Author: Henry Murphy

Maybe it was on the rooftop in Los Angeles overlooking the city, or perhaps it hit me on the plane from LA to Atlanta, or while sitting on the back porch of my daughter’s house, sipping coffee. Either way, the truth remains: I don’t have nothing to prove.

I recently relaunched my brand, Unapologetic, and that’s where it all started to resonate in my heart. I had some success with this brand, but I know I didn’t give it everything that was in me. I could’ve poured so much more into it. Before writing this blog, I thought about all the insightful things I wanted to do for the relaunch, and then it hit me.

I know it could have impacted people in a more significant way. I know it had an effect because people still ask me about it, and they continue to wear the merchandise.

I’ve grown in my faith, and I’m past the point of telling people to sit back and watch what I do. That mindset is elementary for me now. I shut down my business 2 ½ years ago, and while that might sound crazy to some, I believe in my heart that this was what God was telling me to do. In hindsight, I see why I had to do it, even if it didn’t make sense to me at the time. Obedience rarely makes sense in the beginning.

The first time I launched my brand, I faced doubts from people about concepts inspired by the Word of God. They didn’t feel it was something they could buy into, and I felt the need to prove myself. I wanted to show them that these ideas came from God and that they would work. I said, “You don’t believe me? Just watch and see.”

But I’ve grown past that mindset. I remember when one of the disciples told Jesus that they had seen some followers who weren’t part of their group and wanted to rebuke them. Jesus said, “Don’t rebuke them, for if they are not against us, then they are for us.” That’s exactly how I feel about the faith-based apparel business. If others are promoting God and believe this is what they’re supposed to do, then there’s fruit in that—or at least the potential to bear fruit. That’s the most important thing here.

So while I don’t have anything to prove to anyone else, I do want to prove something to myself. I want to show that I can focus, take an idea or concept, and make it so much more impactful. I want my clothing drops to inspire—not just to be clothing drops, but to encourage creativity and a life lived for God.

Since 2013, my mantra for Unapologetic has been “Faith and fashion for us.” This statement rings true, and if God gives me the grace and direction, I know it will be something amazing that impacts people for generations to come.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

When most people hear the phrase “tunnel vision,” they think of someone being laser-focused, blocking out distractions to accomplish their goals. And as an entrepreneur, having that kind of tunnel vision can be essential at times. But the type of tunnel vision I’m talking about is a bit different than what you might expect—I’m talking about being *legally blind*. 

Some days are tougher than others because some days, things are a bit blurrier. As an entrepreneur, my job revolves around being on social media, handling websites, emails, and an endless flow of text messages. Research and decision-making come with the territory of running a business, and most of that requires my eyes. 

I’ll never forget the day I was at the eye doctor, and she said, *“You don’t have vision in your right eye anymore. We can save the left eye, but you will be legally blind.”* I braced myself, thinking that hearing those two words—*legally blind*—would impact me negatively. But instead, I felt something unexpected: gratefulness.

Grateful that I could still see something, that I could still function and continue my work. And to be honest, people who are completely blind have accomplished incredible things. But for me, knowing that I had some degree of sight was a reminder to not use my condition as an excuse, but as an opportunity. Life had taught me a valuable lesson: when you come close to losing something as precious as your eyesight, it changes you. It makes you realize that every moment counts.

It’s not that who I was before wasn’t good enough—but losing sight, even partially, pushes you to become better. On days when I can’t quite make out people’s faces, even when I’m standing right in front of them, or when I’m watching TV with my wife and struggle to make out the characters on the screen—I remain grateful.

I’m not sharing this as a sob story, but as a reminder: don’t take anything for granted. Live life fully. Enjoy every moment and make sure you’re doing what you love, because life is fleeting. The Word of God says life is like a vapor. So, do something meaningful with the life you’ve been given.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I went back and forth about using the word “trash,” but honestly, it perfectly captures just how rough most of us are when we first start putting content out there consistently. No one begins as an expert, especially on social media. When I talk to people about creating content, no one is jumping out of their seat saying, “I love it! I love being in front of the camera!” No, it’s quite the opposite. Most people dread it—they feel like they’re talking to themselves, and some even wonder, “Does anyone even care?” 

But here’s the thing: if you’re an entrepreneur, social media is mandatory. It’s your chance to be findable, to build social proof, and to let people know you’re not just a business but a real person. They get to tap into your personality, your values, and your brand. And that’s a huge advantage, even if your content is trash at first. 

But, here’s the good news: we all get better over time. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or improve your content, day 365 will look worlds apart from day one if you put in the work. The same thing goes for content creation. You might feel awkward and unsure at first, but with consistency, you’ll see real improvement. And let’s be real: we live in a world where social media is no longer optional for most businesses. Offline interactions matter too, but your online presence has to be there. Only a handful of companies can afford not to be on social media, and one of the rare examples is Lush. They actually got off social media because it was interfering with what they promote—disconnecting from the digital world and focusing on personal well-being. It aligned with their message and made sense for their brand to leave.

Social media is always evolving, but I want to give you a rough social media schedule to follow based on the best posting times for Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Keep in mind these times change frequently, and you’ll need to experiment to find what works best for your specific audience and content.

Suggested Posting Times:

• Facebook: Tuesday to Thursday, 1 PM – 3 PM
• LinkedIn: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 AM – 10 AM
• Instagram: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11 AM – 1 PM
• X (formerly Twitter): Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 AM – 11 AM
• TikTok: Tuesday to Thursday, 9 AM – 12 PM

Pick one platform and start practicing until you build up the ability to create and post consistently on all of them. It won’t happen overnight, but with time and persistence, you’ll get there. I’m rooting for you, and I know you’ve got this!

God Bless The Entrepreneur

Obeying God often sparks a profound internal struggle, questioning what it truly costs to follow His will. Yet, with the passage of time and the grace of God, the realization dawns that the challenges were not mere losses but a refining process.

Understanding God’s character is paramount; He is the good Shepherd guiding us along the path He has set for our lives. Despite the pain and apparent losses, it’s crucial to see beyond human perspectives tainted by past hurts. God, being faithful and incapable of lying, has a purpose for each life. Obedience unveils His plan, a journey marked by both joy and challenges.

Reflecting on personal experiences, such as the journey with Unapologetic Urban Gear, underscores the importance of surrender. Sacrificing what seems thriving and prosperous can lead to resurrection beyond imagination. Realizing that obedience aligns with a greater purpose, even in the face of external skepticism, speaks to the essence of a genuine relationship with God.

The story of laying down a flourishing business in 2021, despite financial success and external validation, exemplifies the challenges obedience may pose. Choosing to trust God’s guidance over worldly logic is a testament to a deep, unshakeable connection with the Divine. It challenges the notion of what is considered wise or foolish by societal standards.

A true relationship with God, marked by trust and obedience, becomes a compass navigating life’s pivots. Transparency about the struggle in making such decisions is a reminder that the external world may not always understand the internal callings of the spirit. The journey of faith is often solitary, filled with moments where one’s obedience seems perplexing to onlookers.

Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes the necessity of obedience, urging individuals to discern God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. Testing the spirits becomes a crucial step, ensuring that the call to surrender and obey is indeed inspired by God. The story serves as a compelling reminder that, in life’s intricate design, obedience to God is the thread that weaves purpose, faith, and ultimately, the joy of the Lord into every season.

I don’t know if you’ve experienced this, but there are times when my content is flowing, my ideas are coming effortlessly, and then, out of nowhere, I hit a brick wall. It’s that feeling where everything was smooth, and then suddenly, it all just stops. Man, that feeling can make your heart sink. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: it’s okay when things start to feel a little stale. That’s often a sign that it’s time for a new outlook, a fresh perspective. It’s the perfect moment to switch things up.

I was talking with an associate about entrepreneurship, and while routines are important, sometimes you’ve got to know when it’s time to change them up for the better. That 5:30 AM start—getting up to pray, exercise, get your water in, and write down your thoughts—might serve you well in one season. But there might come a season where sleeping in until 9 AM is exactly what you need to recharge and reset. For me, there are times when working late at night unlocks my creativity in ways that just don’t happen during the day. 

After over a decade of entrepreneurship, I’ve learned that those changes in routine happen more often than you’d expect. And that’s not only okay—it’s necessary. Embracing the need for change can be the key to your next breakthrough.

I remember when I got my first office. I think I rearranged that space every two weeks! Moving my big desk, little refrigerator, tea bar, and cabinets a million different ways, just trying to make it feel new each time I walked in. Changing the pictures on the wall, shifting everything around—what I was really after was a fresh vibe, something that sparked new ideas every time I sat down to work.

So, here’s the takeaway: when things start to feel stale, be okay with making a change. That fresh perspective could be just what you need to unlock your next big idea.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

—

It’s about 7:55 PM, and the temperature is around 64° here in Los Angeles, California. As I gaze at the city and all the beautiful lights, I can’t help but thank God for this moment. Today, I re-launched the Unapologetic brand, and I’m genuinely excited about it. I wasn’t quite sure if it was God’s will, but I prayed, and then I moved forward. Every day, I ask that God guides my steps, because the truth is, we don’t know anything for sure. That’s why we seek Him daily.

If I’m honest, I’m feeling a bit conflicted. We’re about six days away from moving back to Atlanta, and I sense that God is leading us in that direction. My wife and I have reflected on all the amazing things God has done here in Los Angeles, and we are truly grateful. 

Earlier today, I went for a walk, heading to UPS with my little wagon loaded with three boxes weighing about 110 pounds. It’s close to a mile there and a mile back. When I arrived, my phone died while trying to create shipping labels. Oddly enough, I wasn’t upset. I asked if anyone had an iPhone charger, but the one they offered wasn’t the right kind. So, I loaded the boxes back up and started heading home. 

Despite the situation, I felt joyful. I love Los Angeles, and I was simply grateful for the walk. However, you can really feel the weight of those boxes on those uneven sidewalks. As I close my thoughts tonight, I want to express how thankful I am for my time in California. I pray that God will lead me back here one day if it’s His will because this place has truly found a spot in my heart. 

Life is a twisted journey, full of ups and downs. My advice to you: when God is moving, move with Him. Let Your will be done, Lord.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

It’s rare to come across a truly innovative moment where something entirely new is created. But when it happens, it changes everything. Take Steve Jobs, for example. He didn’t invent music, but he revolutionized how we access it by introducing iTunes, giving us “1,000 songs in your pocket.” That moment redefined an industry. 

Now, my space is apparel. I’m not into high fashion—never have been. I’m a hoodie, jeans, and Jordans kind of guy, and that’s how I’ve always rolled. If you’re in the apparel game, it doesn’t matter if you’re selling $200 hoodies, shoes, handbags, or dresses—if it’s been done before, you know it’s possible. And that should take some pressure off. Instead of being intimidated, take it as an opportunity to study those who came before you, whether they’re major brands or micro-brands.

I know friends with micro-brands pulling in $20,000 months, $75,000 months, even $100,000 months. I personally coasted between $50,000 and $70,000 as a brand owner. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people doing the same thing, but I never saw them as competitors. My thought was, *how can I grow more*, and *is there room for collaboration?*

If you’re still working a job, first be thankful. But realize this: what you make in a year, you could make in four weeks. I’ll give you a second to let that sink in. The potential is there. All you need is to build the systems, develop your “why,” and craft your brand story. Once your audience is connected, take them on a customer journey. Yes, it’s going to take work, dedication, and most importantly, intentionality. If you haven’t made the time yet, start now—commit to building your future.

Entrepreneurship is in my blood. I believe entrepreneurs are the backbone of society—they’re the innovators, the go-getters, and the risk-takers. So, go after your dream with everything you’ve got.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I never really got that Staples commercial with the easy button. Honestly, I don’t wish it was easy, because I believe we give our best when we are challenged with creative thinking, **challenges**, and adversity.

Sure, as we build things out, we can make our systems more efficient, but the system still has to be built. There’s no shortcut for that.

“Don’t wish it was easier. Wish you were better.” Those are some amazing words from the late Jim Rohn.

We have to dedicate ourselves to striving for improvement, especially when we know we can be better. You ever complete something and think, “That was good, but I could’ve made it a whole lot better”? It’s healthy to critique yourself, but it becomes dangerous when you’re always looking for the easy way out.

Get-rich-quick schemes scream “easy,” and if you’ve been around long enough, you know that’s never the case. The lotto promises millions with a scratch-off ticket or a few picked numbers, but real growth doesn’t happen that way.

Sometimes we all need to be reminded: it wasn’t meant to be easy, but it *can* be done.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I’m okay with being overlooked. That’s temporary.

I was watching YouTube with my wife, and a girl she follows said something that really caught my attention. She talked about how she wasn’t getting brand deals at one point, but she kept creating content anyway, even when the money wasn’t coming in. She shared that she would put out great content for free because she knew it was what she was meant to do.

That statement hit me hard. It reminded me of Myron Golden and how he emphasizes the importance of community content, especially when you’re building a business. Bringing value to the marketplace is essential, no matter your niche. And often, at the beginning, you’re giving that value away for free. But that’s not a bad thing—it shows you’re worthy of speaking on the topic and builds credibility in your space.

Now, I’m not saying this arrogantly, but there’s truth in the line from a rapper: “They didn’t listen when I was telling them for free, now they pay a fee.” 

Sometimes people won’t see your value right away. That’s okay. Keep showing up, keep providing value, and eventually, they’ll see it. Yes, it can be discouraging when you’re in the building phase. But keep your eyes on the long-term goal. Commit to putting out amazing content for a year and improving as you go. When that year is up, evaluate where you are, then keep going for another year.

If you haven’t started, get started. If you’re already on the journey, keep going.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

Confidence in our pursuits often falters in the face of distractions, derailing our intentional efforts. Recently, my wife embarked on restarting her content creation journey, a commendable endeavor amidst personal challenges.

A decade-long battle with deteriorating hips, traced back to birth, led to the necessity of surgical intervention. While the first hip surgery is behind her, the other still poses challenges. Complicating matters, anemia cast its shadow, depleting her blood levels. Yet, against these odds, she found the strength to create content, infusing each piece with contagious joy evident in her reels.

However, a moment of vulnerability emerged when someone introduced a distracting element, threatening to divert her focus. Distractions have a cunning way of luring us away from our primary objectives. It’s reminiscent of a classic Frasier episode where the characters fixate on seemingly trivial things, leading to humorous yet insightful lessons.

In the world of Frasier, learning to ride a bike becomes a hilarious saga. Frasier fixates on a tree during the learning process, repeatedly colliding with it. During a race, a strategic distraction—an innocuous mailbox—proves insurmountable as he fixates on it, finishing the race long after others.

This sitcom scenario mirrors life’s challenges. Distractions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can captivate our attention and hinder progress. The key, as demonstrated in both real life and comedy, lies in recognizing distractions, resisting fixation, and persistently staying focused on the intended path.

Starting anything new invites distractions. Whether it’s a critical comment or a tempting detour, the journey demands resilience. The mailbox in our metaphorical race may take various forms, but the essence remains the same—don’t fixate; keep moving forward. Amidst distractions, the commitment to stay focused on our goals becomes the linchpin of success.