Exclusive | Elijah McClinton Turned a Passion Into Deathtoheartbreaks Clothing Line

By: Omar Cook

Our "Who's Hot?" Entrepreneur of the Week is Elijah McClinton, co-founder of Deathtoheartbreaks clothing line! McClinton is a 19 year old fashion designer from Anaheim, California and raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was a not so good high school student, but fought to turn it around and is now in school for journalism. Writing and drawing have always been his passion since he was young and while in high school, McClinton was a part of the school’s film program that won a couple of awards throughout the state. This opportunity opened his eyes to videography and the possibilities it could provide for him!

Check out the brand here www.deathtoheartbreaks.com

Deathtoheartbreaks For LA Fashion Week 2022

We talked with Elijah Mcclinton in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: What sparked you to start your business? How did the idea come about?

McClinton: I always had a passion for clothing and just putting certain looks together. But, my junior year of high school is when it all started. My two friends at the time, Dejuan Barney, who is still a part of the group, and Ashton Graham, had an idea that if we turn our hardships into creativity that nothing could stop us. And that’s the definition of our brand Deathtoheartbreaks. “Death to anything destructive or harmful that can be turned into creativity.” Since then we have added a few other members in Monty Chino, Ian Courtney Ferguson, and Jon Davis along the way.

Question: What advice would you give to young people looking to start their own business?

McClinton: I would say to trust yourself. That no one knows you like you know you. There have been plenty of times where I’ve been told, “that won’t work, or this won’t work” and you just got to have the fortitude to do it your way and to block out anyone or anything telling you to do otherwise.

Question: What are some of the necessary skills that you've seen are needed to run a successful business?

McClinton: TO HAVE THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS! It’s not what you know it’s always who you know. You have to be unafraid to put yourself out there. You can’t just be a figure behind the screen all the time. “Be Somebody, Be Somewhere.” – Dan Lok

Question: What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them? 

McClinton: Interestingly enough, I don't think I've hit that wall yet. Of course, there are always obstacles in the way. But I would say the only thing would be trying to wear too many hats at one time and communication between members at times. I know it stems from me liking things a certain way and never really relying on other people to do anything for me. But I would say it’s gotten better to a point where I have a great team around me that all know their roles and play them well.

Question: What motivates you?

McClinton: The once local stars that made it out. I think it’s so fascinating how the same people from my home area have found a way to make it out and are now making a name for themselves. They were once in the same shoes I’ve been in. And now they have become the ones where you can look to and say, “you can do it too.”

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

McClinton: Idea’s come from life experiences and the people that I meet in passing. Ideas and concepts are always flowing through our minds and it wouldn’t be us to not be thinking what’s next.

Question: How do you define success?

McClinton: Success to me is doing what you love and not having a care in the world what anybody has to say about it. Life is what you make it out to be. You can choose to make a great, or shitty. It’s your choice.

Question: How do you build a successful customer base?

McClinton: I seem to get this question a lot and all I have to say is to find your niche. Find your target audience and roll with it. If you aim for athletes and you actually have a skater crowd. Roll with what works. Don’t overthink your game plan just go and execute.

Question: Do you believe there is a formula for being a successful entrepreneur?

McClinton: There isn't a particular formula no, but all entrepreneurs have to go through one thing. And that's pain and hardships. It’s always going to be a struggle. Whether you not having the correct resources, money, people, equipment, there is always something that will be missing. You just got to learn to live with that and move along.

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

McClinton: Pharrell Williams by far. Ever since I was little it's been N.E.R.D and The Neptunes all day. The way he seems to be everywhere and do everything still amazes me. He's what I call a humble flexer. He knows he's the shit, but he will always play it off like it's nothing, it's so amazing.

Question: What is your favorite aspect of being a business owner?

McClinton: My favorite aspect is always the reaction. It’s really cool seeing someone react to your ideas, whether it be good or bad, any reaction I receive, I learn something from it. 

Question: How do you go about marketing your business?

McClinton: Conducting interviews is one, connecting with people who have the same minds as us, and just staying relevant. One of the greatest things about conducting interviews is you also learn something as well. You get to pick their brain and hopefully, you can come out of it and learn something from the conversation. 

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make to keep your business running?

McClinton: I wouldn’t call them sacrifices if you want it that bad. But it’d probably be the usual not going out to eat, partying, and impulse buying. Spending all the money you earned in a two-week period just buy some materials. Being late on some bills, the usual.

Question: What company or business do you admire most other than yours and why?

McClinton: Their two companies that I admire the most. And it’s one, they have a great story of overcoming great obstacles and two they’re just great companies. You would be a fool to not say Apple and BMW. These two companies have overcome the then dominated Microsoft company and the booming American car business into oblivion. From both being the laughing stock of the industry, on the verge of bankruptcy, too now pure luxury and excellence. You cannot beat that. Another player in the game would be Under Armor. Don’t be surprised if Under Armor becomes the leader of not just sportswear but casual wear as well.

Question: Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

McClinton: My plan is to bring something unique to the industry while also being true to myself. Bringing all different mediums together. I see myself and the brand as a stepping stool for other young and ambitious artists like myself a platform to branch out. Ultimately my future goal would be to have a fashion show here in Atlanta with other artists I appreciate to create something bigger and brighter for the community, while also making a name for myself in the industry.

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about your business?

McClinton: Season 09 shop is now open, make sure to go to our website at www.deathtoheartbreaks.com and subscribe so you can be the first to be up to date on new updates, releases, and articles. We have something special planned for the summer as well so be on the lookout for that.

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Exclusive | Robert Smith is Changing the Sneaker Game With Sole Simple LLC

By: Omar Cook

Our "Who's Hot?" Entrepreneur of the Week is Robert Smith a current NFL free agent and co-founder of Sole Simple LLC. Robert was born and raised in the Clifton section of Staten Island, New York and later relocated to Carteret, NJ for high school. He continued to further my football career at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. After graduating from Saint Francis, he went on to continue his masters in Technology Education at Jackson State while also finishing his last year of college football as a redshirt senior.

After finishing his college football career, Robert continued to pursue his dreams to play professional football. Smith went on to compete in the Washington Redskins Rookie mini camp, played professional football for the Hamburg Huskies in Hamburg, Germany, and recently did a private workout for the Baltimore Ravens.

While still pursuing his professional football career, Robert and his cousin Ryan came together to create a sneaker boutique business called Sole Simple. "We created  the business together because we both have a passion of collecting sneakers throughout the years since we were in high school. Now, we have our online web store open and we are soon to expand our brand to our first store front."

We talked with Robert Smith in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: What sparked you to start your business? How did the idea come about?

Smith: What made me want to start up Sole Simple is my motivation to find a way to pay myself when I couldn’t find a job. I always had an obsession for sneakers growing up as I was constantly going to sneaker conventions all throughout NYC when I was 16. Meeting people to trade, sell, and buy sneakers from others was an experience at a young age. When the job hunting was tough, I would sell some of my sneakers from my own collection to pay myself. After I graduated college, I came up with the name “Sole Simple” because to me it is a very unique name and also the idea of turning a hobby into a paycheck is really easy and simple. 

Question: What advice would you give to young people looking to start their own business?

Smith: I advise all the young entrepreneurs to make sure that they’re 1000% invested into themselves first before they invest in their brand. Too many people try to start a business and are not confident in their brand which leads to failure in the long run. Confidence is a big factor because you have to stand firm on why your products and or services separate your brand from others. If potential customers see that you are not confident in your brand, they will take their money elsewhere. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should someone else believe in you?

Question: What are some of the necessary skills that you've seen are needed to run a successful business?

Smith: Some skills that are I’ve personally seen that are needed is time management, self discipline, assertiveness, and work ethic. If you can master those four skills in your business, it will lead to great success throughout the years.

Question: What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them? 

Smith: The failures that I’ve faced in the business is sometimes investing in some sneakers that end up being easily accessible which everyone in the market calls “bricks”. Sometimes being caught up in the hype too much can lead to no gain in the return of the investment. The good thing about it is that sometimes you can return them and get your money back. One thing I’ve learned is to always do research extensively before you put your money in it. Self assurance is the best insurance in my book. 

Question: What motivates you?

Smith: My mother really is my motivation. She is the one who instilled great values as a man to always strive to want more for yourself and to never be content in anything I do. She really is the MVP in all of this!

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Smith: I tend  to read books, listen to music, and create time for myself to think on how I can make my brand bigger than what it is now. I have a strong tendency to overthink every situation and that’s where I start thinking outside of the box. I try to create at least 2-3 ideas for my business everyday. 

Question: How do you define success?

Smith: Success is when you realize that your blessings will always be bigger and better than your burdens. Financial success is great of course but making sure that you are mentally and spiritually wealthy is even better. You can have all the money in the world but if you’re not right within, how do you expect to win? I believe that everyone is successful in their own way, shape, or form.   

Question: How did you build a successful customer base?

Smith: A great customer base starts off with a great reputation on social media. I started my customer base on social media where I would post up pairs of sneakers I wanted to sell on Twitter and Instagram. I started selling locally at first and gradually I would have random people hit me up on social media all throughout the U.S to purchase. I would write up an invoice and when they paid me, I would ship the sneakers to the address the customer provided. My customer base grew even bigger when I was playing professional football in Germany. When people in the U.S  couldn’t get their hands on a pair of sneakers that sold out, they would hit me up on Twitter and paid me to ship it to them from Germany.  

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful entrepreneur?

Smith: Besides supply and demand, I don’t believe there is a set formula to be a successful entrepreneur. Nowadays, there are so many people who have became successful entrepreneurs in their own way that it is hard for anyone to duplicate it. Just because your formula is working for your own company, doesn’t mean it will work the same for someone else’s brand. You have to find your own niche and capitalize on it in every way possible. 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Smith: As an entrepreneur, I would have to say Jay-Z because he embodies the definition of a businessman all the way. That transition from being a rapper to a successful business owner is something I strive to have especially being that I’m a professional athlete. As I listen to some of his old albums, I realize that he always had a mindset that separated him from other rappers in the industry. 

Question: What is your favorite aspect of being a business owner?

Smith: It’s a beautiful feeling being able to pay yourself and not having anyone tell you what to do or how to do it. Being your own boss and having your own hours is nothing short of immaculate to say the least. 

Question: How do you go about marketing your business?

Smith:  I balance social media marketing with traditional marketing. While marketing on social media, My partners and I would attend sneaker conventions, entrepreneur mixers, and other social events handing out business cards to people who fit our target market. I’m a firm believer in making sure to marketing the business on all avenues as much as possible. 

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make to keep your business running?

Smith: I sacrificed my social life. I’ve been so busy that I have less time to hang out with friends because every minute and hour has be productive towards expanding my brand. The party life ain’t going nowhere and I rather spend my money on my business than to spend it on things with no value. I treat my business as if it was of child of my own. 

Question: What company or business do you admire most other than yours and why?

Smith: Flight Club. They’ve been successful in the industry for several years and still continue to be. I aspire to have that longevity and strong reputation that they have in their business. 

Question: Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

Smith: I can see myself opening several locations outside of NYC with my partners and changing the sneaker head culture to something better than it ever was. People will see Sole Simple globally!

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about your business?

Smith: Yes. We have an online store up right now and I need everyone to follow us on all of our social networks. We are doing sneaker preorders on each release and we sell high end streetwear brands as well. 

Follow Robert Smith on twitter @solesimplellc

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Exclusive | Bradley Coleman is Taking PÄsCHer Clothing Line to the Next Level

By: Omar Cook

Our "Who's Hot?" Entrepreneur of the Week is Bradley Coleman, a 25 year old Father, Entrepreneur, and Football Coach. Bradley Coleman is the CEO and creator of a hot new fashion line called PÄsCHer. A Georgia native, Coleman grew up surrounded by culture the richly talented area of Atlanta. He is a former division 1 athlete where he attended college at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and lettered 4 years in football.

Coleman also serves as a high school football coach at Peachtree Ridge HS in Suwanee, Georgia where he serves as the wide receivers coach. He has a one year old daughter (Amara) and spends alot of his free time on his own,  to reflect and plan out his business. "I like doing what I can to help others" says Coleman.

Shop PÄsCHer at  http://www.paschercollection.com

pasCHer Collection Clothing Line | CEO Bradley Coleman Interview

We talked with Bradley Coleman in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: What sparked you to start your business? How did the idea come about? 

Coleman: Having my daughter sparked me to go ahead and start my business. I had already been thinking about the idea. Once I found out she was on the way, I knew it was time. The idea came from Jesus. He woke me up out my sleep one night at 4 am and the first thing I heard was pascher. So I start researching everything and spent a year working on it before I even told anyone. 

Question: What advice would you give to young people looking to start their own business? 

Coleman: It’s not sweet. I feel like alot of people now a days want to start their own business which is a good thing; I love seeing people doing that but its alot of hard work that goes into it. It's not impossible, it's something you have to be willing to work hard at day in and day out. No matter how hard it gets, always keep your faith. Believe in yourself and your product or no one else will. 

Question: What are some of the necessary skills that you've seen are needed to run a successful business? 

Coleman: A good work ethic. Having good customer service skills and treating people the right way will take you and your business farther than you think. Being honest also. 

Question: What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them? 

Coleman: Not sending all my paperwork in to the IRS on time. I’ve learned that you have to read everything carefully, sometimes twice to make sure you have a clear understanding. Thats always important in business. 

Question: What motivates you? 

Coleman: My daughter Number one, just putting myself in a position to be able to always provide for her is the thing that motivates me most. I want to be able to give her the world one day. I know I can’t do that if I don’t get up and get it. My family also. My parents have been through alot and I put them through some things that I’d like to pay them back for. And I just want to be able to take care of them and my people. Not making it to the NFL motivates me because I let one of my dreams fail; I won’t let this one fail. 

Question: How do you generate new ideas? 

Coleman: Thinking about things I’ve seen around me on a daily basis and turning them into creative ideas to express myself. Brainstorming while listening to music. 

Question: How do you define success? 

Coleman: Success isn’t the result of making money, making money is a result of success. You determine your own success. Just because you have a million dollars, that doesnt mean you are a success. Being successful is doing something because you wanted to do it not because you had to or feel like you are forced to. If you always wanted to be a school teacher and you go on and become a school teacher THAT'S being successful. Setting a goal at something you want to achieve and doing it. 

Question: How do you build a successful customer base? 

Coleman: By always having good customer service and letting/showing your customers you appreciate their support and business. 

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful entrepreneur? 

Coleman: Yes I believe there is. Hard work, faith, and will. Being able to see your vision when nobody else can. 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration? 

Coleman: Eric Thomas 

Question: What is your favorite aspect of being a business owner? 

Coleman: Being able to do things exactly how I want to and when I want to. If something goes wrong then its on me. 

Question: How do you go about marketing your business? 

Coleman: I do alot of social media marketing, passing out business cards, networking at different business events around the city. I only wear my brand. So I kind of feel like a walking billboard. 

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make to keep your business running? 

Coleman: Going without, just so my daughter and business can have the things that they need. Putting all my money into it, having faith that it’ll turn into more. Staying up two and three days in a row just to make sure everything gets done. 

pasCHer Collection | “Welcome To The City” Commercial 2018

Question: What company or business do you admire most other than yours and why? 

Coleman: Ralph Lauren, because his company is in the same field as mine and he’s managed to stay at the top of the game for a long time. His fashion pieces are timeless and that’s something that I always aim for. 

Question: Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 

Coleman: I see myself being a very successful entrepreneur and pasCHer at the top of the fashion industry. Being the most worn clothing line around the world. 

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about your business? 

Coleman: PäsCHer is how you walk, how you talk, or how one carries or conducts themselves among others. It’s your approach or attitude. PäsCHer is the pronunciation of the French influenced word posture, originated in the late 16th century. Creative thinking, individuality, and elegance are some of the many characteristics that make up what we like to call “päsCHer.” We are a new trend-setting, international timeless fashion house, influencing lives and culture on a daily basis. päsCHer is a lifestyle. 

Follow Bradley Coleman on twitter @pascher_

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