Inspiring Lives with " Dope Lee Clothing " for Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By : Samantha Cee
Dope Lee Clothing is a brand that encourage the mind to be great. A brand that also encourages everyone to be themselves and feel good about themselves. The logo represents blocking haters while focusing on your dreams/goals.Take a look at our exclusive interview with the rising entrepreneurs.
Instagram & twitter: @DopeLeeClothing
Facebook: Dope Lee Clothing
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
Dope Lee Clothing: It all started when I had an idea to design clothes with paint markers, which I stole from the store smh lol, back in high school. It was doing ok until I stopped because I really had to focus on school. Thank God I graduated. Two years later after graduating in 2010, I started teaching myself how to do graphic designing since I didn't get accepted to The Art Institute of Philadelphia. That's when I had the idea to design my logo and other designs so I can start putting them on shirts. Then BOOM! Dope Lee Clothing was born. Huge shout out to my big bro, @ListenofABC for hooking me up with Photoshop by the way. It really got me far.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Dope Lee Clothing: I'm big on doing promos so I guess by me doing that and showing how dedicated I am with my brand, it attracted a lot of people.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
Dope Lee Clothing: #1 Take your time and make sure what you're trying do is what you really what to do. The reason why I'm saying that is because if you're doing it just for the money or just doing it just to do it, then you'll lose interest real fast. #2 Have fun, be aware, and think smart. #3 Every opportunity is not golden. Be careful with the people that's trying to take advantage of you. Sorry for the extra advice but #4 is VERY important and that is to believe in yourself.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Dope Lee Clothing: I wouldn't change anything because everything was a learning experience and its all about growth.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur ?
Dope Lee Clothing: Consistency, patience, and knowledge.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Dope Lee Clothing: By trying to rush everything and focusing too much on the people that didn't support me. In my opinion, it made me look a hot mess and a little bit depressed. I've learned to take my time and just be patience with everything. I also learned that there are people still watching you even if they don't support you, it motivated me to keep working.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
Dope Lee Clothing: All day. I'm always thinking about what I should do next and what not to do so I won't make the same mistakes. I can be chilling with my girlfriend, have a good time, and still think about my brand lol.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
Dope Lee Clothing: Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
Dope Lee Clothing: My son motivates me. He's my everything. I want to show him that you can achieve anything by putting in the work, staying true to yourself and not let anything or anyone get in the way of your goal.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
Dope Lee Clothing: Always trying to think of something different. Listening to music, which I love, also helps me.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Dope Lee Clothing: There were multiple times I had to shut down the brand because of personal and financial issues, but when everything got situated I didn't hesitate to try to bring the brand back to life. You definitely have to love what you do.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Dope Lee Clothing: In 10 years I can see Dope Lee Clothing everywhere and worn by everyone. In 20 Years, I can see myself probably being a "Ghost Graphic Designer" for other brands.