Author: Henry Murphy

There will be days when you are building a brand and you might say, “I quit.” Then the next day, you come to your senses and say to yourself, “If I don’t do this, then it won’t get done.” This is how entrepreneurship feels most days: pure exhilaration one day and close to depression the next day. I know that’s not funny, but I laughed a little bit because I really know what that’s like.

I remember my dad used to make me recite this poem:

Don’t You Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow—

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar;

As I started learning about everything that it takes to run a brand, I got overwhelmed. But I realize that I don’t have to be excellent at everything. I just need to know a little bit about everything, and the things that I’m really good at—that’s what I focus on. The goal is to eventually bring in someone to handle everything that I’m not strong in.

You’ve got banking information, incorporation information, trademark info, ads, brand identity, brand story, social media, shipping, Shopify store—the list goes on. Yes, this can be overwhelming, and that’s why you have to give yourself time. You need time to learn, and as you learn and put things into action, you grow. There’s so much potential past the learning curve. There will be days you have to tell yourself, “Once I get past this learning curve, then I’m gonna see everything that I worked for.”

As you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, remember that persistence is key—every challenge faced is a step toward mastering your craft. Embrace the journey, knowing that the obstacles you overcome today will pave the way for the success you envision tomorrow. So, keep pushing forward, and know that with each lesson learned, you’re closer to reaping the rewards of your hard work.

 God Bless The Entrepreneur.

There are days that I have to cling on to optimism with everything that is in me. Life gets tough, entrepreneurship gets tough, family issues get tough. You know, my saying: life be Lifing. It will do us good to remember that there are two sides to everything, and I know we get caught up a lot when we’re on the bottom side of things. When we are trying to build a business, all we see is this uphill climb, and it can feel like we are failing. In those moments, I remember when Myron Golden said that sometimes the work works on you until it works for you. You see, it’s that type of insightfulness that lets me know all of this is pushing me to the other side; it is pushing me toward success.

In personal development, we can look at challenges as opportunities for growth. For example, when facing criticism, instead of letting it diminish our self-worth, we can view it as constructive feedback that helps us improve. Similarly, financial setbacks can teach us valuable lessons about resourcefulness and resilience, ultimately making us stronger entrepreneurs.

The fact that I know a scarcity mindset exists—and sometimes I live there—I am always aspiring to get to that growth mindset and live there. I want a scarcity mindset to feel foreign to me. I need to pin this blog today because I need the reminder. I’m hoping that this reminds you that there is another side that exists and that it is attainable.

In closing, it’s all about perspective. Remember that the challenges you face today are simply part of your journey, pushing you toward greater heights. Embrace the duality of life, and know that with the right mindset, success is within reach.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

Something interesting happened the other day.

My wife and I were at Dunkin’ Donuts, enjoying the weather. We were sitting on the patio, talking about what we were going to get. I told her, “You know what I like? I just need a hot coffee and that sour cream doughnut they have.” She said she either wanted a cold brew or a flavored tea and a sour cream doughnut too. As we were deep in discussion, a gentleman approached us. You could tell he was older, but he looked younger, like this older guy really took care of himself. That’s what crosses your mind when you see him. He was so spunky; if I had to guess, I would say maybe he was 60 years old. He started talking about entrepreneurship and was so inspirational that he almost gave us a whole motivational speech right there at the table on the patio. When he said he was 71, my mouth dropped a little bit. I was shocked but also inspired. I said to myself, “OK, Henry, this is a glimpse of what it will look like for you in 20+ years.” I had a Kool-Aid smile on my face because this guy loved what he did, and I love what I do. If this can be me in the future, then I’m good to go. He talked about some of the places he’s been and some of the things he has done, and then I realized I still have time. It was good to get a different perspective because sometimes you need it.

You see, age is just a number; what truly matters is the passion and drive you bring to the table. It doesn’t matter how old you are; you have time. Each day is a new opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact, regardless of when you start. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, and don’t let the fear of time hold you back. My hope is that you will run into somebody who inspires you so that you can get a glimpse of what life can be.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

In the fast-paced information age, the question of how much content is too much often lingers. Time, the most precious currency, becomes the focal point of reflection. The realization that time is irreplaceable propels the intentionality to use it wisely.

The analogy of a hypothetical million-dollar check, contingent on trading one’s life, starkly illustrates the immeasurable value of time over money. This concept resonates deeply when approaching content creation. Time spent crafting content is an investment, and the goal is to make it work tirelessly beyond the initial effort.

In my journey, I’ve learned not to trade time for money but to make time an ally. By creating quality content that serves its purpose repeatedly, I aim for efficiency and longevity. The desire is for my creations to keep working for me—whether I’m on vacation, asleep, on a date with my wife, or spending time with my granddaughter.

Currently, my goal is to write five blogs per week. It’s a commitment that started with just one a month, evolving as I saw the potential impact. The intention is to be years ahead in content creation, inspired by the idea that even beyond my time, the information I’ve shared will continue to resonate.

The aspiration to have a surplus of content, inspired by Tupac’s intentional approach to his craft, is an ambitious yet purposeful goal. To record a podcast, write a blog, or engage in meaningful communication daily echoes the desire to leave a lasting impact, even beyond one’s physical presence.

In conclusion, the journey of content creation knows no cap. It’s a continuous flow, a legacy that extends beyond the constraints of time. The value lies not just in the quantity but in the enduring impact that resonates through the ages.

He formed you in your mother’s womb. Hold up—wait, what? So often we breeze over scripture without grasping the full weight it carries. We hear things like, “no one has the same DNA or fingerprints as us,” and while we know it’s true, we tend to treat it as something ordinary instead of seeing the miracle in it. God took the time to uniquely shape who you are, what you’re meant to do, and He placed purpose in your heart and gave you His Spirit. Don’t skim over that truth—it’s powerful. Take a moment to really think about it.

I remember watching Arie as she navigated the early years of school. She would often tell me about her friends, their popularity, and how sometimes she wondered if she needed to be more like them to get the same attention. It hit me that this mindset of comparison starts early. The other day, we had a conversation where she mentioned a friend who wanted to become a lawyer and then a judge. I thought, “Wow, that’s admirable.” So, I asked her what she wanted to do, and she replied, “I want to own my own beauty salon.” I smiled and said, “Well, that’s the entrepreneur in you.” She smiled back.

Then she told me how the same friend looked down on her dream. I asked, “What did you say to that?” She responded, “I told her to check for me in 10 years.” I was so proud of her for standing her ground, confident in her vision.

I don’t know exactly what God has in store for her through entrepreneurship, but I do know that we often get glimpses of our potential when we’re young. Too often, though, as we grow, we let fear creep in, or we listen to what others say we should do. I want to keep reminding Arie to stay connected to God, to let Him reveal who she’s meant to be and what she’s meant to do. It doesn’t matter what the world says; it only matters what He says. As she builds her relationship with Him, everything she’s meant to be will flow out of that.

The truth is, if we don’t take the time to seek God’s direction for our lives and become all He’s called us to be, we’re doing ourselves—and those we’re meant to impact—an injustice.

God Bless The entrepreneur

I was on my daily grind of reading books and I heard this statement about community and confession. I couldn’t agree more. I have been in a lot of church settings, and while there were some confessions, you knew that people were holding back—that it wasn’t deep, just surface level.

It all starts with vulnerability—vulnerability in transparency. We need it once we recognize that we’re flawed and that God wants our honesty. He wants to speak to us through His Holy Spirit, through His word, so that we can grow, but it starts with being truthful.

I had a few brothers in California that I did life on life with, and as I’ve grown in the faith and got more mature, I’ve learned to be more vulnerable. I realize that when I’m vulnerable, it helps the other person to be vulnerable too, and then you create something special because you know what you’re saying to each other can be trusted and you can hold each other accountable. There’s something amazing about what we confess—it begins to change our thinking, and we start to think and move like God desires us to move. I know, I know—we think that once we give our life to God, we’re without sin, but we all know that’s not true.

Get around some brothers and sisters that you can be vulnerable with and who can be vulnerable with you, and grow healthy in community.

In the end, true community comes when we’re willing to be open, honest, and vulnerable with one another. It’s through that transparency that growth happens, and we start to see the changes God desires in us. So, don’t hold back—find those people you can be real with and build something strong together.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I woke up this morning with a thought on my heart: you haven’t failed enough. It’s something I’ll tell anyone building a business from the ground up, and it’s something I have to remind myself. I’m working on new design concepts, and honestly, I don’t know for sure if they’ll work. We can always feel good about what we’re doing, but the truth is, we’ll never really know until the market tells us. I’ve been thinking about how to roll these ideas out so that if I take a financial loss on one of the designs, I can quickly come back with the next one. I’ve also been considering how to get the public involved in the process.

I love entrepreneurship with everything in me—the trial, the error, the struggle, the learning. But I also love looking to others and seeing what they’ve been through. It reassures me that I’m not alone.

Take Daymond John, for example. Before his global brand FUBU took off, he was on the brink of bankruptcy multiple times. He mortgaged his house, poured everything into the brand, and faced rejection after rejection. But through it all, he kept going. Today, FUBU is a household name, and Daymond is one of the most well-known entrepreneurs. He failed, but he didn’t stop.

Then there’s Tyler Perry. He’s built an empire in film and theater, but his journey wasn’t easy. His early plays were financial disasters, leaving him homeless and living in his car. Yet, he held onto his dream. After years of struggle, his work finally gained recognition, and today, Tyler Perry Studios stands as a testament to his perseverance. He failed, but he didn’t stop.

And lastly, Cathy Hughes. The founder of Urban One had her home foreclosed and faced years of financial challenges. She sacrificed everything for her vision, and after years of struggle, she became the first Black woman to head a publicly traded media company. Now, Urban One owns over 50 radio stations. She failed, but she didn’t stop.

Let me leave you with this: the vision you see is real, but it’s going to take grit to get where you’re going. You can do it. Sometimes, you just need someone to tell you it’s possible. Daymond John, Tyler Perry, and Cathy Hughes—they’re all telling you it’s possible too. Keep going.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

It is not an easy task to take something from concept to conception. To dream about it, imagine it, and then actually put the wheels in motion. It takes grit, it takes grind. Now, imagine you’re still working your 9 to 5, taking care of your child, trying to provide the best way you can, while feeling that nudge, that overwhelming call to create something amazing. Not just a good idea—a great idea. Not only does the food taste good, but it’s healthy for you.

When I think about Nickole from Lush Vegan, that’s exactly what I see. Someone getting it out of the mud, putting in the work to build her skill set, refine her communication, and craft her brand story. It’s no easy task to be in corporate America while creating your own fine dining vegan restaurants in a metropolitan city, but that’s exactly what she is doing. When you’re the first to do something, and you didn’t come from generational wealth, using your own money and finding creative ways to make it happen—that’s a lot of pressure. Sometimes, you ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” Then you realize, if you don’t do this, the vision that God gave you won’t come to pass.

Nickole is attempting something big, but she can look at other strong women who didn’t have much and still did something phenomenal. Oprah Winfrey grew up in poverty, but she became a media mogul and the first Black woman billionaire through sheer determination. She didn’t have wealth handed down to her, but she created a legacy of her own. Similarly, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started with just $5,000 of her own money and a great idea. She pushed through every obstacle to build a billion-dollar empire, proving that it’s possible to create something revolutionary without generational backing.

I’ve seen Nickole grow tremendously over the years I’ve known her, and I can’t wait to look back five years from now and see how her empire has grown. I see fine dining vegan restaurants in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. I see frozen goods in stores across the nation—and that’s just the beginning. Nickole is already on her journey, and she’s already making her mark.

If you’re reading this, take note of the two women I mentioned, but also keep your eyes on Nickole. She’s in the midst of her journey, making it happen in real time. Keep going. Dreams are attainable, but remember, they take before they give. You are worthy to possess the dream that God gave you.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

The diversity of influences never fails to fascinate me, showcasing the unique gifts bestowed upon each individual by a higher power. It’s a reminder that within the vast marketplace, there’s a place for everyone willing to authentically be themselves.

Take, for instance, a lady who started her journey as a manager at Target and transitioned into a YouTube influencer. Her story, followed closely by my wife and daughter, serves as a testament to the possibilities that unfold when one takes risks and remains consistent.

Her genius lay in a simple yet relatable concept – showcasing both high and low fashion, aligning with the budgeting reality of many. The blend of occasional high-end splurges with budget-friendly choices like thrifting or Target purchases resonated with a broader audience. It was this authenticity that made her stand out in the realm of influencers.

So, what’s your niche? How can you stand out and become the person your tribe is seeking? The answer lies in putting your unique ideas into the marketplace. Fear not the risk or the prospect of failure, for as Marshall once said, “The only life worth living is the one you’re afraid to live.”

In conclusion, your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace it, share it with the world, and discover the profound impact you can make in the marketplace.

When I first got started in business, I was very timid, and although that wasn’t my character, I felt like I was infringing on people’s privacy when I had to follow up with them on services they contacted me for. Man, I was so nervous I was like, “What do I say to him? How do I even approach this situation?” It’s almost like you’re talking to yourself. “Well, they hit me up first, so I know they want the service… maybe they didn’t like me?” You start asking yourself questions like this because you’re just unsure, but let me assure you, these are all natural emotions.

I used to run a company called the Sweat Shop ATL, and no, it’s not like the sweatshops you’re thinking of. I called it the Sweat Shop because as we worked, we were always sweating. I thought the name was fitting because when we first started, we were in a small room heat pressing shirts with screen print transfers. I was starting to get a little buzz, so people would ask me about printing their stuff because they knew I was printing my own merchandise at Unapologetic. If you called me to talk about what I do, I’d flow seamlessly because I love what I do. However, if you weren’t ready to pull the trigger at that time, then I’d feel a little uncomfortable following up with you.

But let me tell you—the follow-up game is everything. Most of your customers will call to inquire, but they won’t always buy right away. Sometimes they just want to see what else is out there, because like most people, they’re looking for a better price. But here’s the thing: my goal is always to win them over with my personality. It’s about that personal connection. If people connect with you personally, and you deliver professionally, you’ve got a lifetime customer.

Here are a few suggestions you can use when following up with your customers:

1. Acknowledge Previous Conversations – “Hey [Client’s Name], just wanted to follow up on our conversation about [service/product]. Have you had a chance to consider the options we discussed?”

2. Highlight the Benefits – “I truly believe our service can help you [solve their problem], and I’d love to help you take the next step when you’re ready.”

3. Offer New Insights – “I’ve been thinking more about your project and came up with a few additional ideas that could really enhance what we discussed. I’d love to run them by you.”

4. Be Friendly and Direct – “Just checking in to see if you’re still interested in moving forward. I’m here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.”

Never forget—the follow-up game is everything. Stay consistent, build those connections, and you’ll build lasting relationships that keep your business thriving.

God Bless The Entrepreneur