#fc30

For the last couple of years I've surrounded myself with people from the entertainment industry. Throughout the years I had to get to a point where I'm able to fully understand what I was getting myself into. It really gets to a point where where you have to question the motives of others.

Growing up, I was a leader. I usually had friends who were the same. I never really believed in being a follower because I went by the saying "nobody can be a better you than You." To this day, I try to keep that saying in my head everyday when I'm surrounded by a bunch of people who would sell their souls for a cup of ice water. This industry is very territorial. People usually hang with the same folks and especially in New York, its hard to infiltrate these close knit circles. It has taken me years to actually get into the place that I'm in now and that's no where I need to be. This is where I learned the art of giving what your given. 

"Let's hang out soon," has to be one of the dumbest saying. I can't even explain how many times I've heard this phrase. Its a kind way of blowing you off.  I could compare the Entertainment industry to the vest of a boy scout. You know how they get these badges and the more badges you have the more accomplishments you've earned. These folks really think that because your basket is filled with this celebrity picture and this interview that you've actually made it. Then there comes someone like me who has accomplished a lot, but just doesn't flaunt it because I'm still not at the point that I want to be at and this is when people start to notice.

I've learned that the people who say they are there to help aren't always trying to do that. Sometimes I just want to keep you around because you bring the "cool" people around or you bring the fun. A lot of times people just want you close so they can keep an eye on your next move.

With all that said the lesson I've learned is not to go out your way for someone who wouldn't do that same for you. This might sound like I'm being petty or playing the tit for tac game and your may be right. But the energy that you give to someone is very powerful. So why should you give all your energy to someone who wouldn't do the same for you?

Think about it....

That time that I was working, I started picking up books on business Branding and social media marketing. I had been making clothes since about 1999 but stopped shortly after college. I knew that if I really wanted to have a successful business I was going to have to really know the business end of things. I read about 30 books on building a small business, how to make a profit, how to price the clothes you make and also did research on other brands and how they have started. At this point I know I was ready. In June 2010 I started making some shirts. My original idea was to make clothes to market to colleges and universities, but I later decided against that. The beginning stages, I struggled with printing solutions, pricing and time management. I totally understand that you have to cater to your customer, but one thing I will say is that if you spend your time on one customer you may lose the next. From this point on I went back to the drawing board and said that if I wanted to make this work I would have to stick to what I know and that was just making clothes I thought were cool. Every time I would make something for myself, people would stop and ask me where I got my shirt or my hat from and I would respond I made it. I took that along with the idea to put business strategies first and creativity second.

In China and other countries that produce products, clothes are made over there for a little as a couple dollars and then they are shipped here and priced in the hundreds. With Fly Credentials just starting out, I knew that I wasn't gonna be able to charge $50 for a T-shirt. So I made the prices affordable to where I'm able to get all the supplies to keep the business going. I know as my business grows I will start to raise my prices but as I'm still working on getting the name out there they are going to be affordable.

I just wanted to give a little background about the person whose products you are buying and let you know that I'm familiar with how business works. For my people that trying to start any business, my words of advice are, don't expect to be rich overnight, research your field and lastly, don't count on your friends to support you. Strangers will be the main ones supporting you while friends just tell you how what your doing is cool. So with that said best believe I know my sh*t and I have no reason fool anyone. I let my work speak for itself.

God has really been testing me these past couple of months and so far Im doing pretty good. One thing great about being me is being able to stay respectful to others even when they are trying my soul, but I'm never going to come out of character. Theres a story I tell from my high school days I went to a dance and left the house all dressed up.Once I returned home in just an under shirt, belt undone looking like blah, my dad yelled at me and told me I need to come home the same way I left and I have never forgotten that lesson. I also apply that to my behavior and attitude. I try to leave in a good mood and come home the same way.