http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/ Fastlane Entrepreneur and Startup Business Forum - Discuss Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, Business Building And Learn How Multi-Millionaires are Made en Wed, 22 May 2013 00:57:01 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/ http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/696-hey-guys-im-back-i-feel-like-moneyyyy.html Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:25:45 GMT I know some folks probably thought I was one of the thousands of Fastlane Dropouts, since I haven't really been active the past year. Welp, all I gotta says is HELL NO, I'll never drop out of the fastlane, EVER!

So anyway, I'm back in the mortgage and finance industry in the Underwriting side of things and I'm getting paid pretty freakin' good for someone my age and without a college degree. Like, I make so much money now doing this that I really don't know what do with it but just save save save. Not braggin' because trust me, my salary is nothing compared to what a lot of you all are making. It's just a lot of money to ME, because my last job I got $9 an hour and my business at the time was bringing in below that at times HAHA. okay, most times LOL.

So with that said, being back in the mortgage business, I'm really treating this as a learning experience, since my next business venture is going to be property rentals and management. I'm shutting down the clothing business, I am damn tired of it, and the industry reminds me of highschool, full of effin' kids and grown men who just don't seem to know what the fuck they're doing at times. Plus, I'll admit that clothing business didn't seem real "big boy" to me, I felt like a damn kid myself. Just my thoughts though, not to throw shade on anyone else doing clothing, because best believe I still love to wear some good looking clothing, I just no longer want to make it nor sell it.

So I got this property rental idea and I'm currently reading up on things at the moment, because I'm a perfectionist and I really want to know this shit in and out so I can keep the mistakes to a minimum. With the money I"m making and with very little debts and obligations, I'm able to save at an astronomical rate. I should have 10 grand by summer/fall. by years end I'm hoping to have about 15 to 20k cash in my savings to get this operation running.

my only fear is being able to afford properties while paying for somewhere to live for myself and my girlfriend. besides that I'm feeling pretty good about it, someone always needs to somewhere to live, and I no longer have to worry about consumers liking my product before they part cash for it, a house is a house, I just need to fill my houses with people.

anyway, I'm feeling great! Yeah I'm working a slowlane job again for a while, but atleast it grants me access to the information and pays me enough funds to even consider something like this, I never thought I'd have this opportunity and I can't waste it, this year is my year, I feel it! and if it's not my year then the next year is!!!!!!!

Smells like money guys! Let's all win this year! ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/696-hey-guys-im-back-i-feel-like-moneyyyy.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/443-normal-i-am-bored-my-business-going-try-something-new.html Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:19:45 GMT I remember almost two years ago, I started this business, with a twinkle in my eye and high octane gasoline in my veins. I was excited, scared,... I remember almost two years ago, I started this business, with a twinkle in my eye and high octane gasoline in my veins. I was excited, scared, nervous all at the time. I remember thinking of all the cool shit I'm going to do, all the millions I'm going to make. Ha Ha, almost laughable now, looking back. Now, it feels almost as routine as getting up to brush my teeth: Get up, look over designs, ship an order or two, respond to emails from potential retailers and leads...then of course go to work at my part time job. To put it simply: Clothing is boring to me now. Don't get me wrong, I am still going to hustle it, until I launch my next venture next year, but as of now, it's not fun anymore, it's not even exciting anymore. I hate that I feel this way, because I haven't reached the pinnacle yet, I haven't made any huge strides yet though I have made some, but none that are huge and media-worthy. I'm 27, I'm still young and I am not sure if this came with age or what, but I am no longer in a rush to attain millions. Yes, I still want millions, I know I'll be a millionaire one day, but it's no longer a rush to the finish line. I'll get there. Hell, we will all get there, all of us true Fastlaners that is. I just want to find something else to do. Hell if clothing can reignite the flame within me, that would be great too. I still am going to be in the creative business, because there is still a big demand for creative individuals. But, I am going to be on the commercial end. Because that's the avenue for those in graphic design get paid. Yeah, my new business will be in the "boring" graphic design biz. I said boring because when I tell many young folks in the biz what I am going to be doing, they give off that comical reaction; the same reaction folks give when someone says they're going to be a librarian for a living. It may not be all that glorious, but it pays, a lot. I'm rambling, but nonetheless, I feel like I am going to open a new chapter in my Fastlane story that is going to be very interesting and I have all the time in the world to experience it. ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/443-normal-i-am-bored-my-business-going-try-something-new.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/387-improvement-self-getting-organized.html Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:16:31 GMT How can anyone Take me serious if I can't get organized? A question I asked myself the other day, when I checked my email, and saw quite a few of emails in my inbox that have haven't been responded to yet. It's an embarrassing thing to admit, but they say the first step to solving a problem is admitting you have a problem right? As much as it hurts my pride to admit, on a public forum nonetheless, I know I must do it in order to be a better person and a better businessman.

I look at all of the platforms that I use for my business, Tumblr, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Gmail (3 accounts), Paypal (ugh), and I'm like HOLY COW, I use more applications than I thought! On top of that, I just started taking courses in Economics at Open Yale Courses, and now I seriously just gave myself the wake up call. I need to get organized. And NOW!

So I took upon myself and to take a big advantage of my Calendar on my iPad and iTouch, the two devices that I pretty much operate and conduct a good 75% of my business during the week, and pretty much schedule anything and everything on it. A good part of it, it's connected to my LinkedIn profile, so I can always see what I have scheduled and stay up to date on appointments, courses etc, while also checking up on business leads as well as my network.

I want to stay consistent with this, so I gave myself a challenge: 30 days then it's stuck in my system for good.

Wish me luck fellow Fastlaners! ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/387-improvement-self-getting-organized.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/380-every-bad-day-work-another-good-day-business.html Wed, 12 Sep 2012 02:04:16 GMT I really wish I could say that I am big-shot entrepreneur working for myself currently, but the truth of the matter is, I still work a part-time job.... I really wish I could say that I am big-shot entrepreneur working for myself currently, but the truth of the matter is, I still work a part-time job. While I could say a bunch a BAD things about this job and the company I work for, I tend to stick to the positives of it all and just take things in stride, while biding my time until my business 'takes off'.

I had probably one of the worst days at work yesterday, just all around angry customers, annoying ones, and ones that just make me want to run away from it all screaming.

But, I forget that, what many of my coworkers and customers don't know, I have something valuable, something that may or may not make me millions, something that will determine my future, lifestyle and all around way of life.

With all that said, I know the job is temporary and I will look back, and value the experience, and laugh at it all while sitting in my matte black, gun metal wheeled exotic ride....hey I guy has goals, right? ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/380-every-bad-day-work-another-good-day-business.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/377-excited-but-nervous-currently-negotiating-retailer.html Mon, 10 Sep 2012 01:26:27 GMT Okay, so for those that are familiar with me, know that last year, I had my first retailer for my brand. I then became that retailer's own personal designer for a while before things went sour, on his part. So I am familiar with how to do business with potential retailers and I definitely now know what the do's and don'ts are.

Back then, that was my first "deal" I ever did, so I was dumb and naive, and just didn't know any better. Now I know better.

So, I had the pleasant surprise of checking my email and it seems my new formula of advertising/promoting is starting to pay off a lil :cool:. I have a store owner interested in purchasing product for resale. You don't know how good it feels!

But, no need to celebrate yet, now I"m waiting on further communication to see if they want to really do business or not.

And That is my plan this go around with the clothing brand. Before, I wanted to just sell the product myself through my own online store. But that wasn't really fastlane. Why would I waste all of this energy selling my own stuff, when I can set up wholesale accounts with retailers and just collect that payment for bulk orders, and have them sell my product for me?
That's the plan that I planned out months ago, and it's finally starting to come to fruition now, little by little.

the clothing game is tough, but with the right formula and a little bit of hustle, it can work, without having to exhaust too many funds and resources, if much at all. Still learning and working out the kinks, but for the most part, I'm actually making a bit of progress, and it feels good, but I still need to land way more accounts before I can honestly say that this formula really works.

no need to celebrate yet...until I have that check(figuratively) in my hand.

Gotta stay focused and increase that hunger... ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/377-excited-but-nervous-currently-negotiating-retailer.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/352-great-feeling.html Sun, 02 Sep 2012 09:23:00 GMT This post is short but sweet. Though it is short, it still hits me hard, like a sack of bricks. A few weeks ago, I texted my best friend. He... This post is short but sweet. Though it is short, it still hits me hard, like a sack of bricks.

A few weeks ago, I texted my best friend. He attends our local university, studying to hopefully go to flight school to fly private jets, or something of the sort. Anyway I text him just to shoot the shit and see what he's been up to. So a few texts in, and out of nowhere he says "hey, you remember that sweater you designed for that guy's store last year?" I'm thinking, oh yeah how could I forget? That was probably one of my best designs I've ever done, coincidentally, that's around the time, I became sort of a go-to buy for designs, AND around the time, that douchebag got jealous and tried to keep me from getting work.

So I reply "yeah", not thinking much. He writes back "yo, I've been seeing a couple kids rockin' it (wearing for those unaware) around campus. F*cking crazy man!".

Not gonna lie, I had the most smug grin on my face for a good 2 minutes before I wrote back. I guess there is a positive after all the negatives of last year after all.

Now, the goal is, to be in some random city, in some random state, and seeing someone wearing my shit. I KNOW I can make that happen. Let's do it. ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/352-great-feeling.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/351-i-know-ill-millionaire-just-matter-when.html Sun, 02 Sep 2012 09:14:22 GMT In November, it will be officially 2 years since I started on my path of entrepreneurship, and it will officially be 1 year since I've been in business (i.e. making money doing this). I still remember the moment when I got bit by the entrepreneur bug, it was CantWait2's success story that first reeled me in, and it was MJ's success story that really got me hungry for entrepreneurial success.

Because I am older, I am now sort of ashamed to say that I read those two stories in a cubicle, when I should have been working. Back then, 2 years ago, I was mad at my job for some stupid reason. Looking back, since now I work in retail sales, I should have been working hard in that cubicle, appreciating this cushy office job. Yeah it was slowlane and boring, but damn it was it easy. Though I love this retail sales job, I also sort of loathe it at the same time. Yeah I meet new people, every day, I am able to talk with and receive advice from the customers who are business owners, AND I was able to get back in shape from all the walking and lifting, but...this job, is only temporary, and it can be soul-sucking as well. Not to mention, whenever I make online sales, I am at work, and I will usually receive the notification on my iTouch or iPad, but I just can't bolt from work to fulfill those orders, I'd get axed!

I guess my point is, even though I am working a soul-sucking part-time gig, and even though I am still healing from the events of last year, I am still motivated as hell, and I know i'll be filthy rich. It's a not a wish, or a hope, I KNOW I will be. It really is just a matter of when. It can happen next month, next year, a few years from now, who cares it WILL happen.

I have grown now, so I do understand that, yes even though I own a business, I still must respect my job and never think that owning a business makes me any better than the people I work with. I also understand that, while on the clock, I'll still work just as hard as the guy who doesn't own a business, because, let's be real, this company didn't have to hire me, they seriously did me a favor at a time of dire need, and I'll never forget that.

But, I KNOW I will be rich, I can feel it. I've never felt that feeling before, but I now understand people when they say they can feel it. It must be right around the corner....peeking at me... ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/351-i-know-ill-millionaire-just-matter-when.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/345-never-gave-up-never-have-never-will-updates.html Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:10:38 GMT So here I am now, sippin' on a PBR, got my design program open on one monitor, TheFastLaneForum.com on the other. I sit here, excited and giddy as hell even though I have to go to work tomorrow at my part time gig for another 8 hour shift. At the same time, I reflect on last year while at the same time focus on moving forward.

After the whole retailer fiasco from last year, I almost scrapped this business, almost shut down the LLC and everything. I mean, I was doing so good last year, things were looking up, I was actually making a little cash flow, I didn't need a job, I was doing whatever the fuck I wanted and best of all, I had freedom. On top of that, I landed some gigs designing logos for other businesses as well, which was awesome because I would never have thought I'd be doing that! Nonetheless they were offering to pay me more than what I ever would quoted them.

At the same time, I saw the achievements I made as well. Not only did I have a retailer selling my brand, I was also designing for the owner as well as for other clothing brands as well.

Those were just small achievements compared to what my end goal is, but even then, when I tell people about this, they're usually impressed and/or floored by my story. I'll admit, I got caught up in the hype, living a pseudo Rockstar lifestyle, getting the hook-ups on exclusive shit and getting the satisfaction of seeing my work being sold at events and sponsored parties. FUCK, it felt great!

But of course, the retailer just had to try to fuck me over.

So now, here I am, about to release another brand. Mind you, this time, I have a little buzz this time around, I have networked with some pretty decent people, AND I will be stricter when it comes to retailers this time around. On top of that, I have a part time job, which, due to the product I sell at this job, enables me to constantly talk to and service business owners, and the occasional professional athlete, on a day-to-day basis. I'd be lying if I said didn't use that to my advantage.

After leaving home, after the run-in with my brother-in-law, who oddly enough is facing prison time for worker's comp fraud, I thought my life was over. Summer/fall of last year was probably one of the best times of my life, and during that time I learned a lot about myself and what I was capable of doing.

After seeing what I accomplished last year, I know I can do it even bigger this time around. Don't get me wrong, clothing won't be my only way to millions of dollars, that's just one avenue. I am still focusing on building a business/formula that is truly Fastlane, but for now, I'll just take advantage of the sales I am making from my personal brand. I know clothing is looked down upon in the Fastlane world, but after seeing what I have done with and what I can do with it, I know I can find a formula where I can truly make money while I sleep, without sacrificing my profits and energy. There is always a way. Always. ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/345-never-gave-up-never-have-never-will-updates.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/173-i-wear-start-up-badge-proudly.html Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:26:15 GMT I was just on my twitter account, where I do a lot of networking and a bit of marketing and I look at my followers. I have a very low amount of... I was just on my twitter account, where I do a lot of networking and a bit of marketing and I look at my followers. I have a very low amount of followers. Most people look at that and feel ashamed or embarrassed. I don't. F$#k I have to be embarrassed about? I act as if I have a 1,000.

For those on here that know me, know that I am in the clothing biz. It's a tough ass business, if you let it. It's actually kind of easy once you have a method and a vision and stay consistent. I obviously didn't stay consistent, but I managed to boost up my designer's portfolio though.

Anyway, whenever I'm marketing my company or whenever I'm networking, or even when I meet someone new, and they ask me what I do, I flat out tell them that I own a Clothing Company Start-up. I am not ashamed of that. I see people who own other clothing company start-ups and they treat it like a redheaded stepchild (no offense to redheads and stepchildren). It amazes me that they're so ashamed of that. I mean EVERY company started out the same way. They were all once start-ups. I think if done right, and you're doing your homework, you can make a start-up look sexy. As long as everything is professional on all fronts.

I'm re-launching my brand, whole new image, whole new designs, and quality and price increase. I'm back to calling it an "Up and Up" and even just "Start Up". Who cares? I'm doing the legwork, I'm traveling, I'm making phone calls and emails, well just emails right now, so I know for a fact it won't be start up for long. But until then I wear that badge proudly and damn it if I'm going to be ashamed of it! :urock2::urock2::urock2: ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/173-i-wear-start-up-badge-proudly.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/168-progress-crazy-how-things-just-take-complete-180.html Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:53:31 GMT So...just a couple of months ago, I was in some cheap hotel, out of town, in an unfamiliar place, both emotionally and physically, ready to throw in... So...just a couple of months ago, I was in some cheap hotel, out of town, in an unfamiliar place, both emotionally and physically, ready to throw in that towel. I was frustrated, scared as hell, and just downright tired. I could of been tired because of my clean diet, but who knows. So I'm celebrating new years, with my girlfriend and her family, having the time of my life, despite being in a hotel room that I'd honestly wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. It wasn't dirty or anything, just the environment was a seedy area.

So fast forward to now, I didn't quit, I didn't give up. I just made a t-shirt sale little while ago, about to make another I'm quite sure, and I'm working on logos/design work for two other local business owners. I am about to be a vendor at an event where I'm sure as hell to sell a ton of t-shirts. It feels good. I didn't make a million yet, far from it, but damn it do I feel like a millionaire right now. Had I had quit a couple of months ago, I'd just be unemployed looking for jobs where the HR rep will probably just shoot a 3-pointer with. Now, I'm still an unemployed guy, by slowlane standards, but I am an entrepreneur, who's busy, and I love being busy. Busy = income.

So that's it, like I told a client, I am ending this year in VIP, you can bet that. I pat my pocket even more now, because that's where my Lamborghini key is going to be, I don't care how long it takes and I don't care how much work I gotta do.

More posts to come soon...:smx2: ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/168-progress-crazy-how-things-just-take-complete-180.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/150-funny-thing-happened-last-week-motivated.html Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:14:01 GMT So last week has just been crazy. I've been goin' through a lot of bad sh*t. A lot of personal issues with family and the slowing down of production of my clothing. The reason for the slowing down is mainly because I am not satisfied with the tees I was using, so I'm switching to a better manufacturer which of course costs more $$$. I'm cool with the price, it's just right now, money is tight at the moment :D.

So anyway, I wasn't able to pay my car note, because my bank had raised up the damn monthly payment since I had just dropped my previous insurer, so I had them fix it. I wasn't going to pay that high ass price. So anyway, I was late on my sales and use tax, so I had to pay the penalty. I don't have checks, so I had to go to my bank to have them issue me a check so I could send it to my state's Department of Revenue. So I get there and talk to the receptionist. She looks up my account and has a frown. "I'm sorry I can't do that, all of your accounts are locked". I was shocked, but I was so emotionally drained that day that I didn't show it. We both agreed it is because of me not paying my car note. She then presents me the option of waiting in the lobby talk to someone. I politely said yes. On the outside, I was smiling, on the inside I was ready to cry.

*sidenote - I'm a young, black guy with a bodybuilder build. The fear in the staff's face was priceless. Many people assume I've either been to jail or I'm some 'roid freak LOL. But I'm a teddy bear and a goofball at times, but I guess my face says otherwise at times.

So I sit and wait. A young gentleman comes and introduces himself and says he's here to assist me. I reply "oh, nice to meet you" to which he was surprised as hell LOL. I can tell he's thinking "This guy's accounts are locked and he's smiling and being so nice and polite, wtf!".

Anyway fast forward, I'm at his desk and I tell him I just need to write a check from my checking account. So he gets like this memo thingy out and asks me what I would like for him to write the check to and for what reason. I tell him to write it to my state's Department of Revenue, put my full name and reason being to pay my sales and use tax 'bill'.

I kid you not, he pauses, looks up at me and asks "do you...own a business?", and I kind of look down at the desk and say "yes, I opened up a clothing company about a year ago". I mean, that day, I felt so defeated, a lot of things weren't going my way, money slowed down, I had family issues going on, I was close to giving up. But the way he lit up and gave me respect for trying to pursue my dream, made me feel all that bullsh*t go away and I guess it reminded me what I told myself- Never to give up and that I'm this for the long haul.

I know this sounds random, and it may not be a big deal, but to me it is. It reminded that, I may be closer to success than I think. I went home and got right back to it. I got my notepad out, fired up the computer and continued to work on my business.

Moral of the story - I guess, when times are hard when you're in the start up phase of your business, remember that what you're doing is BIG, even if you're not making 'BIG BUCKS'...yet. Remember that the average person can't even attempt or imagine what we do. *Note I said the 'average' person. Small things to entrepreneurs are BIG to the average joe.

I guess I should say, Average joe was and will always be my number one customer... ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/150-funny-thing-happened-last-week-motivated.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/140-feels-good-recongnized.html Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:03:03 GMT Man, it feels good to be recognized. Or atleast for my brand to be recognized. I can't even explain the feeling I get when someone says "hey I recognize that shirt" or when a total stranger walks up to one of my friends who's wearing one of my shirts and goes "hey I know that design" and my favorite "I know the guy that owns that clothing line".

Even though this is all local right now, I can imagine what it's going to be like to be recognized in other cities and states, I am so ready for this!

Hopefully, if my plan works, I'll have a bit of brand power in my city when I finally launch my design house or design firm if you will. That way one can always sort of "rep" the other so to speak. We will have to see how it goes :smx2:. Though I am exhausted at times working on this thing for so many hours and meeting all these people and moving this brand, the excitement just propels me to just keep going.

Now, I must tackle the big issue: Distribution and trying to get into other retailers while still really being a "nobody" brand...Let's do it! ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/140-feels-good-recongnized.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/137-running-bit-behind-schedule.html Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:40:49 GMT This week I was supposed to send some tees off to the screenprinter this week to have them printed. It's no biggie, except for it's my retailer's personal screenprinter (which by the way is awesome because he gives me an awesome deal). But since it the retailer's screenprinter, they know exactly when and how many tees I am sending off to have printed.

I know it's going to bite me in the ass somewhat, because I'm going to have to explain why I didn't move any this week. Money just wasn't there, but they can't know that. That's the rule of the game, never let anyone see you sweat and never let anyone know your weakness. It's been working for me for a while now. Just don't lie. Lying will only dig you a deep whole you can't get out.

So I'll have to see how this plays out, I know I won't lose this retailer, because the ball's in my court and I'm already playing this game like a semi-pro. Hell for only learning graphic design through tutorials, I'm already designing another person's tee line like a veteran.

Just got to keep movin' forward. Gotta stick and move, stick and move... ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/137-running-bit-behind-schedule.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/136-life-boomerang-its-funny-how.html Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:52:32 GMT I sit here and I just can't help but giggle to myself on how funny life can be. Things really do come full circle sometimes. It's almost uncanny how that is, to be honest.

So I sign in to my facebook and I have a private message. Usually it's my girl who sends me these :heartbeat:, sometimes it's just to say hi and sometimes it's business (she's the one who has the magical talent in getting in contact with quite a few famous folks). So I check it, and it's a girl, but not my girl LOL.

I had worked with this girl about 6-7 years ago, back when I was working retail in the mall. She's workin' at some advertising or PR firm and had thanked me for checkin' out the link she sent me. I had clicked 'like', I support anybody and everybody, I thought nothing of it really. So anyway she's telling me all about how she knows some other folks in the state who have their own clothing brand and printing services and I guess sort of refers me to them or trying to get me to work with them I suppose. Funny part is, she names a name that I am all too familiar with. I'm thinkin' to myself this guy is STILL trying to bring back that old and dusty clothing line. Not going to lie, I gave a nice arrogant chuckle when I read that. I mean this is the dude who wanted me to be a part of this brand, that had a lot of local success and he let the damn thing die out and be forgotten. I'm thinkin' to myself I'm only a year in and I'm kickin' your brand's ass already, and this is just the beginning!


I'm not a spiteful guy, I mean truth be told, I'd still like to help him, I just wouldn't be a part of his operation like I had once was or wanted to be. We both have a passion for our city and Football team, it's only logical if we could put our heads together and really blow things up in the apparel biz. But I know it won't happen, and I sure as hell am not lettin' this fool on my team, he's a known snake, but I also think he's misunderstood though. I truly would like to help him get on the straight path though.

It's just funny how he's still struggling to get back on track, when it's so easy. Granted you won't make a million the first week,month,year (like he wants to) but it's really easy to get the wheels rollin'. But I suppose it was a bit easier for me than him because I am doing virtually everything myself. He's just a lazy dude, how have I forgotten about that. He used everyone around him for their talents and then just moved on without them. Stole some of the artists' work. He's never done anything for himself, except pitch the whole spiel on what he wants to do with his brand and how big it's going to be. I guess one of the artists was right when he told me he did me a favor by flaking out on me. Look how the table turned. He needs a designer now, desperately. I am just enjoying watching him hang to dry ha ha... ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/136-life-boomerang-its-funny-how.html http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/135-figured-id-start-one-these-personal-thoughts-progress.html Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:03:28 GMT I figured I'd keep a personal blog on here, to keep track of my progress, probably going to write in this thing twice a day, LOL, should be a good therapy as well.
Man, it's crazy how things change. It's even crazier how time flies. I mean, almost a year ago I was miserable sitting in a cubicle, surfing the web when I had stumbled across this forum. Almost a year ago since I started my clothing company and brand. Now almost a year later, I have my first retailer, I've gotten the attention of other brands locally and one from California and one from the UK. Who'd of thunk it?

So now, the man who owns this boutique, who is pretty much the biggest streetwear vendor in the city, has also brought me on board to be one of his go-to designers for his own personal clothing brands he wants to launch. Pretty awesome to be involved. Funny part is, I had just taught myself how to use Illustrator and Photoshop, and here I am, designing tees, sweaters and polos like a pro.

Money's not great yet, and I sure have a hell lot of work to do, but the progress I have made is amazing and I'm just now taking a second to look back at what I've done. No time to celebrate. Time is money.


But my only problem is trust and paranoia. Why does this retailer like me so much? Why does the owner constantly call me for 2 hour long conversations? I mean, it's awesome to be respected and liked so much by a self made millionaire, but I've read so many horror stories about this biz. Letting your wall down and then getting screwed over. f@$k that man. I don't want that to be me. And seeing firsthand how the music business is, still gives me the chills to this day. Ironically, the streetwear business almost parallels the music business in a lot of aspects. I am super paranoid. He's a great dude, but I am not in the business to make friends, though making friends is a bonus.

So now, whenever I have these meetings, I am sitting there with all of my defenses up. Supposedly the owner of the retailer is going to help me learn how to obtain a distribution for my clothing company, which is definitely a goal I am working to obtain within the next year and a half, but even then, I'm thinking in my head "why is he helping me so much? is he trying to get a piece of my biz?". paranoia. I've just been screwed so many times in life that I have this fear that everyone wants to do me in now. It sucks. Now, with me running my first biz, the paranoia and the fear skyrockets. Oh well, I will just have to stay on my ones and twos and keep moving forward with this, I've got the biggest opportunity in the world right now and I'm sure as hell going to take it, but not blindly... ]]> ManWithABeard http://www.thefastlaneforum.com/blogs/manwithabeard/135-figured-id-start-one-these-personal-thoughts-progress.html