Young H O U S T O N
FREE ISSUE | SPRING 2014
SPRING 2014 | 1 |
Spotlighting, connecting and informing Houston’s young professionals
M A G A Z I N E
ART | TALENT | FASHION
UPCOMING
dESIGNERS GAMERS, WE FOUND YOUR KING!
HOUSTON IN A IN A NUT SHELL
1 Tim. 4:12
ENID AWA R D - W I N N I N G M A G A Z I N E
Outstanding, Creative, Fashion Designer. younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com |
M E M B E R G H C V B & C Y- FA I R H O U S T O N C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
houston | 2 | SPRING 2014
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
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SPRING 2014 | 3 |
COVER
ABOUT THE
E
nid is an outstanding young designer from Houston Texas who is making waves with his amazing , out-of-this world fashion pieces. He was spotted by our editor on Facebook and he has since then blown the minds of Houstonians and the world as a whole. As you can see, ENID uses everyday tools and items for his work. The cover image, in its entirity was shot by Juan Correa of J.Correa Studios and as you can see, the detail in this image is unbelieveable! Whether he used zipper locks, or hand-made artifacts, the mystery to ENID’s works remains. He is the most detail-oriented designer we have seen by far. And oh here’s the icing on the cake: His first eyewear was worn by Lady Gaga recently on ABC and he has also been featured in Vogue Italia. The sky is only the beginning for ENID and we’re glad to have met him right before the blow-up. Houston, we are #YOUNG! younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com |
| 4 | SPRING 2014
Young HOUSTON MAGAZINE
Spotlighting Houston’s Young Professionals Since 2012
Spring 2014 Edition The Young Houston Magazine President & Founder Co-Founder & Admistrative Head Editorial Directors Editor At Large Writers
Issue No. IIII 12337 Jones Road #200-10 Houston TX 77070 Mr. William Ntim Ms. Cashayla Bates Mr. William Ntim, Cashayla Bates Janise Richardson Calvin Chandler Phelisha Costantini Madeline Pena Jenni Reed Jasmine Grant Valerie Riffe Linda Lindsay Brittany Bluford Kenya Hadnot Nikki Washington Jarad Reed
Beauty & Make-Up
Angeline Lopez Daphne Venters Jarad Reed
Photographers
Juan Correa Daniel Adaclog Armando Gonzalez Greg LaCoste Amanda White
among many others. Special thanks and glory to the Almighty God for supporting and providing for this organization from start to finish. Many thanks to family, friends, and everyone who has supported this organization in every way. God bless you. Fourth Edition, February 2014 February 2014 by The Young Houston Magazine, 12337 Jones Road #20010 Houston TX 77070 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For more information about this publication, call The Young Houston Magazine Office at 281-968-8083. E-mail: info@YoungHoustonMagazine.com. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily that of The Young Houston Magazine unless stated otherwise. | younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com
SPRING 2014 | 5 |
SPRING ‘14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17
The Good, The Bad & My Truth - Madeline Pena
The Man Behind The Game Fanatics Online CommunityCharles AdiukwuPena
19 21 23 25 26 29
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Kim Dunn, Phelisha & Joy
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Sylissa Sanders and Yoshica Burrell-Holts
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Joy Lizabeth Jordan
ENID
Breaking The Glass: T’Mculus Soul
The Whole IX Project: Xulia Suero
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Joy Lizabeth Jordan
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Kim Dunn and Joy Lizabeth Jordan
Exclusive Interview with Freddyof Freddy’s Steakburgers & Custard
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Ariela Ventura
A Word From Editorial DirectorsWilliam Ntim, Cashayla Bates
Designer Spotlight: Lucas Escalada and Wolfon Wear Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Alycia Buchanan and Phelisha Costantini
Bringing Art Pieces To Life: Jasmine Salinas
CAUTION: This edition will have you flipping and turning the magazine in all directions. Be easy on your neck lol.. Enjoy the creativity!
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| 6 | SPRING 2014
THE GOOD THE BAD
& MY TRUTH By Madeline Pena
W
e are currently at the brink of a huge breakthrough in the U.S. Marijuana is slowly making its transition from the streets to neighborhood smoke shops. It’s no longer becoming something that you whisper about. People everywhere are talking about it and in some states smoking it is now legal. Colorado is the most recent state allowing marijuana to be smoked for recreational purposes. According to several news reports, Colorado “Pot Shops” reported making nearly $1 million in sales opening weekend. Despite it being legal, many people and businesses continue to oppose the drug. Why is that? Some people argue that marijuana is not nearly as toxic as cigarettes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. In 2012, there were 2.4 million people 12 years-old or older who used marijuana for the first time; this averages to about 6,600 new users each day. Could it be that our lack of knowledge on marijuana is what makes us so opposed to it? For many years we’ve been told to stay away from it because it’s illegal and bad for you. But then I got to thinking, aren’t alcohol and cigarettes bad for you too? It was nearly 80 years ago the government lifted the ban on selling, producing, importing and transporting alcohol. Cigarettes were never banned to the extent that alcohol once was however, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the effects of smoking cigarettes is much worse and kills more people than alcohol. Listen, I’m not here to tell you what to believe or not believe. I am here to make you aware of the statistics out there. I want all of us to be aware of the information that is out there and make smart and informative decisions. I know a lot of people like the fact that marijuana is becoming legal but think about this. The changes that you are asking for right now will affect how your children will be raised. Have you thought about what you would do if your son or daughter came to you asking to smoke a joint? How would you feel? To be honest, I don’t even know how I would feel about that just yet. I don’t know if I’m ready for it. Now, I don’t typically express my views on controversial items like the one that I am writing about but in this case I thought, Why the heck not? Based on the information I have gathered and the conversations I’ve had with friends and family – I don’t think marijuana is as bad as we’ve been taught. As with anything else in life, moderation is KEY! It does not matter if it is alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or marijuana. I do believe in following the law so make sure that whatever you want to do is legal first, then look at the risks, partake if you want to but do it in MODERATION. I know tolerance changes depending on the person but I would like to think that we are all smart enough to know when to stop. And in case you don’t then let me share this: If what you are doing starts negatively affecting your life, then it’s time to stop. I hope this article makes you realize how much our world is rapidly changing. Let us be aware of the changes we are making today because as a young community, it is up to us to make sure we are making the world a better place.
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SPRING 2014 | 7 |
SPOTLIGHT
ENTREPRENEUR
THE MAN BEHIND THE GAME FANATICS ? t u o b a s s u f e h t s What Who are you and what do you do? “I run an organization called The Game Fanatics, you can find us www.
thegamefanatics.com. Along with my staff of over 23 writers, editors, and contributors we cover all things pertaining to video game and technology. Outside of editorial duties we aim to unite gamers of all races, gender, and religious affiliation through events and awesome gatherings. From our YouTube show, to our podcasts, we attempt to embody that mission. I founded The Game Fanatics in 2009. It had always been a far-fetched dream of mine to do something like this for as long as I can remember. I currently work as a graphic and web designer, at the time I was freelancing as a graphic designer and I had a passion for writing. Stars aligned, and before I knew it I was learning web design...one thing lead to another and The Game Fanatics was born. I’m surrounded by an awesome crew. Whether we’re running on an inconceivably low amount of sleep at conventions as we try to cover breaking news, or hosting game nights, everyone on my team puts forth full effort. The passion is what makes us great. My entrepreneurship professor at U of H told me something that has never escaped me, so I guess I’ll borrow his words. If you’re unsure of what idea to pursue, find that one idea that you can’t stop thinking about. That’s the one. If you’re unsure of how to start, talk to people who are currently where you want to be in the next few years. Never look down on small beginnings, always be open to advice, and never burn bridges.” - Charles Adiukwu younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com |
| 8 | SPRING 2014
ART PIECES to LIFE
Bringing
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UNTITLED 24in x 48in Acrylic on Canvas Model: Yoshica Burrell-Holts Artist: T’Mculus Soul www.eb5internationaltv.com
MEGENTA, BLACK AND GREEN ON ORANGE 36in x 48in Oil & Acrylic on Canvas Model: Sylissa Sanders Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 SOLD www.eb5internationaltv.com
Featuring amazing pieces from world renowned artist T’Mculus Soul. We collaborated with a variety of top models to bring different art pieces to life through photography. Our very own Juan Correa and Armando Gonzalez captured the very essense of every piece in the following images as well as other featured images all over this issue.
Photographed by: Juan Correa
SPRING 2014 | 9 |
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THE JOURNEY AND THE AWAKENING 34in x 31in Photo, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas Model: Joy Lizabeth Jordan Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2011 www.eb5internationaltv.com
TRYING TO STAY FOCUS IN AMERICA 36in x 48in Watercolor, Oil & Soft Oil Pastel on Canvas Model: Kim Dunn Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 www.eb5internationaltv.com
SPRING 2014 | 11 |
Bringing
ART PIECES to LIFE
Featuring amazing pieces from world renowned artist T’Mculus Soul. Wardrobe by Lucas Escalada & Wolfon Wear. Styling by Calvin Chandler. Photography by Armando Gonzalez & Juan Correa.
younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com |
| 12 | SPRING 2014
by: Juan|Correa |Photographed younghoustonmagazine.com 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com
SPRING 2014 | 13 |
TM
THE ALL NEW
SQUARE NECK T-SHIRT
By Certified Dress Code
SquareNeckTShirts.com younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com |
Bringing
ART PIECES to LIFE
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MOUNT MERU 48in x 48in Oil & Soft Oil Pastel on Canvas Model: Ariela Ventura Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2011 www.eb5internationaltv.com
| 14 | SPRING 2014
DESIGNER
SPRING 2014 | 15 |
SPOTLIGHT
a Lucas Escalad
WOLFON WEAR
W
olfon Wear was created to bring a new style to women’s wear. A bold and colorful style for the everyday woman, whether it’s a night on the town or a stroll down the beach. Robert Powell got the idea to start a women’s ready to wear line while doing costuming. Some of his customers started having him make dresses for them. He then wanted to start his own women’s line. He said “What makes my line great is the versatility of the different body styles that can wear my designs. I make it work for sizes 0-12. My plans for the future is to open my own store and to have my line carried by some of the major stores. The best advice that I can give is believe in yourself. Listen to your customers and clients and to take criticism and advice. Stay true to yourself and take that leap of faith, only you stand in the way of your success!”
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| 16 | SPRING 2014
ART PIECES to LIFE
Bringing
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THE SCREAM 24in x 30in Acrylic on Canvas Model: Phelisha Costantini Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2008 www.eb5internationaltv.com
SELF PORTRAIT 16in x 20in Acrylic on Canvas Model: Alycia Buchanan Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2008 www.eb5internationaltv.com
Featuring amazing pieces from world renowned artist T’Mculus Soul. Wardrobe by Lucas Escalada & Wolfon Wear. Styling by Calvin Chandler. Photography by Armando Gonzalez & Juan Correa.
SPRING 2014 | 17 |
TM
Houston’s complimentary listing of all beauty and fashion events happening around the city!
Sign Up Now HoustonFashionCalendar.com Event Organizers | Fashionistas | Stylists | Make-Up & Hair | Event Venues & More! Stay in the know. Sign Up now! younghoustonmagazine.com | 281-968-8083 | info@younghoustonmagazine.com |
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Web Design & Development | Graphic Design 2D & 3D Design Social Media Optimization | Logo Design | Branding Search Engine Optimization
Phone: 281-968-8083 Fax: 281-968-8083
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BringingART PIECES LIFE
UNTITLED 48in x 48in Oil & Soft Oil Pastel on Canvas Model: Jasmine Salinas Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 www.eb5internationaltv.com
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The Art of Music
MIC TUNEZ tunezworld.com
William: So it’s William Ntim in the studios, with Mic Tunez, interviewing for the Spring 2014 issue. So we’re going to cut to the chase. Welcome, Mic, how’s it going? Mic Tunez: What’s up man? William: Well first off, we’re going to talk about your name. How did you come up with the name, Mic Tunez? Mic Tunez: That’s funny. Actually, AJ McQueen of Still Trill Christians. We had a studio session and we were working on this project in the studio session. And AJ and I were in the studio. I’m the type of person—I’m like real goofy. William: Tell me about it. Mic Tunez: I don’t think people understand, man. They see me one way when I’m in front, in the quote, unquote “Artist Mode”. Yeah, but when I’m with my close friends, I’m a clown. [inaudible] The name came about [inaudible], they were like, “Man, Mike, we should call you, like, Tunes. Looney Tunes or something. William: Oh, are you serious? Mic Tunez: Yes, so it started because the fact that I’m silly and it started off as Looney Tunes, like the cartoon characters. But you could spell it “ Tunez” like T-U-N-E-S, because you’re always singing tunes. So I was like, hmm? That kind of sounds good. Then I was like, change the “S” to a “Z”. So at first, it just tunes. Then it was like, add Mic, like on the microphone, like M-I-C. And I was like, ohhhh. Then Mic Tunez came together. William: That makes a lot of sense. Wow. I would have never thought. I thought Tunez automatically started with singing, like singing tunes. Mic Tunez: It actually came from something silly. William: So tell us about your passion? What is your main passion? Mic Tunez: My main passion— William: You look like, you’re capable of doing those things. What is your main focus? Mic Tunez: My main focus is and passion is music. I mean, but even with all the things that I do... >>>Visit tunezworld.com forthe rest and more!
| 20 | SPRING 2014
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BringingART PIECES LIFE to
Featuring amazing pieces from world renowned artist T’Mculus Soul. Wardrobe by Lucas Escalada & Wolfon Wear. Styling by Calvin Chandler. Photography by Armando Gonzalez & Juan Correa. TRYING TO STAY FOCUS IN AMERICA 36in x 48in Watercolor, Oil & Soft Oil Pastel on Canvas Model: Kim Dunn Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 www.eb5internationaltv.com SPRING 2014 | 21 |
| 22 | SPRING 2014
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SPRING 2014 | 23 |
WAR 34in x 31in Photo, Silver Leaf, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas Model: Ali Johnson Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 www.eb5internationaltv.com
TELL ME THE MEANING OF IT ALL 45in x 45in Photo, Oil & Acrylic on Wood Model: Trey Austin Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 www.eb5internationaltv.com
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Featuring amazing pieces from world renowned artist T’Mculus Soul. Wardrobe by Lucas Escalada & Wolfon Wear. Styling by Calvin Chandler. Photography by Armando Gonzalez & Juan Correa.
to
BringingART PIECES LIFE
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LUCAS ESCALADA COUTURE Lucas Escalada is a fashion designer from Equatorial Guinea, presently living in Houston, where he is pursuing a degree in political science and economics at the University of Houston. His career as an artist began as a writer and actor starting at the age of 11 years old. He has been able to run various fashion shows and organize beauty pageants for the benefit of both the youth and women in his country, while showcasing his line of indigenous fashions. Lucas’ love for charity and arts is what inspired him to be a fashion designer. By combining the two, Lucas found he was able to do what he loved, while expressing his creativity and giving back to his community. “I am not just a fashion designer; I am a creative person, a giver and an entertainer, expressing this through fashion and writing.¨ Lucas finds it important to entertain his audience while at the same time transmitting an important message. To him, the beauty of a design lies not only within the fabric; it is the combination of the fabric’s uniqueness and the creativity of the style of his designs that Lucas uses to get his message across. The message is a symbolic representation of Lucas’ cultural identity, goals, and his accomplishments. In 2003 After graduating from high school in Nigeria Lucas moved back to his hometown Malabo, Equatorial Guinea to visit his family and ended up staying for 4 years, during his stay in Malabo He auditioned on a talent casting call where he was chosen as a model. Prior modelling Lucas was a well-known actor and writer in his high school. Lucas Modelled for a year opened his Lounge when he was 18 years old and for many of the youths his business was nickname the Hollywood of Malabo due to the fact of his center attracting and discovering so many talents. “I opened this business not only because of the money but the fact that I wanted to use this place to express my arts and generosity while discovering and inspiring others also, I wanted to be financially independent and save money to further my education in the USA” Within four years Lucas has become a household name in his country, working in few international airlines, launching his fashion collections, becoming the first-runner up mister Santa Isabel, managing his business, modelling agency and organizing- and participating in different events and making a successful charity show. “Growing up, I have always had love for arts and every day I had always have a deep feeling of been an artist. I always wanted to make history and a role model to my country or anywhere I go” Despite his success as a young man and his love for arts Lucas personal goal was to further his education and in 2007 he Moved to Houston Texas to pursuit a degree. While furthering his education his past work was never unnoticed which gave him the opportunities to continue showcasing his fashion designs in different events, ruways and fashion week here in the USA and well as abroad. “When I moved to the USA my focus was school, I had no idea that all my past work will pay me off, a year after my arrival in the USA I began to get calls and invitations in different events and shows. I felt so much pressure, I felt unprepared and nervous. I remember my first show all the models wore fabrics and plants which I had created in their bodies to look like dresses and costumes. I had no money, sponsor or time to create new collection but I went there to try and I knew I was able to do something magical” Lucas would be completing his degree in the fall of 2013 and working on getting into a fashion school to improve his skills and become a professional fashion designer.
Lucas Escalada Couture is a line that stands between the present and future of style and fashion. It enables its wearers to feel comfortable at all times, regardless of what people think of their sense of style. LEC is not only about wearing the clothes, but delivering the message. For this reason, LEC focuses on timeless fashions and on clothes that can be worn all year round. The line’s objective is not only to wear people and make them look great, but it is also to inspire them through the art of fashion. “In this line we want to create things that are multicultural where every society/ culture can relate while carrying some origin and the message of the designer.”
| 24 | SPRING 2014
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The Artist
T’Mculus Soul Breaking The Glass. eb5internationaltv.com | Photo by Juan Correa & Armando Gonzalez Design by Young Houston Media | Wardrobe by Certified Dress Code LLC SPRING 2014 | 25 |
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Bread of Life Baptist Church BOL North Campus 2847 S. Houston Ave. Humble, TX 77396 (281) 441-2506
BOL South Campus
Pastor Reginald Harris
| 26 | SPRING 2014
SPRING 2014 | 27 |
LES DEMOISELLES D’AVIGNON 45in x 45in Soft Oil Pastel, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas Model: Joy Lizabeth Jordan Artist: T’Mculus Soul 2012 www.eb5internationaltv.com
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BringingART PIECES LIFE
ourselves for 2 hours, 3 hours. But you know, he has to--Freddy: I’m just an old farm boy. William: He has other duties he has to get back to. Freddy: When I did live on a farm with my dad, Richard, he had steakburgers. He didn’t have hamburgers, he had steakburgers. It’s 85 percent steak and my mother, when she fixed them, she smashed them down so the meat was on the outside of the bun. So you’d hit the meat before you would hit the bun. William: That’s good, I mean I love that whole idea of, you know, having the meat first and everything. Look, everyone who’s coming in is just smiling and excited to actually see Freddy himself, in here. It’s exciting. We’re here at 529, right now. So, my next question---so you’re a veteran? Freddy: Yes. William: Tell us a little bit about yourself, as far as--Freddy: When I was a senior in high school, I turned 18 in February, and I wanted to be a fighter pilot really bad, so two of my buddies and I went up to Kansas City to try to get into the Navy. I passed everything but I was a little color blind. They both flunked the mental exam. So then, we went down to Winfield [*check for correct spelling], Kansas to try to get into the Army, because the Navy said they weren’t quite as strict as they were. Same thing happened there, so I wound up in the Calvary. I took my basic training in Crawley [*check spelling, may be Fraley], which is in Kansas. I got to come home for Christmas and then they shipped me overseas and landing in New Guinea. It took us 14 days of zig zagging across the Pacific to get there. And we were dodging the submarines. Then we went from New Guinea. Then we took the [inaudible] Islands. From there, it took us about a year and a half—MacArthur wanted to get back to the Philippines really bad because there was a lot of prisoners there and American prisoners there. William: Wow. Freddy: So, November the 21st of 1944, we landed on [Laytee *check for spelling] Island in the Philippines and it took us about 3 months to take Laytee [*check for spelling] and we went us to Lisbon [*check for spelling] and came right down the main highway and went into Manila. I helped take the Manila hotel, which is where MacArthur’s headquarters were. He had the whole 5th floor. We went to the 5th floor and the Japanese had kind of messed it up but I spotted an ashtray. So I put it in my pack and when I got back, I looked in the bottom, it said “Made in USA”. MacArthur was a real American. Everybody loved him, the troops especially. He would go past islands and then they were cut off from their supplies so they just weren’t effective. So he was a very honorable man. William: That’s exciting. We thank you for your contribution to the nation and to the citizens. It just—in every way it’s just exciting, you know? Freddy: As I say, I’m a very lucky guy. William: He said it three times. Freddy: I have three other brothers in the service and we all made it home. My second oldest brother was hit pretty bad in [inaudible]. He came home and walked and
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started a business. William: That’s awesome. Freddy: So my mother did a lot of praying and it got us all home. William: Yay, that’s exciting. I’m so honored to be here, speaking with you. And it was such a great time. We’re gonna stop by and grab some food and just enjoy the custard and take some buckets with us home. We’re going to tell everybody about it. It’s such an honor to be here. Freddy: Well thank you for doing this and I love kids. I tell my war stories in high schools and colleges. And I’ve found out, there’s a lot of good kids in the good world here. And we never hear about them too much. All we hear about is some of the bums that don’t handle themselves right, but they’re going to make it too. The United States is a great country. William: Alright guys, you heard it from Freddy, you gotta do it. He gave us a little 16 point sheet, with good information, from Freddy himself. So we’ll let you know about it. We gotta go! Stay young and stay motivated. Freddy right here at1 Freddy’s Custard and Steakburgers. Peace! Thank you. | 28 | SPRING 2014
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HOW HE STARTED :..
FROM ONE LOCATION TO 98 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE An exclusive interview with
FREDDY!
of Freddy’s Steakburgers & Frozen Custard Transcribed by Janise Richardson
William: So, welcome to the show, Freddy! Freddy: Thank you for coming. I’m honored. William: We’re excited [to be] at your new location here at FM 529 and Highway 6. So we see it, I mean it’s huge, it has the Freddy’s all over. But how many locations do you have in total, right now? Freddy: I think we’re at 98. William: 98 locations! Freddy: And there was going to be one. That was my lifelong dream to have a hamburger joint. William: Really! So you only envisioned, or you dreamt to have this one location? Freddy: Yep. William: How did it start? How did it expand? Freddy: Well, I talked my sons into putting one in Wichita and it went real good, so they opened another one in Wichita and Wichita’s kind of the city with a lot of franchisees like Pizza Hut started there, Rent-A-Center started there. And those guys came to my sons and they said “You should franchise this thing”. So they did and that’s the story. William: That’s the story. That’s exciting. Freddy: And it kept going and going. William: Yeah, he only dreamt of having one and then BOOM, it’s like 98 locations. So you have it all over the nation? Freddy: We’re in like 20 states now. William: 20 states? 98 locations. Is this the second one in Houston? Freddy: This is the second one and there will be more. We’re opening more locations right now. William: That’s good. We’re excited. I mean, I’m excited to have the custard. I’ve heard so many great stories about it. And you guys should check it out. We’re going to put the links and everything with the video so you can check it out. But custards; this is the home of the custard and steakburger. Right? Freddy: Yeah, it’s a lot like homemade ice cream. It doesn’t give you a headache. It has eggs in it and it’s very smooth and delicious. William: Okay, very smooth. Freddy: My doctor said I could have it twice a week and I haven’t gained a pound. William: That’s great because you know, everybody’s worried about that now-a-days. But guess what? You can have it, it’s good for you. Freddy’s Steakburger’s, Freddy’s Custard and Steakburger’s. We’re right here at 529, talking with Freddy himself. So, while you were starting this business, what were some of the challenges and obstacles that you faced? Freddy: When we decided to go to a franchise system, you have to be very careful in who you’re dealing with, you know? William: Okay.
Freddy: We’ve been very lucky and thrilled with the people that we have in our business. It’s always just been outstanding. William: That’s exciting. Freddy: Like I said, I’m a very lucky person. William: That’s good. I mean it’s such an honor to actually meet you and you know, be speaking with you today. It’s just— it’s really exciting. I’m just like ahhhh! Before the franchising part, when it was just you and just putting your ideas together, that starting age, that point, what were some of the challenges? Were there any people that said “Oh, don’t do it. What if it doesn’t succeed?” Freddy: No, Wichita is kind of a franchise city. Like I said, we have Pizza Hut and Rent-A-Center there. And so it wasn’t that much of a challenge in Wichita. People said, “You gotta franchise this thing.” William: Yeah, you gotta go for it. Freddy: After the success of the first two stores in Wichita and the [-----] boys that have Pizza Hut and the people that have Rent-A-Center helped us a lot in making our decision and how to do it. So, we’re thrilled, and as I say, when I write my book, the title’s going to be “The Luckiest Guy in the World”. William: Awesome! I can’t wait to read that book. I’m going to need one of those. No really, because we love reading, you know, and it’s…. Freddy: I’ll give you each a signed copy. William: Yes! Freddy: I’ll get your card to see where to mail it to. William: Yay, that’s exciting! I’m excited. So, you started one? You meant to start one and now you have 98. What are some of the things that you did that you would’ve—would you have changed anything that you did in the whole process? Freddy: We haven’t changed much. We’ve added some items to the [menu], like a chicken sandwich and other type sandwiches. We’ve made up our own different deals with the custard. This month, because of Thanksgiving, we have a pumpkin pie custard. William: Oh, that sounds good! Freddy: It’s delicious. So, as I say, I’m the luckiest guy in the world. William: That is exciting. So, what are your last—not last—but what is your advice to other young entrepreneurs out there who are starting restaurants and different businesses? What do you have to tell them? Freddy: Make a real good research of what you’re going to try to sell and hire people like we have. I hear this on the street all the time. They said “We love to go to Freddy’s because the way we’re treated when we get there.” And that’s an old Freddyism. William: That’s exciting. Freddy’s amazing. He’s such a cool guy and I mean, we wish we could just have him all to
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Mr. William Ntim and Ms. Cashayla Bates Hello young Houston! We are more than stoked that you have supported and followed this magazine all the way to this fourth issue, which also marks our first anniversary! Thank you for all your support this far. It has been a really wonderful journey this past year, and every person that came across the Young Houston Magazine has loved it, been an active supporter, reader, investor, or affiliate. Our distribution horizon keeps expanding day-in day-out, as well as our online domination. The Young Houston Magazine’s website has already received over 20,000 hits so far and counting daily. It began with just an idea, but has grown to be a strong platform for young professionals to mingle, grow, and soar in their fields of interest. We are all a pride of hungry lions determined to prey on success. Through hardwork, determination, perseverance and keeping God first; we are sure to make it in this crazy world. Don’t look too far, He is always here with you to cheer you up, hold you tight, and guide you along the way. You are not alone. You were born to succeed. GO FOR GOLD. In fact, think about it. Why not? Stay young my friends, stay YOUNG!
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M A G A Z I N E
ART | TALENT | FASHION
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An interview with
FREDDY
OF fREDDY’S STEAKBURGERS & frozen custard! PAGE 4
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XULIA SUERO A generation filled with
ART
TALENT FASHION &
1 Tim. 4:12
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