Author: Henry Murphy

Sometimes I ponder the past and some of my business dealings. I love being an entrepreneur with everything in me, and when it came to business, I always tried to do my best in serving my customers. I always wanted to get better. There were seasons when I felt like everyone we served at Unapologetic® was happy for the most part, and then there were seasons where we dropped the ball on shipping.

In other seasons, as an entrepreneur, I took on other roles to keep cash flow going. I was the middleman, if you will. I always felt like I was battling who I was in the past. For a long time, I was a hustler—a very unethical one and entrepreneurship became my opportunity to do better.

I can recall several business deals that I didn’t handle well. I just didn’t do right. It’s easy to justify those things, but as my relationship with God grew closer, conviction began to set in. I’ve had a few business deals that went bad that weren’t even my fault. But when I thought about my past, I decided to let them go because God had shown me so much grace. I needed to extend that grace to others.

Zacchaeus’ story resonates deeply with me, especially the part where he gave 50% of his possessions to the poor. That’s such a bold move, and it inspires me to give generously to God’s work and to help build His kingdom here on earth. What hits me even harder is Zacchaeus’ commitment to repay those he had defrauded—four times over. That strikes a chord in me because I’ve often thought about the times I could have done better in business. It’s my desire to right those wrongs where I can.

I think about being faithful in the little because I want God to trust me with more. I want repentance to be more than just words—it has to be backed by action. Zacchaeus didn’t just say he was sorry; he put tangible steps behind his repentance. That’s what I want for my life, too.

This blog is raw and transparent, but I feel like I need to put it out there. When I write these days, I know someone might come across my words who’s feeling the same way. My hope is that these words let you know that you are not alone.

No, we might not be able to right every wrong we’ve ever done, but for the ones we can? We should.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. I repeat: it is not for the faint of heart. Someone once asked me, “If I’m so talented, and I have the work ethic, why isn’t it producing fruit?” That’s a great question. My response was this: All work works—either it’s working for you, or it’s working on you—but you have to keep working.

I see entrepreneurship as building a house or a structure on solid ground. You have to make sure things are in place and done in order. You want to ensure you have a good product to take to the market, but you also have to work on your mindset every single day. Skipping even one day can set you back. Building takes time—momentum takes time. There are people who seem to do it quicker, but that’s not the standard; it’s the exception.

This is where delayed gratification comes into play. Entrepreneurship isn’t like stepping into an established system where you clock in, work for two weeks, and get paid. No, this is different. You’re building the system from the ground up. Then, once it’s built, you’re finding the right people to run that system efficiently.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

So, keep putting in the work. Stay diligent. Stay a student. If you do that, the dream will come to pass.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

One of the most powerful ways to build trust with your audience is by being open and real about what happens behind the scenes. Sharing the process, challenges, and even the everyday moments that make up your brand isn’t just content—it’s a way of showing transparency and authenticity. When people see what goes on behind the curtain, they feel more connected and confident in your brand.

Think about it: authenticity draws people in and builds relationships that last. So, let’s take a step forward in building that trust by letting people see not just the polished product, but the journey, too.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

You honestly never know what a season is going to bring. God always seems to do something unexpected. For instance, He has been teaching me about being willing to give more, even when I feel like I don’t have it. I remember thinking, Come on, God, does this really make sense? Yet, in His wisdom, He also showed me that with abundance comes responsibility. If I can learn to give in my lack, then I’ll definitely give in my abundance. Only God can teach lessons like that.

Another powerful lesson God has shown me is the heart of serving. As an entrepreneur in the marketplace, He has called me to serve others through what I do. Let me be real—there are moments when I think I should be charging coaching prices, yet God says, If they don’t have it, give freely. Serve.

And so, I submit: Absolutely, God. I’m on duty.

The other day, I was feeling some type of way. You know, some days just hit differently. That morning, I had a coaching call with someone I had met a few weeks prior. Her story was amazing—it was like God gave me a glimpse of where she was going through the vision she shared with me. Only God can allow someone to see something like that.

Later that morning, I received a text from her, and this is what it said:

    Hey Henry! I’m listening to this podcast, and whew, it’s so good. Being an entrepreneur is HARD WORK! I didn’t realize how much I wasn’t doing until listening to this and getting connected to you. I see myself getting closer to becoming what I need to become to be successful. My mind has completely shifted, and even though I have a lot of work ahead of me, I know for sure I’m doing what God is calling me to do. Thank you for helping me!

That text blessed my heart. It was God’s way of reminding me that what He’s called me to do has purpose and is impacting lives. It’s as if He was saying: Stay in it. Stay on duty. Do whatever I put on your heart to do.

So, let me encourage you: Stay on duty. Do whatever God has called you to do. Even when it feels heavy, even when it doesn’t make sense, trust that He has a purpose in it all.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Sam Walton. I used to be amazed, first of all, that he worked for JCPenney’s, but when I heard that he used to go get his merchandise in bulk in the middle of the night to show up at his store the next morning, it inspired me. It made me want to get up off of my behind and grind.

When I was younger, I remember walking into Walmart, and the first thing I’d hear was, “Can I help you?” It wasn’t just about buying stuff—it was about how you felt as a customer. Sam Walton made sure of that. He built his business on two things: taking care of people and making sure his stores were always profitable. He aimed for a 30% profit margin, keeping prices low but still making enough to grow the business. That mix of treating customers right and running a tight ship made Walmart what it is today.

I find that so amazing because I personally shoot for about 56%, but I’ve actually been considering his approach. It’s a proven method. I mean, look at what he built. Sam Walton’s children are still some of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S. today. Collectively, the Walton family is worth over $240 billion, making them the richest family in America. On a global scale, they rank among the top 20 wealthiest families worldwide.

As you build your own business, these two pillars—customer service and profitability—will serve as your foundation. These principles aren’t just about making a sale today; they’re about creating long-term, sustainable growth. Think about it: When you genuinely serve people and make sure your business runs efficiently, you set yourself up for a legacy. Just like Sam Walton, you can build something that lasts.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

It’s a breezy day in Georgia, and I’m sitting on my brother’s back porch, scrolling through my to-do list on my calendar. From the outside looking in, it feels like the odds are stacked against my wife and I in this season. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, we have hope—a hope rooted in God and in the calling He’s placed on our lives.

But if I’m honest, I woke up feeling a little defeated today. I hate that feeling. I hate battling negative thoughts. But it’s a fight that has to be fought because those thoughts, if left unchecked, can drag you down for days—sometimes even weeks.

This morning, as those negative thoughts started flooding my mind, I felt the Spirit of the Lord nudge me: Why are you letting those thoughts take over?

I didn’t have a real answer. My response was simple: I don’t know. But here’s the thing—acknowledging the problem wasn’t enough. I had to act. I had to do something about it immediately.

I started by focusing on what was really overwhelming me—deadlines and the weight of everything we need to accomplish. It felt like too much. But in that moment, I was reminded of something we all need to remember: we don’t have to carry these burdens alone. God invites us to give our burdens to Him, to trust Him with what feels impossible for us to handle on our own.

Hebrews 11:1 (NFB) says:

“Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.”

This verse is powerful. It defies logic, yet it speaks to the very core of what faith is. My hope isn’t in my abilities or my own strength—it’s in Jesus. He gave us hope, He gave us life, and He gave us purpose.

So, I hold on to faith, even when I can’t see the outcome. I focus on the substance that’s unseen, trusting that God is working all things together for His glory and for our good. I’m committed to walking in what He’s called me to do, to becoming who He’s shaping me to be in the marketplace, and to modeling His love and grace in all that I do.

I’m holding on to faith.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I came to the end of yet another year and had no idea where the money went. I said to myself, “Henry, you have a financial literacy problem.” I had another problem, though—I didn’t really know where to go to get the answers I needed.

As I continue learning and putting things in place, I feel it’s mandatory to share this information. Honestly, I would be happy if just one person would take it and do something with it.

I often think about that $10,000 I had sitting in storage, realizing that I knew I shouldn’t spend it but didn’t know what to do with it. This blog is pinned with the hope that someone will use this information to set themselves up to be millionaires—not only from their business but through their investments.

1. Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a great way to make your money grow tax-free. When you put money into this account, you pay taxes up front, but once you retire, you can take out your funds tax-free. I remember how I used to let money sit without understanding its potential. A Roth IRA ensures that your money is working for you in the long run.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Vanguard: Known for low-cost options.

    •    Fidelity: Offers flexibility and extensive investment choices.

2. Solo 401(k)

If you’re self-employed, the Solo 401(k) is a must. It allows you to contribute a substantial amount each year and provides tax deductions, which was something I didn’t even realize could benefit me as a business owner. What’s even better is that you can borrow from the plan before retirement—tax and penalty-free.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Charles Schwab: Offers flexibility and easy setup for self-employed individuals.

    •    E*TRADE: Known for their comprehensive Solo 401(k) options.

3. Self-Directed IRA

This one blew my mind when I first learned about it. With a self-directed IRA, you have the ability to invest outside of stocks—you can buy real estate, businesses, or other assets. This is a great way to diversify your investments beyond traditional methods.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Equity Trust: Great for investing in non-traditional assets.

    •    Entrust Group: Provides support for real estate and business investments.

4. Traditional Brokerage Account

A brokerage account allows you to invest freely, though it doesn’t offer tax benefits. This type of account gives you the flexibility to buy stocks, bonds, and other securities and borrow against your account if needed. It’s a great option if you want access to liquidity and the ability to manage your investments in real time.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Charles Schwab: Provides a wide variety of investment options.

    •    Fidelity: A well-rounded choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive investment platform.

5. Health Savings Account (HSA)

The HSA is a game-changer for medical expenses. It offers triple tax benefits—tax deductions when you put money in, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. It’s like a secret weapon in your financial toolkit.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Lively: A great choice for low-fee HSAs.

    •    HealthEquity: Offers various investment options for your health savings.

As I reflect on that time when I didn’t know what to do with my money, I realize that setting up these accounts would have been a game-changer. By taking the steps to create these systems, we can make our money work for us and future-proof our wealth. Take action today, and let your business and investments work in tandem to secure your financial freedom.

God Bless the Entrepreneur.

It’s been a mental battle, pushing through doubt, but I can hear the SPIRIT OF GOD saying, “NEVER FORGET.” As soon as those words came to mind, I started reflecting on every city and state where I personally sold Unapologetic® Apparel.

There’s a book I love called The Gap and the Gain, and when I read this book, it was right on time for me as an entrepreneur. The “Gain” is having a positive attitude towards where you’re going, not measuring yourself against an ideal, but reflecting on where you’ve come from. This is exactly how I feel as I think about the relaunch. I can look back and see how far I’ve come and how much God has allowed me to accomplish with His grace.

We often find ourselves in the “gap” when we start thinking negatively and forget that we actually have something to stand on. You may not look back and see the same accomplishments that I have, but the fact remains, you’ve achieved something, no matter how small it may seem to you. And that’s progress. Never forget that progress.

With all that in mind, I began to reflect on every city and state where I’ve sold Unapologetic® Apparel:

Manhattan, NY

Brooklyn, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Oakland, CA

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Anaheim, CA

Houston, TX

Dallas, TX

San Antonio, TX

Austin, TX

New Orleans, LA

Clinton, MS

Montgomery, AL

St. Louis, MO

Kansas City, MO

South Bend, IN

Sioux Falls, SD

Chicago, IL

Cincinnati, OH

Cleveland, OH

Memphis, TN

Chattanooga, TN

Atlanta, GA

Savannah, GA

Augusta, GA

Jacksonville, FL

Tampa, FL

Orlando, FL

Fort Myers, FL

Tallahassee, FL

Miami, FL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Columbia, SC

Charleston, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC

Charlotte, NC

Raleigh, NC

Durham, NC

Fayetteville, NC

Richmond, VA

Washington, DC

Philadelphia, PA

Boston, MA

Louisville, KY

Grand Rapids, MI

Minneapolis, MN

Colorado Springs, CO

I’m sure I missed a few cities, but in a span of about six years, God allowed all of this to happen. It still blows my mind.

As we prepare for the relaunch of Unapologetic® in Spring 2025, I am praying the same thing for everyone who reads this: that whatever plans you have, you submit them to God and that He goes before you.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

There’s a time for everything, and when it’s time to work, then let’s work. I believe in doing. I believe everything is in the doing, actually, but make sure that you’re taking time to think. There will be things that we have to figure out along the way, and some of that doesn’t happen until you start moving.

I think a lot about the small things now, and maybe it’s because I’m starting over. I kinda like starting over because I get to bring all of my past knowledge—the things I did right and the things I did wrong—but I get to focus more on the details. I get to focus more on cost of sales, how much I’m paying for things, and how much I’m supposed to charge. You need to know whether you are dealing with a wholesaler or a manufacturer. No matter which way you go, know what type of material you’re dealing with. Understand the weight because that plays a role in how much you charge for shipping. All of this counts, and none of this can be left out.

I also take a deep dive into the customer journey: What is the first, second, third, fourth, fifth thing that I want them to know? And how do I communicate to them without selling when it comes to email flow? How do I think about the graphic design process and the marketing process at the same time? And we live in a digital world now that loves seeing behind the scenes, so how do I capture all of these processes at the same time? I think so much more about the details than I ever have.

I’m a brand owner, and I love what I do. I love merchandising, but it doesn’t matter what business you’re in. Make sure that you’re focusing on the details because they are important. The more you pay attention to them and put a system in place as you grow, you will have difficulties still, but it will be a lot easier to tighten it up.

In every step of building a business, the details are what truly matter. Starting over brings a unique opportunity to refine each process, from cost analysis to customer engagement, with a new level of precision and care. Focus on these details now, and as your business grows, the foundation you build will make it easier to adapt and improve.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

If you’ve read any of my blogs, you know that I believe in living a life submitted to God. But within that, I feel that we’re each unique and called to live authentically. I look forward, envision the future, and look back thinking, “I did it my way.” Wasn’t that Frank Sinatra? Oh yeah, he said it well, and I can connect with that sentiment.

This thought came up during a little pillow talk with my wife. We were discussing the idea of “looking good, riding good, smelling good” and, yes, “living good.” But to me, it has to be on my own terms. Here’s the thing—being true to yourself and doing what you love is where that sense of “good living” comes from. If you’re passionate about something, then do it. If not, it’s time to pivot. Maybe college isn’t for you, or perhaps a corporate job feels like it’s not the right fit. So don’t force it.

And while you’re on this journey, do your best to live beneath your means. Especially when you’re still figuring out where you want to go and what you want to do in life, it’s important to stay grounded financially. I know people who work jobs they don’t enjoy because it provides for their family—and that’s honorable. But don’t get caught up in doing that your whole life.

Life isn’t about following someone else’s idea of success. It’s about being you despite the culture and the pressure to do what’s expected. Live the way God has called you to live, stay true to your values, and create your own path.

God Bless The Entrepreneur