure, all the successful brands start off talking highly of themselves. Hell if one doesn't speak highly of himself, who else will? Specifics aside, it all starts with me. I believe I am a millionaire. I believe my brand is tailor made and perfectly suited for other millionaires, and those who aspire to acquire that status.

-I Gotta Take What's Mine-


Man, I remember thinking about all cavemen but way back in time. I remember how the TV shows always depict the Cavemen clubbing and dragging a Cave girl and making her into his mate. It's funny as hell to watch, but I'm learning a lesson from that. He took that shit. He didn't wait around for the Cave girl to make eye contact with him, he didn't walk up and say to her, in a series of grunts "Excuse me miss, but I could not help but to make it aware that, you certainly suit my fancy" (yeah that's how Cavemen talked back then, but in grunt mode). That's how it is with business. I can't wait until the market finally decides to let me in. I can't wait around for someone to stumble upon my website and brand. I can't wait around for promoters to contact me saying that they would like me to attend their events of behalf of my clothing company. None of that. I've got to take it. I've gotta be the one who FORCES HIS WAY INTO THE MARKET, I've gotta be the who TIRELESSLY PROMOTES HIS COMPANY AND WEBSITE DAY IN AND DAY OUT, And I've gotta to be the who CONTACTS PROMOTERS PROPOSING TO ATTEND THEIR EVENTS ON BEHALF OF MY CLOTHING COMPANY. I did those ACTIONS in bold because, that is exactly what they are, bold. And Bold gets the babe, (babe meaning money/success of course).

I know that I have to get out of the comfort zone. Hell I'm uncomfortable as is, so it shouldn't be too hard for me to stay out of the comfort zone. But I know there is always improvement. I know that I have habits I fall back into, I know there are days where I just surf the web and I feel as if there's nothing that I can do. But it's not true. There's ALWAYS something I can do, though some things are more apparent than others. For example, this blog is almost action for me, because writing all of these things are definitely putting me into the mood to do something. Since 2010, I've no longer been a talker but a do'er. I just want to keep it up and never give up and never let up. I am meant to be an entrepreneur and I am meant to be a millionaire. I just have to meet it halfway...

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Venting: F#$k Freebies!

Man, I'm going to vent really quick. I'm so glad I stopped associating with the people who were so used to me doing free work for them. I did in the beginning to just help out and hopefully build a rapport and portfolio. I was raised that, if you help someone, they should be able to help you in return. Not that I was expecting anything in return, but I for one have faith in humanity, so I give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But no, it was just a quick "thanks" and that's that. Then they give that BS promise "I'll help you promote your company" blah blah blah. Firstly, I don't really need the help, I have a strong team and we're always learning and Second, I have yet to see you really help with promotion anyway. Ha, you're a joke.

Or, all those meetings at the store, going over different clothing pieces, talking business, what's the next step, and all you're talking about is YOUR IDEAS and YOUR DESIGNS. Whenever I asked about MY products and direction of MY company, you just give a quick answer and go right back to YOUR ideas. You're not a client nor a business partner, you're a LEECH. I'm not even mad nor angry because I learned a lot of valuable info working with these individuals, a lot of priceless info as well, but I will not associate myself with those types of people anymore. I seriously am upgrading my life just I'm upgrading my clothing company. It feels good. I'm back at square one, but it feels GOOOOOOOODDDDDDD.

Now, on another topic related to freebies. When it comes to giving away free products to artists. I am going to be strict when it comes to that. Many folks will probably hate me, which is good, hate can be great marketing. As I said before, I'll only sponsor artists who meet my company's requirements.

Also, the blogs, I'm going to be sending some free stuff to blogs, but only specific blogs, ones that I believe will help with the image and those that are professional and mature as well. Just not any run of the mill blogs. it's going to be a challenge, but it's going to be a challenge that I will gladly accept.

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Finding that market, and taking it out on a date

And tipping the waiter generously.

Since I'm re-establishing my brand, it's going to be a bit tough to switch gears. I'm kind of leaving the whole "streetwear, I listen to hip hop and sip PBR and Colt 45" type of steez. Granted, it's still the the essence of my brand, because streetwear is very profitable and it's just a fun business to be in. Streetwear definitely promotes creativity mixed with a hustler's attitude rewarded with a life like Donald Trump. I digress.

Now, since the image and brand is now geared towards wealth, elegance, and ambition, it's going to be a tough call when it comes to attending local trade shows and events. Before, it was easier, I did strictly hip-hop type t-shirts and designs, so I could attend hip hop shows and events. This time is a bit different. Now, I need to attend events that can kind promote and groom the vibe that I am looking for. Wealth, Elegance, Ambition. Because I'm going to be a streetwear version of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and such. That's a tough call, I know I'm going to have to really do some research on this to really find the line I'm trying to go. I need to put a face on my brand, don't know how I'm going to do this, but I'm going to do it, regardless. I'm too fly to fail.

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New Idea: Flaws Don't exist.

                                     "You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt.

I truly believe that, last year, one of the things I did wrong, was trying to please everyone. Which in business, can be the ultimate sin. Those who seek to impress everyone, are usually those who go broke with nothing to show for. I know that now, Definitely a lesson learned. I can only try my best to avoid doing that again.

I think what many of the most successful clothing brands do, is find a target and constantly aim for that target, sniper rifle. What I was doing was just shooting at a bunch of targets, sprayin' and prayin' I hit something, machine gun. Now I know what to do, how to do it.

I know my target: People who are into streetwear, but like sleek, elegant designs, that can be either worn while being out and about, or worn in the VIP section of a nightclub. Young entrepreneurs and Young executives in the making. Guys my age who see themselves holding a Maybach key.

I'm going to keep hitting that target. If you don't like our products, they are not for you, sorry. Oh you want flamboyant colors and loud colors, sorry we do not do that.

If someone asks "hey, do you do Crewneck sweaters?" I will say "Sure do, stay tuned, we're rolling some out on the next delivery". Someone asks, "hey do you do teal shirts with pink designs?" I'll say "sorry, we do not do those". Calmly and reject those who say I should do things that I may not want to do.

I'm sure people tell mr. Cupcakes, or the guys who own the Hundreds, what they should make. I"m sure they make what they want to make.

Flaws don't exist. Either I do something or I don't. I may want to do hoodies but no crewneck sweaters, but I may want to do crewneck sweaters and no hoodies, or maybe I want to do both. Doesn't matter.

Nothing is impossible, my brand will do some epic shit, I know it just takes time,persistence, and most of all, hard work. Fortunately, I"m not alien to any of those.

I just now have to figure out what type of events and tradeshows I want to hit up. I'll save that for next post...

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Nothing but Selfish folks in the biz.

When I started my Clothing Co. in 2010, no one really liked my stuff. I mean my stuff sucked. I had just learned basic design and I thought I was the next Jeremy Scott. Then I had planned to take out 6 months of my time and dedicate it to learning how to use Photoshop and Illustrator, then master it. I only took me 3 months to really get a huge grasp on the programs, I amazed myself. But I'm a good learner, and the tutorial sites really helped me. I have to really give thanks to those tutorial sites.

Anyway after I got good, lo and behold, A person who owned a store in my town had hit me up. Wanted to set up a meeting. The meeting at first was about my line and the opportunity for him to sell my line through his store. Sounded great! It was progress, serious progress! I should have known from that day though, that it wasn't about my line though. After a while, it became about all his ideas, and if I could design his lines. I'm thinking in my head, sweet, this is my chance to be a fashion designer, I was ecstatic.

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago, this fool did not want me to take credit for all the sweet designs that I personally designed. He was making money hand over fist, I'm thinking in my head, oh hell yeah I can finally get some recognition and I can use that recognition to really get my clothing company off the ground! Yeah, fucking right.

So now, he sort of alludes to the fact that he doesn't want me to tell people that I designed a lot of the clothing pieces, and it really aggravated me. So I stopped it. When I first started this clothing company, I started it for one reason: To make money. I want to secure my future. In this shaky economy, it's the perfect time to start a company, in my honest opinion. And I've never really thought of myself as a 9 to 5'er really. I've always been an entrepreneur, but I just didn't know it. I'm a real creative person, so I always have ideas, always.

I'm looking at that situation, and I truly thank God that I"m smart enough to notice these things, but I'm looking at that situation and it really made me mad. I have serious debts, I mean I was laid off from my Job last year, so quite a few bills that I have, sometimes just can't be paid. My cellular phone was cut off, though I could of paid that, but really, I needed some cash, so I skipped it. But, the people that I designed for and just helped out of my own free will, and they're making serious cash, no thank you, no recognition, nothing. To be honest, I don't want their money, I just wanted a very professional way of saying that I helped out in the design process. I could have seriously carved my own little market right then and there. But no, they want all of the shine, which is fine. Because I'm smart with a drive like no other, and my clothing company WILL blow up and make it, I mean I not only have designer's experience now, but I was also able to get some good inside knowledge on how the business works.

My one friend who I helped, who has the big head. You can't have the big head, when you're just selling to all of your friends. You can't have the big head, when your design skills suck, it's a competitive market, once the people really find out what you really are, or aren't, God help you. Friends can only support you for so long, and you can only get by with that one design for so long. It's not ironic that your best seller is the piece that I designed. Let that tell you something. Also, excluding myself, for everyone that are 'helping' you, they're all going to come back to you and say "where's mine?" "I ain't eatin'". It's only a matter of time. Why do you think I kept my circle small? Why do you think I'm willing to outsource and contract out design work? Why do you think I kept my team small? I'm not going to be the one with a successful company with a thousand people coming at you with their hands out. I learned in a really awesome book (which I will post later on down the line), that what you do now, will directly affect you later. So enjoy your bottle service, your fancy photographs and the partying for now. I'll be the one that actually building a legitimate business, one that is having a professional website built, making real connections outside of our city, and the one who doesn't have the pleasure of enjoying bottle service, parties and photography now, but I am the one who will be enjoying all of that later without a fear of that going away tomorrow.

I don't place the blame for my shortcomings on anyone else, but myself. I didn't have to design for those people, I didn't have to give free designs away, but I did, because I am a good person. I did get something out of it, a portfolio and tons of knowledge. I now know how to deal with these selfish people, now any proposition for any type of collaborations or sponsorship will promptly be denied if they don't meet my requirements. I have no problem denying people, because in actuality, if you deny a certain amount of people, you have a ton more trying to get in good with you, because now you look unattainable. Like the higher end Lamborghini's. if all of those higher end Lamborghini's were made the same price as a Nissan Maxima or a honda civic, do you think people who jump through hoops to get them? No because now they're attainable. But because they cost $250K, they are unattainable to most, therefore they are highly desirable. It's the plan, the game is just something that needs to be hustled, and I will there to hustle the shit out of it.

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I know I'm missing something

I know that I'm missing something. Something is missing out of the equation. I haven't went to sleep yet, my brain is racking itself and it won't stop until I figure out what it is I'm missing.

Website....website....something is missing. Damn it, what is it? Maybe once I go to bed, I can figure it out. Maybe I can find the answer in my dreams.

We will see. But it's bothering me, what is it that I am missing? This is important for the launch. I refuse to launch without that missing equation. Oh well, for now I will just have to figure this one out...

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So, this is Step One.

Last year, I did everything ass backwards. How could I run a clothing company selling t-shirts off of facebook? How could I own a clothing start-up, a business blog, a graphic design firm and STILL be able to focus laser precision attention on each and every one of them? I know the answer. I'm living the answer right now. So now it's all about being the Master of One. Being a Jack of All Trades just ends up being a Jack Off, No Trade.

So with my 100% attention on my clothing brand, I believe I already have a nice start. Admitting my mistakes definitely gives me a leg up on things. I am able to focus.

So, step one...?

I need this website, a professional looking website. Complete with Homepage, Blog, Store, and a page to showcase my customers and supporters. I seriously need to slowly creep away from Tumblr, and run the hell away from Facebook. Facebook is a curse I swear! Only facebooking I'll be doing is on the official company page.

I believe getting that website up, will be a huge step towards something. Not many people are serious enough to have an actual website. Many just stick to these social networking sites, which is good and creative, but it can make a brand look childish and unprofessional.

Once the website is up and running, I will constantly be tweeting my ass off. Anything and everything I can tweet, I will tweet. Hell, I'm starting to tweet my ass off now.

Once the site is up, I'll probably try to get in contact with Karmaloop and see if I can get my products on there. Having your products on Karmaloop is a very good look and it's awesome marketing in itself.

Then, I'm going to have some custom made business cards, with my beautiful logo and all :).

I really hope this works, if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'll just move on to the next venture. I still have time to grow and I'm growing and learning every day. Learning never hurt anybody.

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The plan.

One of my favorite stories ever is The Count of Monte Cristo. A story about a man, who was betrayed and sent off to a prison where was tortured everyday and left to live the rest of his days there, being tortured every damn day. The man befriends an older man, who teaches him Math, Science, and I believe, Literature. Well the older gent, ends up dying and the man manages to escape the prison. Well, before dying, the older gent leaves the man with, I guess, a treasure map which leads him to tons and tons of wealth. He ends up back in his town, where he was betrayed and exacts revenge on those who betrayed him.

Well I wasn't betrayed, but I am likening myself to the The Count. While I'm not exactly planning or plotting revenge, I'll just call it that for now, because it's just more fun and I get to wear a cape and cool goatee and I get to rub my hands together with an evil smirk. While I did have a plan last year, what I didn't do was focus. I realize now that, just having a plan isn't good enough. I've gotta execute the fuck out of that plan. The plan is like a high priced prostitute and I'm going to execute the fuck out of that plan. Okay, weird analogy, I don't even hire prostitutes but I thought it would be funny. 

So here it is, as vague as I want to make it, since this on a blog which can be viewed by anyone and everyone. 

1. Web site - I need to have some internet real estate, my own part of the web saying "here we are, this is what we do, bitches". It's very professional and I think it will speak volumes of my brand when it comes to potential customers and wholesale buyers.

2. Map out my product line - before, I kind of just winged it and just threw numbers out there when I bought t-shirts and had them printed. Only to be stuck with hundreds of t-shirts that have yet to be sold. Big no no. I need to go through each and design and look at how many for each, what colors, what sizes....and keep it minimal.  No more over-optimistic guesses anymore. I am not Supreme. 

3. Marketing, I need to really stay consistent with my Twitter, Pintrest, and Tumblr accounts. And stay the FUCK away from Facebook. So when my products finally arrive, what little buzz I have can maybe contribute to some sales. 

Now for some serious long time goals, remember I'm shooting for the stars here. 

1. Wholesaling - When I am wholesaling, I seriously need to be selective of who I wholesale my products to. This is genius marketing on its own, though it will be hard as hell to execute. Creating an image of exclusivity, yeah everyone is doing it, but very few can pull that off nicely. 

2. Fulfillment - I know for now, well for a while, I'll be making frequent trips to the Post Office to mail off every tee that I sell. But once my company grows, I will need a system that can facilitate that, so that I can focus on other aspects of the business. 

3.Billing/invoices/data - I will need to come up, or find, a system that will assist me and my team on keeping track of sales, orders, and inventory. Even when we get into custom work, we will need to have some invoices on hand as well. But A system to keep track of that stuff, as well as keeping it in order will be needed. 

4. Sponsorships aka Expensive Marketing - Since I am aiming my brand towards the streetwear field, I want to sponsor rap artists. Rap artists who have that money-making vibe about them, since my brand's image is about success, making money, looking prestigious. But, this time around, there are requirements. You'll have to be an artists with a large following, have to atleast do more than a certain number of shows a year, and you have to fit our image. After all, my company is spending money on you, so the least you can do is meet our requirements. Oh and, I won't be trying to sponsor signed artists. They have to be independent, just saves a lot of the bullshit that comes with dealing with signed artists.

5. Tradeshows - I will be attending tradeshows to get my company out there. Since image is everything, when each and every company sees me, they will see nothing less than success. I will be confident, I will make you believe that I am raking in six figures in annual sales. I will make you believe that I am the second coming of Supreme. Ha ha. But seriously, my image will get me places, high places. It will also make me friends, friends in high places.

6. Automation - in many tech businesses, automation usually means that machines and computers are doing the job for the owner, therefore little to no maintenance. In clothing, automation is a bit different. They haven't invented machines yet that can order, design, and print t-shirts and sweaters, so I'll have to hire people to do that. I will hire a small team of designers, a sales rep, and an maybe two accounts payable clerks. That's automation in the clothing biz. I'm probably missing a few cogs in the machine, but for now this will suffice. So I the owner, will hopefully just oversee things, approve/deny things and try to get out there, shake hands, buy drinks, and write emails for the most part. I know this is possible. I'll also probably have an in house printer for screen printing, and probably just outsource all of the cut and sew work that needs to be done, if or when it ever gets that far.

I have dreams and aspirations to be in magazine articles, web site interviews and such. I know that I can do it, this isn't just a dream, it's a reality that I am actively pursuing. I mean, these are some peoples' reality as I speak. So I know for a fact it's out there, I just have to stay persistent this time and be patient. I think patience is the most important thing of all.

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Stressed, but I feel BRAND NEW!

I had posted some long ass statuses to my facebook account (did I tell you how Facebook can bring out the evil in everyone?). Everyone knows, that when it's a long ass wall of text, it's usually pretty bad. Only mine wasn't bad, it was just me venting at the shortcomings of my business. I had helped a couple of people with some free design work, just to build a portfolio and a rapport, and one of those who I've helped is doing pretty well for a guy our age. But this guy, has no business knowledge, no plans on how to expand and really grow his business, none of that. Here I am, a book nerd, I study everything from business to even textiles, and here I am making shit profit, hell it's not even profit, but shit revenue. I am appreciative of the business I am receiving, but damn it, seeing my friend making hand over fist off of something that I practically made for him, kinda depressed me. I wasn't even mad, just depressed. I didn't want his money, not at all. But when he private messaged me, just bragging about much he was making and how much he was blowing away on gambling and stuff, just rubbed me the wrong way. I felt molested almost. Never once was there a credit or public appreciation to me for helping out. It was my fault 100% for sending him the design, I was just helping a friend out.

What's funny is, I know things aren't always going be VIP and Bottle service for him due to his ignorance of how business works and I seriously doubt he has good foresight, but I'd be lying if I said that it didn't bother me. He's got the big head. He's livin' large. Good for him, I'll clap for him, I"m the guy who's an entrepreneur at heart, who's actually doing his due diligence to actually try and construct a legitimate business.

But I will admit, just because I am passionate about it and I obsess over it, doesn't necessarily mean that I deserve it or I am entitled to it. It's like the girls who want that diamond ring so bad, or better yet, the Football player who thinks, just because he wants it more than the other player, he deserves that ring. He's gotta actually play like he wants that damn ring. 

I feel like I am playing like I want that ring. But I guess, my ring hasn't come yet, so therefore I should keep playing with all I got. I won't give up, no doubt about it, but I feel like a loser that I don't get to flaunt my cash around like my friend is doing, not that I am that type of person, but damn it, I'd like to from time to time. 

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My first post

Welp. I created this blog about 3, maybe 4 days ago, but I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to write in this thing. I know now.

I am a 26 year old entrepreneur with million-dollar dreams. That's not so much to ask for, right? Maybe, maybe not. But that's for me to find out. 2 years ago I started a clothing company. I was to be the owner, the designer, the sales rep. But I had no knowledge of the business at the time. Here I am now, after failure after failure, with an abundance of knowledge. I am starting it over, starting as if it never existed. With a new image, a new motto, a new goal. Nothing crazy.

But this blog, will act as a journal, for my sheer own sanity. For ideas, for venting, or just pure fuckery. This blog should be fun. I do a post a day, or I might do 5 posts a day, either way this blog will chronicle each and every day and moment of my path to success. This is my second try at doing something like this, so let's hope I can stick with it this time around.

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