Author: Henry Murphy

As a creative, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of designing without thinking about the cost of production. But as I’ve learned over time, the price of bringing a concept to life is just as important as the design itself. You have to consider everything—from the number of placements on the garment to the colors you use—because all of that adds to the overall cost. The more complex the design, the higher the price tag, and you can’t sell a $75 hoodie for $20.

Here’s why: this is what cost of sales means. Cost of sales is the total cost to produce and deliver a product, including the garment itself, printing, shipping, and any other related expenses. If your total cost to produce a hoodie is $50, for example, you need to sell it at a price that allows for profit—$75 or more. Selling it for $20 means you’re losing money on every sale, which is a quick way to run your business into the ground.

It’s important to balance creativity with practicality. Start small—one placement, one color—until you master the art of selling. Build a community around your brand first, then gradually expand your designs as your customer base grows. This way, you’re not left with inventory sitting on the shelf, draining your pockets.

That said, don’t stifle your creativity. If a great idea comes to you, it’s still worth holding onto for a future launch. Execution is everything, and understanding the cost to create your product is key to making sure your brand stays profitable.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

Here I am, back at the beginning, re-launching my unapologetic brand. The question is, am I starting from scratch, or will my 10,000 text message subscribers go crazy for me? Before diving into the details, let’s explore the possibilities. If 3,000 people spend $30, that amounts to $90,000. That’s a solid start, especially considering that’s just a fraction of my 10,000 subscribers. Using industry standards, if 10% of my list converts, that would mean 1,000 people spending $30 each, which totals $30,000. Now that’s crazy! Or, as Bernie Mac would say, “That’s QWAZY!!”

For a text message blast, it typically takes a few hours to go out, especially with split A/B testing to see who visits the website. And honestly, that’s not too bad—it’s actually pretty exciting. But here’s the reality: when it doesn’t work, it’s time to switch gears.

Let’s talk about sending that text message blast. When those 10,000 subscribers aren’t converting as I’d like, I know I have to pivot.

I’m focused on shifting things for the next 10 years by building a community around the brand, adjusting my price point, improving the customer journey, and thinking through concepts to conception—all while maintaining high quality.

What if I have to start over? The truth is, that might be a real possibility for me right now. I’m in the thick of this process, and things aren’t converting like I wanted. You might think, “Oh man, you have to start over!” But my mindset is focused on re-launching—not just with a different price point, but by ensuring the community I build is completely aligned with my values. I want them to connect with my brand story in a way that fosters lifetime loyalty.

I recognize my pricing has changed. I used to sell tees for about $15, but that’s not the direction I’m going anymore. I only want people on that list who are truly passionate about rocking with the brand. Don’t be afraid to start over, even if you have a big list. Sometimes we get caught up in the potential money, but it’s crucial to prioritize quality over quantity.

So here’s what I’m saying: embrace the possibility of starting fresh, stay true to your values, and focus on building a community that resonates with your mission, whether you’re launching or re-launching.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

It seems like no matter what you do these days, it’s hard to get in touch with a real person. I mean, it’s almost impossible. As a brand owner, I struggle with this too. I’m trying my best to be efficient by using AI while also building a system where people can talk to real individuals. I don’t have all the answers, but I want to highlight that this is a problem in the marketplace that you need to consider in your business.

Brands like Zara and H&M have faced significant challenges regarding customer service. Zara, for instance, has received criticism for its customer service, particularly in order fulfillment and returns. Customers report difficulties in reaching representatives and experiencing delays in responses, which undermines their shopping experience  . Similarly, H&M has been noted for inconsistent customer service, especially with online shopping. Many customers express frustration over the return and exchange processes, highlighting a lack of timely assistance when issues arise  .

As my brand grows, I realize we must be intentional about customer service. Automation can be an amazing tool, but what happens when it doesn’t work? What if you haven’t anticipated all the questions that might arise? When I’m frustrated about an order, I want to speak to a real human being. In my coaching, I emphasize customer retention; I actually reach out to 10 to 20 people who ordered that week to see how things are going and what we could improve. You might think this isn’t significant, but I promise you that not many people are doing it.

As we dive deeper into these topics, I want to shed light on what we need to consider for the future of our businesses. When people think of your brand, you don’t want them to associate it with these four words: Customer Service is dead.

In summary, let’s prioritize genuine interactions and thoughtful service as we build our brands. We can redefine customer service together and ensure our businesses stand out for all the right reasons.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

Let me start off by saying that this is a new concept for me. In my mind, I always believed that if you’re moving slow, then you’re not moving at all. There are seasons where you have to make decisions quicker, but for the most part, as I get older, I’m beginning to realize that slow is good.

I found myself here in Atlanta at this moment, and I really don’t have a dedicated place to record my content like I did in Los Angeles. This move has been challenging—you can read about the bittersweet moments of moving back to Atlanta in one of my previous blogs. Ironically, since this is the case, and all the places that I used to have access to for content are no longer available, it has forced me to slow down and think through the process more. As a result, I created this 30 Days of Content segment for The Ground Up Academy, part one, and I’ll be working on part two soon.

My thought was: should I proceed to part two, or should I put out the 30 Days of Content first, see the questions people are asking, and develop part two from there? Honestly, I wouldn’t have thought that far ahead before. It’s actually allowing me to see a lot of things this way.

I have a pretty large email list, and I’m trying to decide: should I just make this email list a part of this new campaign, or should I craft these new emails for my old list to gauge interest first? Then I can create a new list based on the open rates and reactions to those emails. Again, this is one of those things that I would’ve probably rushed through in the past instead of giving it some deep thought.

I wasn’t even intending to pin a blog today, but as I was thinking through this process and writing on my whiteboard, I realized:

Taking my time is teaching me that slow is good. It’s fascinating how stepping back can open up new perspectives and opportunities. By slowing down, I’m allowing myself to process ideas more thoughtfully and strategically, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Whether it’s developing content for The Ground Up Academy or deciding how to engage my email list, I’m learning that patience can yield valuable insights.

So, as I navigate this transition and embrace this slower pace, I encourage you to consider the power of taking your time. Sometimes, the best decisions come when we allow ourselves the space to think and reflect.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

The first time I saw the phrase shut up and grind, I thought, “Man, that’s kind of harsh. Who says that?” But when I gave it more thought, I understood exactly what it meant. I’m okay with making public announcements, but I believe they should be limited. So, when I re-launch Unapologetic again, you’ll see that announcement. After that, I’m not talking about what I’m doing—you’re just going to see the proof in the pudding.

You’ll witness next-level photoshoots, videography, concepts, deeper thought in our designs, and sharper execution. Once the declaration is made, it’s time to lock in. No more talking; you’ll see everything unfold, and the work will speak for itself.

There’s a verse in the Bible that talks about minding your business and working with your hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11). That’s exactly the vibe here.

So, let me be blunt—shut up and grind. Don’t talk about it; be about it. People will see what you’re doing. Even if they don’t support it, they will respect it. And even if they don’t, you keep grinding anyway. God put that vision in your heart for a reason, and it’s up to you to put in the work.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

One of the biggest mistakes we can make as entrepreneurs is thinking we need to have it all figured out before we get started. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. As I began working on The Ground Up Academy, I found myself looking at others in the industry, comparing what they were doing. Naturally, I would say, “I like this” or “I don’t like that”—and that’s how we all refine our vision. But through my experience building Unapologetic from the ground up, I realized that what really matters is taking what you’ve done well, learning from the mistakes, and building something better.

I have a saying: If it’s been done before, then you already know it can be done. But even if it’s never been done before, it still can be done. That’s the mindset I adopted when building The Ground Up Academy. I found the right platform, knew I wanted to build a subscription-based model, and honestly, wasn’t sure how it would all come together. But I trusted that if I got started, God would give me the wisdom and insight to keep going.

Take Ralph Lauren, for example. He didn’t start out as the giant fashion empire he is today. He began with ties—just ties—and took a chance that Neiman Marcus would buy into his vision. That deal was a turning point, and from there, he figured it out. His brand didn’t explode overnight, and neither did anyone else’s. Everyone goes through a process.

Once I got my first subscription for The Ground Up Academy, that was all the proof of concept I needed. The next step was creating the systems, building the infrastructure—how does it all work together? Who do I need? I prayed about every person I brought onto the team, and little by little, things started to fall into place.

I’m writing this because I want you to understand: nobody has it all together. No company you admire is perfect. They are still making mistakes, just like you will. But here’s the key: you’ve just got to get started. I see what I’m building becoming massive because my mission is clear—to add value and help people build successful businesses. That’s the focus, and everything else will be figured out along the way.

So, if you haven’t started yet, today is the day. Move in faith, put in the work, be patient, and be diligent.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

Embarking on a new endeavor often means starting off with less-than-stellar skills. Most talents are not innate; they require dedication, practice, and a willingness to endure initial struggles. The question that echoes in our pursuits is: Are you willing to start off bad?

As I pen down this blog, it’s a prelude to a journey of webinars – a realm I anticipate stumbling through initially. The vision of its potential fuels my determination. I recognize that mastery doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process of growth and learning.

Not everyone possesses natural talent; almost everything demands honing. Surrounding ourselves with the right people amplifies our chances of success. It’s about building a team that supports and refines our skills.

So, I say this – do not fear starting poorly. Faith becomes the driving force in pursuing the next big thing. Overcoming the fear of failure, rejection, and investment is crucial. Remember, greatness often emerges from humble beginnings.

As I venture into webinars, I might not be a pro by the time you read this, but one thing is certain – I started with a willingness to be bad at it. Every journey to excellence demands that initial leap, and I encourage you: don’t be afraid to start on that path.

In conclusion, greatness is not about where you start; it’s about the commitment to grow and improve. Embrace the journey, start with faith, and let every stumbling block be a stepping stone towards greatness.

As I sit on the steps of the porch in my zip-up hoodie, cargo shorts, and Jordan Air Ones, the sun sends peaks of light through the trees. The grass is green, the birds are chirping, and the wind gently blows across my face. It’s one of those beautiful days in Atlanta, Georgia—the kind of day that gives you space to think deeply and reflect. My Starbucks blonde roast coffee warms my hands, and though it’s a little chilly, the hood from my hoodie keeps me comfortable.

In moments like this, I often wonder why God places certain things on my heart. For instance, why now does He want me to be a communicator in the marketplace? I think about it, but not too much—because if I do, I might start to wrestle with my value. I’ve come to understand that I’m valuable simply because God says I’m valuable. I don’t need to measure my life by anything else.

One of my daily prayers is, “Lord, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit.” I try to ask this every day, and though I sometimes forget, it’s not often. I’ve realized how much I need Him and can’t even imagine how I used to live without that awareness. Today, with the beauty of the world around me—the sunlight, the breeze, the sounds of creation—I’m reminded that everything God set in motion still exists. Just as He created the earth, He created me, and He created you. When I stop and reflect on that, it’s overwhelming in the best way.

And while I’m thinking about communication, God’s will, and reflection, I also feel a deep sense of purpose for the writing He’s placed on my heart. It’s part of this season of preparation that I’m in. I don’t want to overthink it. I just want to be faithful, to be great, and to move forward in the way He’s leading me.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

You ever take a saying and use it so often, but can’t remember where it came from? The title of this blog is one of those sayings. We all know what it means—or at least, most of us do. If not, here’s a quick explanation: it’s about taking what’s useful and leaving the rest behind.

I use this saying all the time, especially when I’m learning from others. Sometimes, people share insights that don’t fully resonate in the moment, or maybe there are parts I just don’t agree with. That’s fine—growth often requires discernment. Every book I read, I apply this principle. For instance, I love Think and Grow Rich. I don’t agree with everything in the book, but overall, it’s a solid resource. Myron Golden once pointed out something interesting about it—he said the book should’ve been called Think Long and Grow Rich, highlighting the need for deep, intentional thought. At first, I kind of understood what he meant, but as time passed, it really sunk in. We need to carve out more time to think deeply—about what we’re doing and how we want to execute it. More thought on the front end means better results when it’s time to act.

I’ve even set a daily event on my calendar that says Grow: Audible + YouTube + Podcast. This reminds me to invest in learning from other entrepreneurs every day, to constantly elevate my mindset. It doesn’t matter how you do it—just make sure you’re doing it. I used to love walking through Los Angeles with an audiobook playing in my ear. It was a game-changer—just walking through the fast-paced city, the sunlight breaking through the trees, while I absorbed valuable information that could take my life to the next level.

So every day, make it a priority to chew up the meat, spit out the bones, and add value to your life. When you do that, you position yourself to add value to others.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I can’t believe the time is up. Ironically, I never realized there was a time limit. I guess I thought I’d be in California forever. I fell in love with the city, the culture, the people, and—honestly—the weather.

Three days before our flight, I started putting furniture and other items in the hallway with a “free” sign. My wife and I would laugh because every time we came back an hour later, everything would be gone. It was one of those moments that was funny, but bittersweet because it meant time was up.

It hit me hardest when a friend came to pick up my 75-inch Samsung TV. As it was coming off the wall, something felt heavier than the TV itself—the thought that I really had to leave California.

I struggled with it, but deep down, I know God has the final say. Every day, I surrender my will to Him, which means trusting Him completely. Once I embraced that, I began to see my time in California with new eyes—more mature eyes. We were there for a reason, and I believe we accomplished what we were meant to. My wife grew in so many ways, and so did I—too many ways to list in this blog, but just know, God ordained that season.

Now, as I sit in Atlanta writing this, it’s bittersweet. Atlanta has always been good to us, especially for business, and we have strong connections here. My prayer every day is, “God, order my steps,” because while I don’t fully understand why we’re back, I trust that He has a purpose for it.

If you’re going through a season that you don’t quite understand, know that it’s purposeful. He’s equipping you with what you need for the next season. And that next season might also come with things you don’t fully grasp, but trust that He’s preparing you for what’s ahead. He’s a God who goes before us, a God who loves and cherishes us. He’s with us through everything, and He will never leave or forsake us.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.