Interview by: Danielle Jodd

SOLO. By Cali Rashad means, Self Before Anyone Else. He came up with this definition of my brand when I gained the confidence to have something to call his own. Confidence is a huge driving force behind his brand and he encourage sall walks of life to see what they’re about. Take a look at the exclusive cover story available July 5th.

Print Copy & Interview NOW AVAILABLE

SOLO. By Cali Rashad means, Self Before Anyone Else. I came up with this definition of my brand when I gained the confidence to have something to call my own. Confidence is a huge driving force behind my brand and we encourage all walks of life to see what we’re about. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without the grace of God, family and friends. I thank them so much on a regular basis because they deserve that. But I deserve to give myself some props as well. Not to toot my own horn, but, if I didn’t believe I would be here then I wouldn’t be here and look, here I am. Get to Know the brand with the exclusive interview and cover story...NOW Available!

FGM: Its an honor to sit down with you all . Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career.

Answer: I love making projects for everyone! Individuality is another component that fuels my brand. My team and I feel that no one person is the same so every project gives me an opportunity to showcase my work for all who support the brand. If I had to choose a group of clients that I offer my services to, it would be teenagers. I truly think it’s a blessing that the youth fully support my brand the way that they do; especially young athletes such as my younger brother DJ and his friends. From high-school ball to travel ball, they’re always wearing SOLO. on their chest and for that I am forever grateful.

FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?

Answer: I think I’m making a difference in the world by unifying the people in a respectable manner. I learned in life that respect can get you far and by respecting yourself first and foremost that effect has a way of permeating to your audience. I’ve welcome people from all over the world with open arms. They love me for that and I love them for accepting me and that paints a beautiful picture for the world to see.

FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur

Answer: I’m determined everyday. I don’t know when my next dollar is coming. Everyday I wake up I have to give 100% effort for my business. My son has to eat. I have to have a place to sleep. So for me honestly, the grind doesn’t stop. I cannot quit. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand

Answer:My 3 favorite qualities of my brand, number one individuality. There are those who want to fit in but we give our customers the power to stand out confidently in their own special way. Number two has to be unity. SOLO. has the versatility to fit all shapes, color and sizes from all walks of life. Giving the opportunity to connect with everyone equally. That is my favorite component of my brand. Lastly consistency. I have enough content and products to last me a while. Everybody is looking for something new daily and I’m glad I’ve been consistent enough to showcase my new products almost on a daily basis.

FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?

Answer:I work irregular hours all the time. I have a two year son. While he’s awake I try my best to give him all my attention. Whether he’s napping or when he rests at night I’m locked in. I actually like sacrificing my for my brand. I love it. Whatever it takes to get the job done without always compromising family time. I’m with it those things are equally important to me but SOLO. works around the clock to get the job done.

FGM: Being a entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?

Answer: I had to treat it like a real job. When the orders come in. I move. If I’m up and an order comes in at 10 at night. I start working at 10:10 and it takes me 4-5 hours from then to get the job done, So be it. I love the grind. I truly love what I do. People can see the hard work I put into my projects and that is something that both parties can appreciate.

FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to beat meet deadlines as a entrepreneur ?

Answer: My family respects my time. They see that I take my brand seriously. I ditched hanging with friends and family to get my orders done. My circle around me respects what I do. My circle is filled with hard workers so they understand that greatness takes time and they respect me enough to give to me when I need it. It's a mutual thing.

FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?

Answer:Running, riding in my car in silence, a dream, a rap lyric, a heart to heart conversation I had with someone, current events. I think I’ve been blessed with a wandering mind that will let me find inspiration in almost anything. My daily goal is to take something from any encounter I go through in life. It’s how I learn about myself and those inspirations inspire my work.

FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?

I don’t look up to celebrities. That’s my personal choice. I feel as if my family and friends are my heroes. They each have played a part in me that has helped me become the man I am today. They’re somebody I can touch, see or call on when I need something. I just can't get that interaction from someone who’ll never notice me behind a screen. However, there is an underground music artist I listen to daily because his words relate to me in multiple ways and that’s Curren$y. His music helps me stay on task. That’s as close to a public figure that I can think of.

How do you handle stress ?

Hot shower or a nice workout usually works when I’m stressed. I’m big on energy and for me there’s nothing like feeling the hot water touch my skin or getting a nice sweat going from working out. Those are two of my favorite ways to release stress.

FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have ?

You got to believe. If you don’t believe in yourself or believe in what you’re doing, you shouldn’t do it. You got to be consistent. You should always be doing something everyday to work towards your goal. I think that’s the hardest quality to have. Last, is your attitude. How you feel, your energy, your positivity is just as important. And if you produce products like myself your attitude in your work will show. It’s best that your attitude is positive at all times.

FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years ?How do you plan to get there ?

I have to keep telling myself that I plan on being around for a very long time but I know it takes one day at a time and that’s how I learned to approach life. I can’t tell you what will happen in ten years if we’re being honest, I don’t even know what tomorrow holds. I’m gonna continue to dream like I have been doing to this point. I'm going to continue to stay in touch with reality and complete goals for myself. Continue to appear in magazines and radio shows and continue to love myself and those around me. My new motto is, “Think global, not local.” My brand is becoming something major. I will continue to build on that for as long as I’m breathing.

FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us

I appreciate the opportunity. I’m so happy this has happened! I know I’m making my family and my supporters proud by being here and I know that this won’t be the last of me. I promise!