A Year In Review
3 Years of Wise Mind Movement
Damn, we're 3 years in and I seriously feel like it was yesterday that I launched the brand. My usual anniversary date would consist of a new collection release with a new silent letter. However, I'm not in the creative space right now to do so, I have ideas, but they aren't worth forcing on you guys. Plus if you followed the Feed Fam collection you kind of get the gist of what I've been going through. I would say that within' the brands last year it has had it's up's and down's, definitely more up's though.
Of course as most of you know the brand relocated to California, so with that comes a lot of personal settlement. I've been kind of fighting with myself mentally on where my attention and focus should be 100% of the time. I've taken on other "opportunities" & promises from other individuals which really aren't what I thought they'd be. Though my passion for those opportunities and promises have or are fading I've noticed the impact it's had on me. It has taken my mind a little off of what I love the most, which is Wise Mind. This brand stands for something I'm 100% behind, it means the world to me. I've also taken a lot of heat from other "creators" for having to work a "day job." Though I understand what they're trying to say, I feel like they don't understand the situation. My 40 hours a week support my brand, it's what pays these invoices. I understand those 40 hours are a test, a part of the story. It makes me work with a purpose knowing it's for my vision. The goal is to ease my way out of a "9-5", but really until then I would just like people to get off my nuts about it. Not everyone's grind, situation, come-up is the same. I'm a firm believer in work with what you have to get to what you want. I'm currently fighting my way back into that mindset of loving what I do and having full creative range. That process includes working those 9 hour shifts, hitting the gym, and staying up to 3am-5am working on Wise Mind, and damn it feels good!
Yea I've taken minor L's while being out here, but that is ok, I understand this is a process. Most of my Silent Letters give you a back story to a collection, all of which were dark/tough times in my life. However things have slightly changed in the last few months. For starters my Mom is a little happier and a little less stressed, which is so dope to see. My personal relationship with my girl is amazing, Im beyond blessed to have that girl in my life man. Out of our 5 years together these past 8 months have been our first time living together and I love every minute of it. My relationship with my family is a lot more clear, I miss my brothers and sisters constantly, but if your reading this I love you guys.
W's in the 2016-2017 year for us include our first ever pop-up shop which was cool too see what I'm capable of. Yeah the turnout could've been better, details within' a marketing campaign, and small aesthetics, but with every step you learn and gain a feel for things. For a first step I say the shop was a success. We also released 3 new collections in the year; Follow Your Heart, LA Wise Mind, and Feed Fam. Since living out here I can say I've taken in a lot more knowledge about the industry and tools that I can use.
Big things to accomplish in this next year and I'm personally excited for you guys to catch them as they roll-out. Again, thank you for EVERYTHING, seriously E V E R Y T H I N G. The love, support, spreading word, repping, etc. Real quick, special thanks to everyone that helped us this year, our Models, Photographers, Mark and Brandon for talking me into coming out here. Also, for the inspiration and wisdom you gave in our short period of time of living together. Would like to thank Samir of F4MILY MATTERS Clothing for being a great example from a distance and sticking to what you believe in, your an inspiration and I love the concepts you have behind your work, thank you. The homie, Dpak, I admire seeing your growth in just the short time I've known you. I remember you talking about your business ventures when I was contemplating moving out here. I'm very excited for yalls official launch and I look forward to purchasing, keep going bro, lets catch up soon. On to a great friend, Mo. Mo Money, bruh THANK YOU not just for the creative things you've done for me or helped me with, but for always being an open ear when I got something on my mind. Your awesome man, it's ill to see your agency starting to roll and take its course. Very proud of you and your a huge inspiration. Lastly, Ashley, just all out thank you. Relationship aside, your a huge part behind my drive for the brand. Your an awesome human being and I hope one day to have half the heart you have. Keep working for what makes you happy and get after it.
Much love, stay wise. Feed Fam pt.2 this August.