Fall 2014
YBE
Young Black Entrepreneur
MAGAZINE Quarterly
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PATRICK T COOPER GINETTE GILBERT SHELDON G. HORTON KERMIN MIDDLETON ISH HOLMES BRIAN SHORT D.R.E.S. THA BEATNIK CARLO WILKES RODRICK SAMUELS JAMES B KYNES Jr.
The Net Worth of Your Network
Image Is Everything But Means Nothing
The Fountain of Youth For Young Black Entrepreneurs
THE DREAM TEAM Johnny Clarkson
Rushia Brown
OKEEBA JUBALO
Atlanta’s BIG 3 will show you how it’s done!
YBE
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE Quarterly
Fall 2014
NobleSol.Net 10.2014 A NobleSol Art Group Publication
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Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE Quarterly
OCTOBER 2014
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE Quarterly
A N o b le S o l A r t G r o u p p u b l i c a t i o n
NobleSol.net
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE 1
Quarterly
Fall 2014
YBE
YBE For advertising rates: Info@NobleSol.Net Publisher & Founder OKEEBA JUBALO Advertising Director Johnny Clarkson
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Director of Public Relations Rushia Brown
PATRICK T COOPER GINETTE GILBERT SHELDON G. HORTON KERMIN MIDDLETON ISH HOLMES BRIAN SHORT D.R.E.S. THA BEATNIK CARLO WILKES RODRICK SAMUELS JAMES B KYNES Jr.
The Net Worth of Your Network
Image Is Everything But Means Nothing
Creative Direction & Graphic Design NobleSol Art Group
The Fountain of Youth For Young Black Entrepreneurs
Contributing Writers Johnny Clarkson OKEEBA JUBALO Brian Short
THE DREAM TEAM Johnny Clarkson
Rushia Brown
OKEEBA JUBALO
Copy Editor Mei Campanella Kat Brown Rushia Brown
Atlanta’s BIG 3 will show you how it’s done!
FEATURING
Johnny Clarkson www.IamJohnnyClarkson.com
Rushia Brown www.RushiaBrown.com
Photography Cover by Barry Mitchell Ish Holmes by Ish Holmes Patrick T Cooper by Donna Permell Sheldon G. Horton by Jamal Simmons Brian Short by Drew Crozier Carlo Wilkes by Jamar Caldwell Rodrick Samuels by Tristan Keith Rushia Brown, Johnny Clarkson, Kermin Middleton, OKEEBA JUBALO and James Kynes Jr. by NSAG
OKEEBA JUBALO www.OKEEBAJUBALO.com
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NSAG NobleSol Art Group P.O. Box 667 Decatur, GA 30031-0667 NobleSol.Net
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2014 by Noble S ol Art G rou p . A l l r i g h t s re se r v e d
PATRICKTCOOPER.COM
YBE
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
$$ 5. Publisher’s Letter
7. Patrick T Cooper
$$ 10. The Net Worth of Your Network by OKEEBA JUBALO 11. Johnny Clarkson 15. Ginette Gilbert
17. Sheldon G. Horton 19. Rushia Brown 21. Carlo Wilkes
25. Kermin Middleton $$ 27. Publisher’s Pick 29. Ish Holmes
$$ 33. Image Is Everything But Means Nothing by Brian Short 35. D.R.E.S. ThaBeatnik
$$ 38. Mobile Mogul by Johnny Clarkson
$$: Article/Contribution
41. James B Kynes Jr.
$$ 45. YBE On The Move!
$$ 46. The Fountain Of Youth For Young Black Entrepreneurs by Johnny Clarkson 47.Rodrick Samuels
YBE/10.2014
$$ 39. Love On The Run by OKEEBA JUBALO
Why this and why now? Publisher’s Letter
I spent years and years teaching myself the rules of entrepreneurship and I am still learning. My wife and daughters think that my idea of a good time, which is to hit our local bookstore and stroll down the magazine aisles hour after hour, is crazy. While in these bookstores I find myself looking for something that never appears. In the absence of what I need, at times, I end up buying anywhere from three or four magazines, getting maybe one article out of each, but very often none. I was looking for a magazine that spoke to me as a Young Black Entrepreneur in a modern voice that I could relate to. We need so much information that our leading business elders have neglected to leave behind for the next generation of tomorrow’s leaders. It is as if they refuse to pass the torch and that is proving to be the cornerstone of our business community’s demise. Why this and why now? I am passionate about business, but not only business – Black business. I love the idea of being able to create jobs for our families and within our communities...building businesses that are able to support the weight of these ever changing times. Though we have made a number of advancements, our businesses, models and modes of engagement are very dated. Instead of spending more endless hours in Barnes & Noble, I decided to use that time to create what I need …what we need. YBE Magazine has been tailored to speak to us with a current voice that we understand. As entrepreneurs we need relationship advice, fashion tips, fitness tips, tax tips, money management tips, marketing tips, and just plain old support from fellow entrepreneurs. Instead of doing the typical features on our entrepreneurs, I decided to ask everyone the same questions so that we can get as many different answers as possible. This technique will help us learn how to diversify our approaches to solving the same issues we all face as Young Black Entrepreneurs. In addition to traditional printing we are also creating an online version of YBE to reach a wider audience. Our national movement will utilize a mixture of creative approaches to reach our readers. This is our first issue and I thank you for taking the time to support our movement. Your brother fighting side by side with you in the trenches,
OKEEBA JUBALO Young Black Entrepreneur Magazine Publisher and Founding Editor www.OKEEBAJUBALO.com YBE OCTOBER 2014
YBE
"Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today." — Malcolm X
Patrick T Cooper
Fashion Who are you?
Patrick T Cooper
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
YBE
Fashion is my chosen professional industry. My journey began in this industry as a fashion stylist. My career grew explosively, and I garnered the title of “Celebrity Fashion Stylist.” My abilities as a stylist resulted in numerous client appearances on various red carpets. From the Oscars to the Grammy Awards, my style influence could be seen and is forever marked in time. As an artist I long for challenge and continuous growth. I knew that as a fashion stylist I would not be able to amass wealth. While pushing a rack of clothing and globe trotting could seem exciting to many, my passion to be on the rack was much greater. Wealth is ownership of a product. My lessons as a fashion stylist help me to navigate and develop the PTCRC brand. When the opportunity presented for me to be creative director of my own brand, I took the leap. I knew the journey would be a challenge; but after countless hours of research and development I felt that swimwear would be the best fit for me.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
Your startup range could be anywhere from $250,000 to $1,500,000. I used personal funds and also relationships that I had in place. My best advice to any young professional is to do your research and continuously educate yourself on your chosen industry. Additionally you must have a business plan. Your business plan should be organized and executed so that an investor will see their return on investment. Also your business plan will serve as a road map for your journey and hold you accountable. While things may not happen exactly as you forecast, you can always adjust but work toward your ultimate goal.
What excites you about Black Business?
The thing that excites me a lot about being an African American designer is the color, pizazz and energy that we bring to the world. In spite of tribulation, we rise to the occasion and offer consumers fresh and exciting perspectives to market.
What is your biggest disappointment with Black business?
Just the statistics in my field and society as minorities...the highlights of the community are very rarely celebrated. The successes or contributions of a few African Americans are not acknowledged. My dream is to be acknowledged for the craftsmanship of my work and dedication to my craft not to be categorized and labeled out of laziness.
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
I would definitely say my greatest teachers are my parents. I think there’s a huge level of responsibility in knowing who you are. People can teach you all day, but when you believe in yourself... When you are going after a dream, you have to go forward and you have to believe in yourself.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
A phrase for young entrepreneurs would be...Expect the unexpected. Cross all your T’s. Dot all of your I’s, and stay ready so you don't have to get ready. Being a young African American professional, people are looking for the flaws. So do and be your best at all times...the world is watching. PatrickTCooper.Com
Page 8/YBE/10.2014
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The Net Worth of Your Network
OKEEBA JUBALO
As a young boy, I can clearly remember my mother and grandmother telling me to be mindful of the company that I kept. Throughout my mid-teens their words of wisdom fell on my deaf ears as I plunged head first into a life of crime and trouble with the law. The sad thing is that I was the driver of all of my situations and my friends were not pushing me to do anything that I didn’t want to do. Most times I was the one doing the pushing. I was always a leader and at times my worst company was the thin brown boy who only showed himself when I stood before a mirror. After years and years of dealing with the legal system, I realized that I needed to be a reflection of the people I needed around me, even if I did not have them. Not to say that my band of renegades were not loyal, but how we moved as boys could never fit within the framework of Black Manhood in America. Fast-forward some 20 years later and most of my neighborhood friends did not make it out of those times. Most are in and out of prison while others are battling drug addiction and losing. How I made it out ... I couldn’t tell you. Maybe it was a combination of God’s grace and my mother’s prayers. Really, I am not sure about the details, but I am thankful that I am here now. So, let’s talk business. When you think about your circle of business associates and friends, it is very important to get clear regarding who is in your network. Who are they and what do they do? Are they movers and shakers, dreamers and deadbeats, or people who are perfectly happy with living an average life? By no stretch of the imagination am I saying that you should judge anyone for where they are or who they are, but you should sure as hell judge yourself by where you are and who you are. As a YBE it is very important to align yourself with those who are just as fast as you, if not faster. You will only grow if you are challenged to grow. Growth will not happen when you are comfortable and around others who are not growing in the right direction. That “right” direction will be based on where you see yourself in the future. It doesn’t make any sense to spend endless hours with people who are not moving in the direction that will give you the perspective you will need to become a successful YBE.
YBE I am not saying that you need to cut all ties with family and friends who have other interests, but you need to become very mindful of those surrounding you. Are you a member of any business organizations that will help you to connect to the right people? Look at your circle of associates and be totally honest about who you see. Make a list of the top five to ten people you surround yourself with and make a note of what they bring to the table. Are these people assets or liabilities? If they are liabilities then you should really think about finding a new circle of associates. If all else fails then you should consider getting to know yourself better…trust me, it works.
Page 10/YBE/10.2014
Johnny Clarkson
Wellness Who are you?
I am Johnny L. Clarkson III, a writer, a branding guru, a community activist and an Atlanta based lifestyle consultant with over 12 years of experience. I have led countless clients in multiple professional and personal platforms through highly successful transformations. My unconventional approach and unparalleled dedication have propelled me in the field of healthand wellness. As an active personal trainer, I have had the opportunity to work on some amazing regional, national and global fitness campaigns. From program creation for The Diabetes Association of Atlanta, to team implementation for Dr. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge Mega Church Edition, to the pilot and market launch for Donna Richardson’s Beach Body Debut Body Gospel, which was Beach Body’s first approach to faith and fitness, I have conquered all levels of health and fitness development. My desire to inspire keeps me on a very aggressive journey to affect the lives of our youth. As the DeKalb County Future Soldiers Liaison for the US Army, I mentor young recruits to guarantee their successful entry into a military career. I have written for Urban Lux Magazine, The Examiner and Teen Diaries Online. I also released a self-help pamphlet entitled “Think Fit” in 2011, and my autobiography and leadership manual, “Blood In The Water,” in 2015. Always pushing forward, never looking back, I continue to grow and always make living life one of the most entertaining things I have ever done.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
I am in the Wellness industry. The Wellness industry literally saved my life! After returning from the US Army I could barely walk without assistance due to multiple back injuries and it took every aspect of wellness to get me back to 100% and beyond!
YBE How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
It took about $826 to get my study guide, certification book, insurance, and AFAA certification. Becoming legitimate and getting educated was step one, but I don't consider that my startup cost. When I think of startup, I think of my military service experience, injuries, trials, errors, decade in sales, exposure to globally successful programs and so much more. I mention that because I don't want to mislead anyone to think that after $826 you will have a thriving wellness company. You will have to work for it. You will fail at times, but it takes that to truly WIN.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
My revenue has grown exponentially over time due to rapid results, excellent customer service and my ambition to constantly stay ahead of the curve. I have implemented various systems including Google analytics to precisely track who is visiting my site and from what region. I use this information to better tailor my programs to my true supporters. I also subscribe to Athletic Business and study every issue, hungry for nuggets and guidance. Lastly, I make sure to utilize any and all social media platforms. They are free and highly effective for growing business in every industry. I truly believe your success or failure is a result of your own thoughts and actions. Page 12/YBE/10.2014
Wellness What excites you about Black business?
The freedom to do business with anyone excites me. I know for my generation it is very easy to forget that our success would not have been possible if the ability to work across the ethnic divide was restricted. I think about this in every board room, fine dining establishment, and press event when I see people of all races mixing with one common goal...success!
What is your biggest disappointment with Black business?
The lack of Black people in authoritative positions who are willing to work with other Black businesses. If we as a race could decide to support each other, force each other to grow professionally, and commit to our community’s success we would control every industry in the world. This control would break generational poverty and provide employment within our commuinty.
We solve business problems REQUEST A CONSULTATION TODAY
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
YBE When I was in high school I was a very troubled teen and school didn't agree with me. If it was wrong, I was a part of it until I met Vorris Richard who is no longer with us in this world. He became my teacher literally at school but played a dual role as my teacher in life. He gave me millions of nuggets about life, wealth and success, but one stands out more than the rest. He told me, "If you don't want someone telling you what to do then you better make damn sure that you are calling the shots!"
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect. A drive down an uncompromising road of professional triumphs, personal failures, unlimited income potential and a lifetime of memories! www.IamJohnnyClarkson.com
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Organizational Development, Executive Coaching, Talent Management, Leadership Assessment and Training, Small Business Strategies
www.ExecuPrep.com Email: info@execuprep.com Phone: 866-580-2596
Page 13/YBE/10.2014
YBE
“That same dude you gave nothin’, I made somethin’ doin’ what I do through and through.” — Jay-Z
Ginette Gilbert
Who are you?
YBE
Beauty & Natural Hair
My name is Ginette Gilbert. I’m originally from the Ivory Coast in West Africa. I started work in the U.S. by braiding hair in Jersey City, New Jersey and later moved to Conyers, GA. I worked as an apprentice and gained my cosmetology license. I opened DJea Natural Hair Spa in 2008. My focus was to have a place where clients could relax and receive a variety of services. I want to give clients a choice to be able to wear their natural hair and to be able to manage it.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
My industry is beauty and natural hair. I love to make people smile when they sit in my chair. I like the fact that they feel they have been made over.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access? It cost me $10,000 for the first business location and $50,000 for the second. I used my personal funds.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth? My business has a consistent growth of 10% annually. I use Salon Booker software to keep track of my sales and services. I also use Inspiring Champions customer service system to coach my staff.
What excites you about black business?
I was amazed at how Black women spend a lot of money on their hair. I wanted to be part of the growing movement of natural hair. I wanted to help Black women appreciate their natural texture.
What is your biggest disappointment with black business?
My biggest disappointment with Black business is the professionalism. Many of us do not value the client. We don’t appreciate their time and suggestions. We don’t always offer them great customer service, as we should.
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
I have more teachers than I can list. My greatest learning experience in the business was getting the opportunity to become better educated and embrace change. Every day is an opportunity to be better. I put my trust in GOD. I know that he will never forsake me.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
Expect personal and financial obstacles and use those obstacles as a learning experience.
Djeahairspa.com
Page 16/YBE/10.2014
Sheldon G. Horton
Fashion/Beauty Professional Who are you?
I am Sheldon G. Horton, a native of Bradenton, FL who migrated to Albany, GA for Job Corps which in turn sent me to college. I became a rising professional as a Hairstylist and Make-Up Artist. It was a very educational period to say the least.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
I am a professional Hairstylist and Make-Up Artist. During my time in Albany, GA I fell in love with hair and make-up. I would look into magazines and marvel at how a few, but skilled, strokes of a brush could enhance a person's life.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
I'm not sure of the exact dollar amount but it was a true sacrifice because cosmetics aren't cheap. My strategy was to acquire products gradually. At the start of my make-up career, people in my area weren't as into make-up as they are now so, convincing someone to allow me to "make-them-up" was a task. Needless to say, it wasn't very lucrative starting out. So, building my resources (kit) was solely a personal investment.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
My revenue has grown considerably for which I am very grateful. 1) I'm sure that every dime is accounted for. 2) Periodically, I determine what is bringing in funds as opposed to depleting them and eliminate products and choices that aren't helpful to my business. 3) I have a tax preparer who helps me keep up with filing and being sure that I'm tax/business compliant. As in any business there are full and lean times, but the goal is to set your business up in such a way that when the lean times occur you are affected very little or not at all.
What excites you about Black business?
Black business excites me because this is a beautiful time for Blacks to really spread their wings, dream, and obtain whatever is within their hearts. The limits and boundaries that once plagued us as a culture have dissipated. This gives us the opportunity to stand at the forefront and take our rightful places in the realm of business.
YBE What is your biggest disappointment with Black business?
The one thing that I would like to see done better in Black businesses is a higher quality of customer service. This isn't something that I've experienced with all Black owned businesses but it has happened enough to be a concern. Besides, costumer service is essential to any business.
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
Wow, this is a hard one because I've encountered so many valuable lessons and they haven't all come from one person or source. But one thing that stands out as it relates to business comes from Mrs. Gwynnis Mosby; she taught me to do my best, to be professional, and to execute everything with excellence and humility.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
I encourage all Y(oung) B(lack) E(ntrepreneur)s to put your best foot forward, be open to the lessons that being in business will teach you. Don't be afraid to take risks because exceptional is never developed in comfort zones!
Page 18/YBE/10.2014
Rushia Brown
Professional Athletics Who are you?
Rushia Brown, Retired WNBA/European Professional Basketball Player.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
YBE
I am the Founder and President of the Women's Professional Basketball Alumnae. We serve as a resource for women, who have played professionally for the WNBA and/or Europe, in their transition from pro sports to mainstream society. I was drawn to do this because it has always been my nature to help people. When I saw one of my WNBA sisters, who was a two-time WNBA All Star, a few years after her retirement and she was homeless, I couldn't understand. How could that happen? Where was the support system? I felt like there needed to be something in place to help, and even more importantly, assist before it gets to that point.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
It actually took more "sweat equity" than actual funds because I needed to build relationships and understand how to execute my vision. I actually went back to school and received my Executive MBA so I guess that was an investment. So tuition, travel, and mentoring under the NBRPA was about $60,000.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
Since I am still in the early stages, there has been more growth in support than staff. I have a few dedicated women who volunteer and are accessible to the WPBA who understand its importance. As we build it out and host events, growth will definitely take place.
What excites you about Black business?
I am excited about creating something that doesn't exist. I foresee the WPBA being a staple in the sports world for women and knowing that I am in a position to provide a service needed by many is exciting to me. The opportunity to be able to shine a different light on these wonderful women is motivation in itself. That transition is powerful because as an athlete at the highest level, you develop traits that will make you successful in your next career. The key is having the right resources to make sure you are in the field of your preference. Being able to use my gift to make others successful is one of the most gratifying things in my life.
What is your biggest disappointment with Black business?
My biggest disappointment is often the fear people have in trying something new. It's amazing to me how a person will acknowledge that what they are doing isn't working, but they are still afraid to try something else. One of my favorite sayings is, "Everybody wants to be #1, but nobody wants to go 1st!"
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
I would definitely say my greatest teacher has been my mother. Watching her in my youth helped me develop my work ethic. She was in a field she enjoyed and I could tell it wasn't just a job. She was doing something she was passionate about so it drove her ‌ drove her to work nights, weekends ‌ drove her to get it RIGHT and make sure the people she served were in the best position possible.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
As a YBE, you have to know that not everyone will see or understand your vision. And that's ok, because God didn't give it to them, He gave it to YOU! Walk in your purpose and know that the sacrifices you make on the front end will afford you great opportunities on the back end. RushiaBrown.com Wpbalum.com
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Carlo Wilkes
Automotive Who are you?
Carlo Wilkes owner of RPM Motor Sports of Atlanta and Sports One of Charlotte.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
YBE
The automotive industry, car sales and we do customization as well as ship cars. Pretty much anything that has to do with a car, we can get it done. I also just opened an upscale sports bar in Charlotte, NC called Sports One and getting into this whole restaurant/sports bar thing has been a little different. There's something about it I'm starting to like because I'm still dealing with customer service and it's taken off well. We've been open a month now with no advertisement and it's kind of the hottest thing in Charlotte right now. Everybody's talking about it. We just signed on with this AM/FM station in Charlotte now where they are going to come and record a show called The Black and Blue. It's for the Panthers, all the home games. So, between this and that, I see it being very successful. We're in the process of opening one in Cleveland, OH also. So we'll have two locations, one in Charlotte and one location in Cleveland. Mostly the hustle. It's the legal hustle. What you work for, that's what you get. If you don't work for it, you don't get it. There's no 9 to 5. There's no hourly pay. And there's no limits to how far you can go. So that was most of the draw.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
I didn't use funding. Once I started, I pretty much had the vision. And it probably took around – decorating my office and what not – it probably took around $60k. We just paid it out because we knew it would come back. We didn't go through a bank or anything like that. I felt like that would just slow up the process.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
When we started out there were three of us. The first year I brought in a little over a million dollars in total sales. Now we are up to eight to ten staff members, and we are doing about six million in total sales. So, each year it has grown. Even with the economy taking a flop, we went through the storm, and we're still doing good. Over time we put financing in place. Financing was the biggest key for the first five, maybe three or four years. When we didn't have financing I was sending my customers out to franchise dealers to get approved, and I was paying them a fee for financing my customers. Or my customers had to have good credit, and I sent them to a credit union. Some had their own financing. During that time I lost a lot of business because if customers didn't have good enough credit, I couldn't get them approved so they went and bought a car from somebody else. If I would send them to a franchise dealer, they were charging me a fee of a thousand dollars or more, plus they were making back-end money on all type of fees from the customers. And so, once I had financing, the person who has a 400or 500 credit score, I can get them approved. If they're a first time buyer, I can get them approved. And everything is kept in house. So if a person comes in and they have a 700 credit score and they’re going through their credit union, their credit union offers them a 3% rate, but a lot of times I can beat that rate because our rates start out at 1.9. And if I can't beat that, a lot of times, I just match. I match the rate so they don't have to go to two or three places. They can just do it all in house.
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Automotive What excites you about black business?
Growing up not seeing other examples and role models doing it, and now I'm able to do it. I can show somebody else that it's really not that hard. It just takes the drive in you to want to do it. Showing other Black men that there’s more than one route to being successful. You don't have to play basketball, or be in the music industry even, to do what you have a dream for and to make it work.
What is your biggest disappointment with black business?
Sometimes people don't feel like you're capable. I have friends and they know what I do, been doing this car stuff for thirteen years, and they will buy a car from somewhere else and never give me an opportunity. So, that hurts more than anything because I feel like I support the people I know who do business. I could probably go another route and get it cheaper but at least I'm going to give them the first opportunity whether it was good or bad service. So, when they go buy a car, and they know what I do, and they don't give me the opportunity, I kind of take it personal. That hurts the most when friends, family or those who know what you're doing don’t support you. And maybe sometimes it is because you're Black. You know, they label you as a Black business. I'd cater to anybody. I can put a suit on. I just happen to dress the way I do because I am moving around. If that makes you feel better about buying a car, I'll put a suit on.
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
I'd say my mom and my dad. My mom and my dad worked thirty-some years on the same job, and as a kid growing up that mostly taught me my whole work ethic. My mom and dad worked the same job together. They worked at the same place for thirty-some years and sometimes my mom worked third shift and my grandmom would keep us. Just seeing that … I think I got my work ethic more through them just having a job or just doing what it is that you're happy with. So, I would have to say that.
YBE In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
Don't give up on your dream. No matter how big it is. When people tell you can't do it, you have to prove them wrong. RPMATL.com
Page 23/YBE/10.2014
“ I hear that word pressure all the time. There is a lot of pressure put on me, but I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself. I feel if I play my game, it will take care of itself.” —LeBron James
YBE
Kermin Middleton
Arts & Design Who are you?
I am Kermin Middleton, an artist and co-owner of Helium Custom Brand Kicks from Charleston, SC. I attended The Art Institute of Atlanta where I studied Graphic and Advertising Design. Soon after, I picked up a paintbrush and started pursuing fine art with acrylic and mixed media. I now live and work in the Atlanta area.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
Art and Design. The art and design industry was something that I initially tried to avoid. The idea of being a "starving artist" wasn't exactly my lifelong dream; however, after a short run at a civil engineering degree, I decided that I needed to pursue what was burning in my heart.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
The good thing about the arts, crafts and design business is that it doesn't necessarily take a lot of income to startup. It took a few hundred dollars to launch my current venture. I was able to fund it out of my pocket.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth? We are still a husband and wife team. Growth has come slow and steady for us. This has lead to us staying agile and focused as a business.
What excites you about black business?
The support and love that I've always received from the Black community has been tremendous. It's without question one of the most exciting things about my journey.
YBE What is your biggest disappointment with black business?
The most disappointing thing with Black business is that many of us are not aware of the goods and services that are being offered by Blacks. There is an overwhelming amount of competition out there. Getting lost in the storm happens a lot.
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
Trial and error in many ways has taught me the most. There are times in the art business where you have to jump in and test the waters to see how it goes from there.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
"When the battle is over, tighten your chin strap." – Japanese Samurai proverb
Helium..."Uplift Your Sole." Helium perfects customization by creating fine art on your kicks! To place an order contact: HeliumCustoms@yahoo.com
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Publisher’s Pick The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great vehicle for the YBE on the move. Nicely loaded in the mid 30s price range. Pulling up to meetings in this vehicle is no nonsense. You can step out dressed up or dressed down and not miss a beat. Jeep.com
For a heavy and chunky watch type of man, the Bulova Precisionist (96b175) is the watch that can be worn daily. This looks great with jeans or a suit and speaks to nearly any man’s sense of style. A little less than $800, this is a steal for this timepiece. Bulovaprecisionist.com
Though Nike has a million different running and training shoes, Free Trainer 5.0 is the way to go. The fit and comfort allow for a great workout and you may even forget that you have them on. Nike.com
As a YBE on the move, it is important to manage your diet with 3 solid meals and 1 or 2 protein drinks a day. The taste is great and it comes in a number of flavors. Musclemilk.com
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Some dream to own while others own a dream.
3097 Presidential Drive Suite-B Atlanta, GA 30340 Office: 866.962.3281 Mobile: 404.434.9121 RPMATL.COM
Ish Holmes
Photography & Design Who are you?
My name is Ish Holmes and I’m a humble creative. I’m happy to get paid doing the work I’d be doing anyway.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
My primary industries are photography and design. I love photography because it’s kinetic. Sure, the pictures are still, but you have to move to catch them. I really enjoy the art form as well as the business side of photography. You have to learn to engage with people and being a photographer has introduced me to more people than I could’ve ever imagined. It’s a great conversation starter. Design is the way I truly express my aesthetic sensibilities. Admittedly, I’m a selfish designer. I like what I like and you can keep the rest. As my side business, I have the liberty to hand select clients who match my sensibilities or whom I can talk into seeing things my way. Aside from business, I apply design in my everyday life. I believe everything in my life should represent my taste, from the clothes I wear to the decor of my home, and even the way I cook and present my food. Design is everywhere and design is beautiful.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
I was very fortunate to have earned my first camera and laptop by collaborating on another venture. When my partner, at the time, and I went into business, I couldn’t make the capital investment that he made, so I contributed my skills as a designer and videographer to put together our initial branding and marketing materials. As part of my pay, the company paid for my equipment. Once I decided to become a freelance photographer, all I needed was a website – which I built myself – an LLC, insurance, and a lot of sweat equity to build my portfolio. I’d say it was only a few hundred dollars, maybe a thousand.
YBE How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
In the beginning, revenue was spotty. To be a no-name photographer in a city full of no-names had its challenges for sure. The price of DSLR cameras had dropped dramatically, making it very easy for amateurs to come in and join the league, which pushed the value of photography down to practically nothing. I knew I’d have to rise up past this level of mediocrity and price at a premium or near-premium price. To do that, I needed to get my skills up. For the first two years, I did test shoots non-stop. Test shoots are unpaid shoots in which you collaborate with others to try new techniques and build your portfolio. At the same time, I networked my ass off. I tried to be front and center everywhere which wasn’t too hard actually. All I had to do was volunteer my services and I was in the door. Along the way, I took every paid gig that came my way and accepted whatever they were willing to pay. This wasn’t a sound business practice, I know, but I had to pay my dues as a creative. That’s what people don’t understand. There’s an initial period in which you must develop your skills and demonstrate your work before getting any opportunities. I could’ve worked the event circuit, but I didn’t want that kind of work. I wanted the big gigs. So, I continued in that fashion until I was comfortable with the quality of my work, and the reputation that I had earned. Then I pushed the prices up, and that’s when business truly began.
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Photography & Design What excites you about Black business?
I love Black business. It truly excites me to see successful Black business and thought leaders arise each day, especially in industries dominated by non-Blacks. I’m half Black and Filipino, so I can relate to the struggle of both races here in America. We’re certainly disadvantaged. I’ve always heard we needed to be twice as good to earn half as much. For me, that’s obviously not fair, but I’m not discouraged by it either. I want to be that good anyway. So, keep pushing, Y(oung) B(lack) E(ntrepreneur)s.
What is your biggest disappointment with black business?
My only disappointment with Black business is when they follow the stereotypes of what a Black business should be. You’ve got to take notes from the leaders in your industry and oftentimes they’re not Black. Study their moves. Understand what it is that made them successful then, of course, add your twist to it. Have a global perspective, not a hood one.
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
Rushia Brown
YBE I’ve had many wonderful mentors. I learn from those in business today and from those who came before us and left us their thoughts in books. But I’d have to say my greatest teacher has been experience. There’s no replacement for that. When starting out your new venture, I’d encourage you to plan less and do more. There comes a time for strategy, but if you don’t know what it feels like to be in the trenches you’ll never be able to devise an effective one.
EMPOWER. ACTIVATE.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
TRANSFORM.
IshHolmes.com TheHumbleCreative.com
Book for motivational speaking engagements now
Be ready to GRIND.
RushiaBrown.Com
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Hearts and Hands CATERING COMPANY
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Brian Short
Image Is Everything But Means Nothing Brian Short
I live each day with this moto in mind. It is a mantra, teaching tool, and guide for my daily activities. It speaks to the undying notion that your appearance matters. Its subtext speaks to the most important aspect of greatness and success; what’s inside truly matters most. Understanding the impact of this quote can and will propel you to life’s ultimate height’s. “Good clothes open all doors” – Thomas Fuller
1. 2. 3.
Health Grooming Apparel
YBE
Thomas Fuller has given us the price of admission to the opportunities of life to seek and reach our greatest self in business and personal endeavors. What are “good” clothes? Do they solely relate to business attire? Are they the most expensive in the store? Can they only be found in the luxury/high-end retail market? The answer is no! These questions are essential in our quest for creating our best aesthetic self. Our appearance aesthetically is contained in three areas:
Physical health is the foundation for our garments to look their best. Physical well-being starts with proper diet and exercise. And is maintained with a designed routine to keep the good habits ongoing. I suggest utilizing health care professionals, including doctors, fitness trainers, dieticians and chefs, as well as incorporating technology and health and training literature. Today’s get it now society allows us to tap into workout data, and training plans from the palm of our hands right from smartphones through various apps like Nike Run or Body Space. Get healthy and get fit to jump start looking the part.
Grooming is essential to our appearance. It needs to become a habit just like our diet and exercise. It is not an option of maybe today, it is a must do everyday to create a lasting habit that supports our ability to look the part and to always be ready. It follows the philosophy; stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. Our appearance communicates to people what we want them to think or know about us. Visual judgments both good and bad are made based on what people see. Incorporating a consistent grooming routine will ensure that those judgments are positive. Hair: Weekly to bi-weekly maintenance is a solid routine. If you are a male wearing facial hair make sure to always keep it well kept, whether long or short. Skin: Create a daily routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing and incorporate exfoliating up to 3 times per week. Nails: Both men and women require manicures and pedicures. Makeup: Take the time to visit with a professional make up artist at least once to learn proper application and seasonal fashion trends. Apparel should start with understanding the uniform of your profession. This obviously varies but is imperative to our success as business leaders. •Seek professional assistance from a stylist or image consultant. Some retailers provide these services in various capacities at no charge. •Understand the garments that fit your body type first and then incorporate your personality into your daily looks. •Mix high-end and low-end garments to create a budget conscious and expansive wardrobe. Enacting the formula of health, grooming, and apparel into your professional life and allowing it to spill into your personal life will put you in the position to look the part so you can achieve the part. Stylishly yours, Brian Short aka B. Short Wardrobe and Image Consultant Celebrity Stylist Fashion Director
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D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik
Entertainment Who are you?
To the world I'm known as Dres Tha Beatnik. To my family I'm known as Andre Lett. I'm a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I'm a proud resident of Atlanta, Georgia, that's me, and that's what I'm sticking with.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
YBE
My industry is entertainment. This is what I've been doing for, seemingly, all my life. I got involved in this primarily because I love music. I'm a musician initially by trade, MCing and beat boxer. The idea of turning my art into business became very appealing to me at the age of 17. Once I figured out that I could actually make money, not even necessarily a living initially, but just make money. It was on from there. It was just something that always appealed to me. I feel like I'm walking in my purpose when I'm doing what I'm doing, and being able to do that, and to make a sustainable living while doing it – it’s the icing on the cake.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
After all of the necessary filing of paperwork, licenses, marketing promotions and paying for talent, it initially cost between $2k and $10k. I used personal funds.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
When I first started my company it was called Four Kings Entertainment. I started with eight other individuals. Over time, it's honestly totaled out to about three people now. As far as the managing of that, you get into a situation where you have to cut the fat when you have people who aren't pulling their weight. You’ve got to switch out personnel, you’ve got to assess what's important, what's not important. It's always changing.
What excites you about black business?
Contributing to someone's legacy. That is the biggest thing for me. I like knowing that the decisions that I make today to support Black business may very well help somebody sustain their family’s legacy or their own personal legacy for generations to come. The other side of it is, I like being able to recycle money back into our community. There's a sort of unspoken rule of thumb which states that the Black dollar should be able to exchange hands six times before it leaves the community. Like in Jewish communities for example. A Jewish dollar circulates, I'd say, 16 times. In Asian communities, a dollar circulates 19 times before it leaves the community. I mean 6 is a relatively small number. Historically, we've gotten away from the whole idea of power in numbers or Power-economics, if you will, and the time has come to get that back, you know? That's what I'm contributing to, and that's why contributing to Black business is essential to me.
What is your biggest disappointment with black business?
Deadlines. I've had situations with deadlines or communication. If you set a deadline and you can't make it, you’ve got to be able to communicate. More times than not ... it's been my experience that while we are, for lack of a better term, skittish in dealing with one another, we're even more skittish about disappointing one another. That fear of disappointment mucks up the process. It really does, and it shouldn't have to. If I come to you and I need a particular thing done, and I know that you specialize in getting this particular thing done, you give me a deadline of four days. If you know by the second day or third day, or even the fourth day, that you can't deliver in four days, you have to be able to call me, the client, and give me enough of a heads up so that I can adjust what I have to do.
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Entertainment .
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
Failure has been my greatest teacher. I graduated from a four-year university, and what I do for a living they do not teach, and they were not teaching. My greatest learning experience … I lost $50,000 in a night. I did a show and it cost me $110,000 full off, start to finish. I didn't sell enough tickets. I didn't move enough advance tickets to get it taken care of, and aside from that, the major draw … the artist was five hours late to the stage. So, I had to do a lot of refunds. Actually it's so crazy, because through that experience, I actually developed a whole other skill. I got better at a skill that I thought I had, but because this loss happened it actually made me a better host. I was the host of my own production.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.
This won’t be brief. All of you will never look right on paper, period. You're going to have to figure out how to maintain the five-year code. It takes five years for a business to become solvent, but because you may not look right on paper, your five years may now turn into seven, or may turn into a decade before your business becomes solvent. You have to figure out how to keep that five years at five years. You're going to see some shit from people who thought you would never succeed. You're going to get tested. You're going to lose good people. You're going to gain great people. Make sure everybody that you deal with is on your shit. Make sure they know their responsibility to the whole, frontwards and backwards. Don't go for the hookup until you are able to put someone else up. The barter system only works when people have shit to barter. Don't be an asshole unless you absolutely have to. It’s an emergency procedure, and it should only be exercised if you absolutely have to be that person. Maintain quality transportation or access to quality transportation. There are some things that just can't be done between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. Love yourself and your business the way Kanye West loves himself and loves his business.
YBE Learn how to become the movie, "Minority Report," where you can see the whole shit before it happens, because you're going to have to stay three steps ahead of everybody else in order to cross the finish line at the same time. It's not a difficult thing because you're Black, but it becomes difficult when you're not prepared, so just stay prepared. Always be prepared. Be the smartest person in the room who knows how to play dumb, and enjoy it. Good, bad, indifferent, whatever, enjoy the journey. You're committed to something, stick to the company. You're smart enough. You're talented enough. You can think yourself out of any and every situation, but you have to give yourself that permission to be able to think yourself out of it. Don't quit, don't quit, don't quit. Don’t quit, don't quit. It'll all be okay in the end, just stick to your gut. It may not come around today, it may not come around tomorrow, but if you're consistently consistent, it will come around. And when it does, just be prepared to embrace it. Everything will be alright.
DresThaBeatnik.com
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YBE
Prop styling by Johnny Clarkson
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Love On The Run Real Relationships & Real Advice OKEEBA JUBALO
My girlfriend of two years wants to start a business with her ex-husband who still makes advances towards her. They have a child together, and I don’t have a good feeling about this venture. She says that I am making a big deal out of nothing because this is strictly about the money, but I really don’t trust it. What are your thoughts?
YBE Mr. Sleepless In Chicago
To Mr. Sleepless In Chicago:
Hell, you think that you are sleepless now, you won’t sleep at all if this “business” venture takes flight. It sounds like you are dealing with a number of issues that are bigger than just your girlfriend and her ex-husband working together.
First, you need to get to the root of being a grown man who is calling this woman your girlfriend. A grown man doesn’t have a girlfriend, a grown man has a wife. You need to address that issue and then move from there. It’s a bad idea for your “girlfriend” to start this business with her ex-husband who is still chasing her. She is foolish for thinking that she can manage this situation, because it will eventually blow up in her face. In a world of perfection this concept might work, but in the world of reality there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that this will end on a good note. You need to look at a number of things ranging from your money situation to your living arrangements. Are the two of you living together? Are you paying all of the bills? Can you pay all of the bills? There are a number of factors that should be looked at, but the bottom line is always the bottom line. This is a bad idea. OKEEBA JUBALO
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WE SHALL STAND BEFORE KINGS NOT OF OBSCURE MEN
KINGS OF ATLANTA
GROOMING LOUNGE & SPA 3209 Paces Ferry Place Suite 1 Atlanta, GA 30305
www.TheKingsofAtlanta.com www.facebook.com/thekingsofatlanta twitter @kingsofatl instagram: kingsofatl twitter @thebeard_king instagram: thebeard_king O : 404-987-0373 | M:678-360-2744
James B Kynes Jr.
Beauty & Real Estate Who are you?
James B Kynes Jr. and I am a serial entrepreneur from Decatur, Ga.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
YBE
My experience and life travel has placed me in a few industries. I began as a manager for entertainers, which quickly placed me in the sports industry working as a recruiter for a sports agent. I parlayed that experience to position myself where I wanted to be: a business manager for athletes. I worked with a business management firm called MadisonSmallwood Financial Group. This industry appealed to me because I was an athlete, a sports fan, and I enjoyed facilitating for people whom I could assist by putting them in positions to win. When the company dissolved, I was called to begin my barbering career. I really didn’t want to become a barber, full time, but it was a hobby of mine growing up and through college. And the spiritual connection … when you hear a voice giving you instructions, one may want to follow the instructions, so I did. Once in the barbering industry, my business aptitude allowed me to create brands and experiences, not just places where guys hung out and received only haircuts. We wanted to take the cut experience to the next level and elevate the brands. Prior to opening my first shop, The Arena Barbershop, my interest in getting back to facilitation intrigued me as I began positioning investors with companies seeking funding. I acquired my real estate license to become a business broker, the real estate came along with it. I used this to create The J Rushman Group, Inc. a business management firm specializing in advanced business facilitation and strategic implementation for athletes and entertainers, with a real estate division and a marketing division. So, my interest in business allowed me to create brands around my other interests and a way to leverage them off of one another.
How much money did it start your businesses and what funding sources did you access?
One thing I’ve learned about entrepreneurship is the easiest thing to do when funding your vision is to underfund it attempting to be conservative. For me, startup funding varied for each project. Because I had business around brands already, I was able to create layers as to how things got accomplished. For the first shop, we spent about $150,000, but that was in a new development, and the build out wasn’t as expensive because of that. KOA was more expensive because we took an old building and it had to be renovated. That project cost approximately $250,000+. My funding sources for both were private investors. They wanted to do business with me because of my vision and work ethic, and were comfortable funding, and comfortable with the possibility of taking losses on the project. There were pros and cons to this approach, but for me it was like getting my masters in entrepreneurship on scholarship.
How have your revenue /staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
Because I have different business units, the staffing of each varies. I have learned how to create strategic partners to help execute the vision. While at KOA, we staffed as many as 18, but we constricted the staff when we closed the facility. We are re-launching the brand with a smaller staff while we seek the real estate to build our new facility from the ground up. Our plan in its entirety has probably stumped our growth. We must learn to focus on one thing and develop, but at the same time, the various brands we have created have put us in a position to staff them all as we leverage the growth of each business.
What excites you about Black business?
What excites me about Black business is to see our Young Black Entrepreneurs stepping out on their faith to chase their vision. I’m also excited about the different industries we are able to make an impact on and in, especially in tech, healthcare, and politics.
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Beauty & Real Estate Subscribe now for $29.95 @ NobleSol.Net
What is your biggest disappointment with Black business?
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
Two-fold answer, my father has been my greatest teacher. He taught me a long time ago that your word is your bond and nothing is more important than your integrity. He taught me about hard work, work ethic and the essence of being a masculine man, that it is ok to cry and say I love you. Now, my greatest learning experience came when I was an intern at Warner Brothers Records. I worked with the A&R who is still one of my mentors to this day. I was managing an artist while we were looking for a deal. Well, I thought I had an inside track because I worked with the A&R, which I did, so I thought getting the deal was going to be easy. Well one day, I played the demo for the A&R and to my surprise he liked the artist, not the production, which we thought was good, but not industry standard. What he told me afterwards has been with me ever since. He told me to take my time with what I was doing, and to bring him “that fire stuff first,” and the fact that I was his “homeboy” was “gravy on the cake.” The moral to the story is never do homeboy business if your homeboy’s not bringing you the quality it takes to get the job done. So I like to do business with people I like and know, but only with quality first.
In one word or brief phase, tell a new YBE what to expect?
PRESENTS NobleSol Art Group
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE Quarterly
OCTOBER 2014
YBE
NobleSol.net
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE Quarterly
Fall 2014
I think my biggest disappointment with Black business would be the lack of standards when it comes to the quality of the brands, brand development, identity, and service for our clients. I see too many of us doing it without looking to truly set a standard but just to exist.
+
PATRICK T COOPER GINETTE GILBERT SHELDON G. HORTON KERMIN MIDDLETON ISH HOLMES BRIAN SHORT D.R.E.S. THA BEATNIK CARLO WILKES RODRICK SAMUELS JAMES B KYNES Jr.
The Net Worth of Your Network
Image Is Everything But Means Nothing
The Fountain of Youth For Young Black Entrepreneurs
THE DREAM TEAM Johnny Clarkson
Rushia Brown
OKEEBA JUBALO
Atlanta’s BIG 3 will show you how it’s done!
FEATURING
Johnny Clarkson www.IamJohnnyClarkson.com
Rushia Brown www.RushiaBrown.com
OKEEBA JUBALO www.OKEEBAJUBALO.com
Our Partner
In this journey of Entrepreneurship, expect to be let down, disappointed, and frustrated by family, friends, you, but with all of that, expect to be FREE… TheKingsofAtl.Com www.HnHCater.com
Page 43/YBE/10.2014
YBE USE PROMO CODE YBE FOR 20% OFF YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
Angela Carter
Presents
Atlanta’s Finest
Our Generation, Our Time, 100 Passionate People
SumonaProductions.org
YBE ON THE MOVE
THE A-LIST: AN ATLANTA EVENING OF ART & CULTURE
Presented by NobleSol Art Group
Rushia Brown
Date: April 25, 2014 Location: The W-Downtown Cause: Celebrating African-American Fine Art Experience our event: www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25XUqhcsao View event images @ NobleSol.Net OKEEBA JUBALO & Kat Brown
Johnny and Jhazsmin Clarkson
James Jackson
Angela Carter
Stevie Baggs Jr.
Robert Jackson & Fred Green
Sol Brown, Noble Brown & Chaniya Boykin
Fine Art: OKEEBA JUBALO
Photography: Ish Holmes
YBE/10.2014
Work, Eat, Rest, Repeat: The Fountain Of Youth For Young Black Entrepreneurs Johnny Clarkson Most entrepreneurs are goal oriented and not process oriented. This precise eagle eye mindset may work when conquering their prospective industries, but will leave them poorly conditioned when it comes to their midsection. A healthy lifestyle relies completely on the process. This process can become incredibly difficult to decode with the overload of self-help plans available in today’s tech driven society. From the South Beach diet, to The Paleo Eating Plan, to The Atkins Diet, to Crossfit, to Tabadas, decoding your success plan can be stressful enough to make you quit which is generally what happens. According to a study done by www.active.com, 50% of the people who start an exercise program quit within three to six months.
Try This Rapid Results Routine:
YBE
The best process for a fast paced lifestyle is to focus on the basics and keep them consistent. There are four focus pillars to this process which are: work, eat, rest and repeat. Focus on exercises that gives maximum results while only requiring minimal time. Focus on meals that give you what you need as well as what you want so you are gaining energy, strength and the ability to slaughter your professional prey. Focus on resting as much as possible. An entrepreneur’s life will demand many twilight work sessions, but make sure you rest whenever possible. Lack of sleep makes you lethargic and less motivated, and both of these death blows will halt your training progress and trigger your muscles to break down. This is known as the catabolic state. Adequate sleep does the opposite and creates an anabolic period in which you wake up resembling a super hero!
Warm up 10 Pushups followed by 30 *Mountain climbers followed by 10 *Floor jacks (repeat 4 non stop rounds) Circuit A 10 Deep squats followed by 20 *Plyo squats followed by 10 *Full Burpees (repeat 4 non stop rounds) Circuit B 25 Push ups followed by 10 *Plyo push ups followed by 10 Full Burpees (repeat 4 non stop rounds)
Exercise Index Mountain Climbers – From the top of the push up position drive your legs forward in a running motion as fast a possible. Maintain your form with chest above your hands. Floor Jacks – From the top of the push up position, without moving your hands, rapidly move your legs in and out in the jumping jack motion. Plyo or Plyometric – Also known as jump training, this is a training technique designed to increase muscular power and explosiveness. A plyometric push up or squat means that your body will lift off the ground as high as possible before repeating the next rep. Full Burpee - Begin in a standing position, drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground, kick your feet back, while keeping your arms extended, do a push up, immediately return your feet to the squat position, and jump up from the squat position as high as possible!
Save your breaks until the end of each circuit. The elimination of constant breaks will help produce EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) which is the key to my rapid results programs. These high-intensity training sessions force the body to work harder to build its oxygen stores back up for a period of 16 to 24 hours post-workout. During this period, your body will continue rapidly burning calories. If you consider yourself fit or desire a deeper level of conditioning, add 15 reps to each exercise.
Page 46/YBE/10.2014
Rodrick Samuels
Beauty & Barber Education
Who are you?
YBE
I am Rodrick Samuels, an experienced school owner, managing director, clipper consultant, edutainer, and Fight Colorectal Cancer national spokesedutainer. I bring innovative trends and freedom-forward creativity to the forefront of the hair education industry. I have the ability to translate this into profit potential in the lives of barbers and stylists. In my role as Michigan Barber School Managing Director, I equip future professionals with the mastery to grow professionally and to profit from their role behind the chair and beyond.
What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?
I am a visionary leader in beauty and barber education. A college graduate turned entrepreneur and my primary goal was to "do it big." The appeal was all about style, attitude, and how to condition others for success in the personal appearance industry.
How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?
After several attempts, I finally received a $50,000 startup loan from the LDC (Lowcountry Development Corporation). I signed a five-year lease with Candies Properties, Inc. for a 4,000 square-foot space in Summerville, SC paying $8 a square foot.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?
Recently, I acquired Michigan Barber School in Detroit after selling Profile Academy of Beauty and Barber after seven years of ownership. I also co-own a high end salon in downtown Detroit, Hair Lab Detroit the Salon. The salon space doubles as an advanced training academy for licensed professionals as well. I now lead the 67 year-old barber school, a group of 14 staff and faculty, over 130 students, and six stylists. The growth and re-branding of this business is very exciting for me. I take pride in enhancing the communities we do business in by offering career training for students and salon-like services for guests at a fraction of what it costs at other salons and shops.
What excites you about Black business?
Black business is about drive and determination. Black business is about passion for a dream. As motivational speaker Leslie (Les) Brown says, "I don’t know what that dream is that you have, I don’t care how disappointing it might have been as you’ve been working toward that dream, but that dream that you’re holding in your mind, it’s possible!"
What is your biggest disappointment with Black business?
The biggest disappointment with Black business is that most businesses don't view entrepreneurship plainly, without the proverbial rose-colored glasses. In the urban, ethnic market, especially in barbershops and salons, black people are tainting our profession by practicing unlicensed. They call themselves "professional," but according to the local governing bodies in our industry, they don't exist if they are unlicensed or treating business like a hustle or a job, not a career.
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Beauty & Barber Education Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
My greatest teacher and greatest learning experience has been failure. It taught me to wipe the dreamy dollar signs out of my eyes and have a solid, realistic approach to business and my dreams. It takes someone with a vision of the possibilities to appreciate new levels of experience, someone with the courage and faith.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect. Be prepared to suffer for your success as you aim for significance. IG-Michigan Barber School Twitter: Michiganbarber Facebook-Michigan Barber School
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YBE
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.” —Oprah Winfrey
YBE
Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE Quarterly
Fall 2014
NobleSol.Net 10.2014 A NobleSol Art Group Publication
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