Author: Henry Murphy

I underwent major eye surgery on May 27, 2021, just a day after my birthday. At that time, I had lost vision in my right eye, and my left eye needed a special oil to keep my retina attached. I know that sounds unusual, but it could’ve been much worse. The oil helped preserve my vision, but it caused blurriness. Despite this, I could still manage my day-to-day activities, although it required significant adjustment. I went into more detail about this experience in my book because it truly rocked my life.

My doctor warned me that the oil would cause cataracts to develop in my eyes. I had heard of cataracts before, but I didn’t understand how they would affect me. I found out soon after moving to Los Angeles, California. Things started getting darker, and I thought it was odd. One bright day, as I was walking about two blocks from my house, the sunlight was so intense—typical of LA’s clear, blue sky—that I was momentarily blinded. I could barely see anything and had to navigate my way back home like that. Then it hit me: my doctor’s warning about cataracts made sense. Cataracts don’t handle light well, so I had to start wearing shades all the time. This was another major adjustment.

I have a mantra: “Make moves or make excuses.” I kept pushing my limits, exploring the city, learning every block, every bump in the road. Yes, I fell a few times—but isn’t that part of any journey? I learned the layout of grocery stores, figured out how to cook with my compromised vision, and absorbed everything I could. I even wrote a book, which I’ve set aside for now. I continued creating websites and developed an academy for entrepreneurs wanting to build T-shirt brands. I did all this by the grace of God.

I had been trying to get cataract surgery for a while. One doctor was skilled with cataracts but not with oil-related complications, so she referred me to another specialist. It took about six months to get an appointment with this doctor, and I was relieved when the surgery day finally arrived. Hopeful—still hopeful.

Here’s what I realized after the surgery: I had become so accustomed to living with cataracts and had adjusted my life accordingly. Now, post-surgery, my vision returned to how it was in 2021, presenting a new challenge. I had to relearn how to navigate with my restored vision. It’s been an adjustment because, without the cataracts, things have changed again. I now need new glasses and a different prescription, and I’m figuring it all out as I go. Despite the challenges, I’m grateful to have my eyesight. This isn’t a complaint—just an adjustment to the adjustment.

I’ve grown used to adapting in life and in business. We must thank God for His grace in every situation and circumstance, and we must continue to live and push forward, no matter what comes our way. Learn to adjust to the adjustment.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

As I sit in a conference room in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, my thoughts linger on a conversation with my wife from the night before. I shared with her my decade-long journey as an entrepreneur and expressed an enduring excitement for the path ahead. The entrepreneurial road, with its twists and turns, occasionally tests my patience as I develop new skill sets only to pivot shortly after. Despite the challenges, the thrill of entrepreneurship never wanes.

It’s peculiar, I muse, to love a path with no so-called security. Yet, therein lies the paradox. Being an entrepreneur is not about adhering to a predetermined path; it’s about paving one’s own way, thinking outside the box, and belonging to a community of risk-takers, innovators, and go-getters. I once penned a statement defining an entrepreneur as a risk-taker, go-getter, and innovator—someone who propels the world forward. That declaration, crafted long ago, remains my guiding principle today.

I’ve chosen to entitle this journey “I am still burning the ships.” But what does that mean?

“Burning the ships” is more than a phrase; it’s a metaphor embodying a resolute commitment with no room for retreat. Its origins trace back to the 16th-century expedition led by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Upon reaching the New World in 1519, Cortés commanded his troops to burn their ships, sending an unequivocal message: there is no turning back. It was a stark choice between conquering new lands or perishing.

In the entrepreneurial realm, “burning the ships” takes on a parallel significance. It symbolizes a wholehearted commitment, a conscious decision to eliminate fallback options and safety nets. This unwavering determination becomes a catalyst, fostering heightened focus, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges.

For an entrepreneur, burning the ships may involve investing personal savings, departing from a stable job, or fully committing resources to a business idea. This commitment instills a sense of urgency, propelling the entrepreneur to overcome obstacles and innovate in order to ensure the success of their venture.

While the phrase evokes a sense of risk, it aligns with the fundamental truth that genuine success often demands stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing the entrepreneurial journey wholeheartedly. It signifies a shift in mindset—from tentatively exploring a venture to being fully dedicated to its success, irrespective of the challenges that may arise.

So, as I reflect on the past decade and the ongoing journey ahead, I embrace the spirit of “burning the ships.” It encapsulates not just a commitment but a mindset that defines the essence of entrepreneurship—a journey filled with risks, innovation, and the unwavering determination to forge one’s own path.

My wife and I had this favorite spot that we would go to in Siesta Keys, located in Sarasota, Florida. I fell in love with how the ships sat in the marina. I used to travel this road to the beach that was surrounded by beautiful houses and canals, and it was so serene. I was so relaxed before I even got to the beach that when I arrived, I just submerged myself in the atmosphere. Every time I go to the beach, I honestly remember the scripture that says God assigned the sea its limits and where the waters would stop. It always blew my mind. I am actually transported back there now…let’s get back to the blog.

I used to love the beach there. The sand was like sugar beneath your feet. I loved going to the local restaurants when I was there; I honestly felt like a local. I tried to make it there at least three times a year, which was pretty amazing because money was always tight when I was raising my kids. We really only went on one true family vacation. When I became an entrepreneur and money started to flow in, I remember the first time we went on vacation and were able to do some things. It felt really good. It felt like we were making progress. I would relax on the beach and do all those things you do on vacation.

On the ride back, my wife said something to me that changed my life forever, and it was centered around self-care. She told me to find a way to do what I do on vacation every week or at least twice a month. That intrigued me.

What is Self-Care, and Why Does It Matter?

Self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health, well-being, and happiness, especially during periods of stress. For entrepreneurs, who often juggle multiple roles and face constant demands, self-care is crucial. It’s not just about pampering yourself but about recharging your energy, maintaining your mental health, and ensuring you are at your best both personally and professionally. When we neglect self-care, we risk burnout, decreased productivity, and even physical health problems. However, when we prioritize it, we find ourselves more focused, creative, and resilient—qualities essential for any successful business.

So, I started doing weekly foot massages. I would get a monthly back massage—I even got a subscription for it, and I loved it. I had my person, and I remember telling them she needed to have strong hands. This approach changed my life because I started to take care of myself throughout the entire year and not just on vacation. I also started getting pedicures—and yes, I said pedicures. Sometimes men can’t imagine themselves getting pedicures, at least I couldn’t. So, not only did I get the foot massage from one place, but I also got my pedicures, and it was life-changing for me. I felt like I was walking on clouds.

It was easy for me to get caught up in the grind of entrepreneurship and neglect the important things in life, like self-care. This might be you, or maybe you’re already doing these things. If you are, great! If not, find a way to implement some of these practices in your life. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s about finding balance, maintaining health, and ensuring you’re in the best shape to build and grow your business.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I had this idea to create T-shirts to go along with my artistry back when we were living in a three-bedroom apartment in the greater Atlanta area. Space was tight, trying to add apparel to our home, but that didn’t stop me, and it shouldn’t stop you. My wife, our three children, a dog, and I were all sharing that space, and I had to keep my T-shirts in a closet on a makeshift shelf that I rigged up myself. Looking back, that closet was the beginning of something special. It was my garage.

When people see someone at their mountaintop experience—think Steve Jobs with Apple or David Green with Hobby Lobby—they often don’t know how to trace it back to where it all began. These businesses, just like mine, had humble beginnings. Apple was born in a garage in Los Altos, California, with two guys and a vision. Hobby Lobby started in a garage as well, with David and Barbara Green crafting picture frames. They didn’t know at that time that these garages would be the launchpads for something monumental. That’s what I call the garage phase—the starting point that no one sees but is crucial to any journey.

For me, the garage phase was that apartment, shipping a few shirts a month out of a closet. Then, it grew to a couple dozen, and from there, the demand kept climbing. The experience was like a winding road, not a straight shot to success, and that’s how it is for any company. There were times I had to pause, rethink, and recalibrate. I was juggling different ventures, from working a full-time job to pursuing a career as a rapper and starting my first legit business, Z180 Radio.

But here’s the thing: if I hadn’t started the garage phase—if I hadn’t simply started—I wouldn’t have figured out any of it. The brand Unapologetic emerged out of this grind, this hustle. When the opportunity finally came to officially launch a T-shirt brand, I had to think back to those early days. Years of dabbling and experimenting had prepared me for the moment I decided to make it a full-fledged business. I’d been playing around with the idea because, as an artist, I knew I needed to think ahead. I wanted to create something that went beyond music, to have merchandise that could support the journey, especially when the income wasn’t always steady.

(And by the way, I believe all artists should think strategically about their financial stability, but that’s a topic for another blog.)

The point is, everybody starts somewhere. The key is to just start. The garage phase is just the beginning, but it’s a powerful phase. It’s where you learn, adapt, and grow. And the best part? You get to imagine as big as you want. God gave us a powerful gift with imagination, so keep dreaming about where you want to be.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I was on my way to the barbershop to get a shape-up because the next few days are dedicated to creating content. My barber texted me, saying he’d be a little late, so I decided to sit down on a busy corner in downtown Los Angeles and write about this thought that’s been on my mind: Why can’t they see the value?

The value of what, you may ask? Well, let’s get into it.

It’s clear that many people don’t fully grasp the value of investing in assets like e-commerce websites, intellectual property like trademarks, logos, and graphic design. This might be because they haven’t yet understood the potential return on investment these assets can provide. I’ve spent a lot of money carelessly in my life on things that ultimately didn’t offer any long-term value.

I think I am qualified to speak on this because I, too, was one of those people who valued liabilities over assets. I used to love experiences and eating out, especially spending $100 easily on something amazing like seafood. You know how expensive a great steak at a top-notch restaurant can be. Back then, I didn’t think twice about it. But now, I realize the importance of building a business where those dinners can become write-offs—well, 50% to be exact, but you get the picture. We have to change our mindset when it comes to what an asset is.

For instance, when we purchase a car, it loses approximately 20% of its value the moment we drive it off the lot, and within the first year, it can depreciate by as much as 30% or more. Despite this, our culture often celebrates buying a car over starting a business. It seems a bit backwards if you ask me.

Similarly, when we buy shoes, most of them have a low resale value. While they might serve as good keepsakes, they won’t provide any financial return. On the other hand, logos are the cornerstone of a brand’s identity. It’s surprising that some people don’t see the importance of getting their logo done right the first time, considering it will represent their brand indefinitely. And we’re not even getting into the potential of licensing your logo once it’s trademarked. Imagine one day selling your company and leasing the trademark—getting paid indefinitely. Indefinitely means without any end in sight, providing a continuous stream of income.

If you see the value in brands like Louis Vuitton, Rolls-Royce, Gucci, or Nike, then you understand the importance of investing in quality and brand identity. Yet, some people fail to see the value when creating their own company. This disconnect is particularly striking when you consider that these major brands have built their reputations on strong, recognizable branding and strategic investment in their assets.

E-commerce websites are perhaps the most undervalued asset. A well-designed e-commerce website can generate revenue for a business indefinitely. Even if you were to spend $10,000 on a website—though I’m not necessarily suggesting that—it would be a one-time investment that could continue to produce returns over and over again. Similarly, with graphic design, once you have the proper release forms and have it protected, that design is yours to reproduce repeatedly, adding lasting value to your brand.

We need to shift our mindset on how we perceive value and where we choose to invest our resources.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

Trust me, I get it—I know a thing or two about hustling. It’s embedded in Black culture, but the mentality of the side hustle isn’t limited to just one community. Growing up on the east side of Savannah, I witnessed a neighborhood filled with generations of families, love, and camaraderie. But there was also the hustle, a mindset I naturally gravitated toward. I started young; at 14, I was washing dishes in a restaurant, thanks to a hookup from my dad. By 18, I had climbed the ranks to shift manager, with an eye on becoming an assistant manager. Those early experiences taught me the ins and outs of business and the relentless drive of hustling.

But today, I want to challenge you to think beyond just hustling. Don’t just look at business as a hustle—consider it a legacy you can build for your family. If it’s not something you intend to pass down, at the very least, it should be an opportunity for your children, nieces, nephews, siblings, or parents to see that a business can be real, substantial, and capable of generating a great salary—not just for you but for those you might employ.

It’s time to focus on building real businesses. Side hustles are great for a start, but if we want to create something lasting, something impactful, we need to dig deeper. We need to toil over our ‘why’—the reason we started in the first place. We need to shape our brand story so it resonates deeply with our audience. Every graphic, every piece of content should connect with the people we aim to serve. This is crucial. Why? Because when the time comes to scale and elevate our businesses, we need to be ready. We need to have laid the foundation so solidly that growth is not just a possibility but an inevitability.

Let’s stop playing small. Let’s start building with intention.

I know many of you may still be working a job, and that’s fine. But consider the business you’re building on the side not just as a hustle but as a legitimate investment and a real business. You’ve got this! Let’s go!

God Bless The Entrepreneur

Today, a powerful reminder echoed through a webinar, challenging the conventional notion that success must be achieved at a young age. In the Q&A session, a woman, brimming with enthusiasm, declared her intention to learn a new skill set at the age of 63 despite facing the challenges of ADHD. Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing that it is never too late to embark on a new journey.

Reflecting on my own entrepreneurial path, which commenced at 38, I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s a societal expectation that individuals must accomplish everything by a certain age, achieving greatness before hitting 30. While commendable if attained, the reality is that life unfolds differently for each person. Many navigate the complexities of life, grappling with family responsibilities, accumulating debts, and simply figuring things out.

To those who may feel that time is slipping away, I want to emphasize a crucial truth: It is never too late. This wisdom is not just drawn from my own journey but also from the inspiring 63-year-old lady on that webinar, boldly declaring her commitment to learning and growth.

Here’s a message for those who may be peering into the achievements of others with a sense of urgency or regret:

You Are Not Running Out of Time.

Life doesn’t adhere to a strict timeline, and your journey is uniquely yours. My entrepreneurial journey began later than some, and that’s perfectly okay. The stories of successful entrepreneurs starting ventures after 45 further underscore this point.

Take Ray Kroc, who at 52 transformed a small California-based restaurant into the global giant we know as McDonald’s. Or Harland Sanders, known as Colonel Sanders, who at the age of 62 franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), creating a worldwide phenomenon.

Even in the world of fashion, Vera Wang started her bridal design company in her late 30s, becoming a renowned figure in the industry. Arianna Huffington, at 55, co-founded The Huffington Post, a platform that reshaped online news.

These stories exemplify that age is not a barrier to success. If you have an idea, a concept, or a dream, don’t let your age dictate your pursuits. As long as you’re breathing, you have time. Embrace the journey, and remember, it’s never too late to start something new, to learn, to innovate, and to make a significant impact on the world. Your time is now.

I try to stay away from the words “grind” and “hustle,” but they always keep coming back to me. I think I don’t like using them as much because they can suggest never sleeping, never resting, and always being on the go. However, culturally, they are a part of me, so I’ll continue to use them, though you might see me go back and forth with this in my blogs. When I speak about grinding or hustling, I’m talking about the things you do day in and day out, the kind of things people never see. No one sees you getting up early in the morning, writing down your thoughts about content, going into the city to record that content, then sitting in a park coming up with the right captions and copy to catch the audience’s attention. People don’t understand the intentionality it takes to record 21 pieces of content in three days. Yes, it seems seemingly insignificant, but the compound effect is monstrous. Can I use that word? Well, I just did anyway.

People don’t see you studying the platforms to get better. They don’t see you searching TikTok to find what kind of content is missing from the platform, studying people in your niche, and figuring out how you can remain your authentic self while producing better and more concise content. Then, you take that content to YouTube Shorts, double down on what people respond to, and make longer-form content on the YouTube platform. They don’t see the connection between Instagram Stories and your Reels, or how you use your profile to link back to those stories so they are never lost. It seems insignificant because nobody is watching, but they don’t see the compound effect.

I believe you have to be willing, at a minimum, to give something a year just to see where you are, to see if you’ve gotten better, to see if you have traction. I think you need that long just to analyze the input and study the output. If the output isn’t what you want, then you change the input. We’re not even going to mention if you were doing 21 pieces of content a week—that’s over 1,000 pieces of content in a year! That number is crazy. So, what do you think would happen over that time? Those seemingly insignificant efforts will compound, and you will be a whole different person in 365 days. So, keep your head down, grind, mind your business, and work as unto the Lord, because those insignificant things are going to become ginormous in the end.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I remember it like it was yesterday—flying out to California on tour with Jonathan McReynolds. We had a show lined up in Los Angeles, followed by another in Oakland. I found myself at a crossroads, debating whether I should fly directly from Los Angeles to Oakland or drive the distance. I ultimately chose to rent a car in Los Angeles and make the drive to Oakland, and I’m so glad I did.

As I drove up toward Oakland, the landscape unraveled before me, and I was mesmerized by the terrain. I saw mountains stretching into the sky, deserts sprawling into the distance, and for the first time, I found myself in a real valley. A valley can be a lonely place, shadowed and cut off from the light. It’s a place of struggle, a low point between the peaks, where the path forward is often unclear, and every step feels heavy. And just like in life, a valley can symbolize those tough seasons—times when we feel lost, overlooked, or overwhelmed. These are the moments that test our faith the most. It was an experience that caught me by surprise—I had never seen a real valley before. Captivated, I pulled out my phone and began recording the journey, eager to capture the awe of it all. I couldn’t help but look up at the mountain tops; they were astonishing. It was in that moment that Psalm 23 came alive to me like never before.

As I navigated through this physical valley, it dawned on me that the journey isn’t just about being faithful in the valley to reach the mountaintop. Life’s valleys are where our faith is stretched and where our character is forged. We face difficulties and disappointments, feeling like we’re stuck in a low place while others seem to be thriving on the peaks. In these times, it’s not just about holding on until we get to the mountaintop. It’s about being faithful, period. If we’re honest with ourselves, we often aim to be faithful in the valley only as a means to get to the mountaintop. But what I learned in that season was profound—if I never reach the mountaintop, I still want to be faithful in the valley.

The valley taught me to appreciate where God has placed me, to trust His timing, and to lean on Him more. I realized that it’s in these low points that we often learn the most about ourselves and our relationship with God. Whatever God is trying to show me in this season, I want it to become a part of my life, to shape my character, and draw me closer to Him. And if, by His grace, I do make it to the mountaintop, I want to serve Him there with the same faithfulness I showed in the valley.

This particular season in the valley challenged me more than I can express. I was dealing with a lot, but it drove me to depend on God more deeply. If the Lord chooses to bless me with more, I never want to lose the lessons I learned in the valley. I don’t want to lose that intimacy with God, that dependency on Him, or the hunger for His word that I discovered in the valley. Valleys have a way of teaching us patience, humility, and dependence on God—qualities that can fade if we lose sight of where we’ve been. Let this blog serve as a reminder: always be faithful, whether in the valley or on the mountaintop.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

A lot of my thoughts revolve around the kind of friends I want in my life—scratch that—the kind of friends I need in my life. I need people who will hold me accountable, not just in one area but in all aspects of my life. As an entrepreneur, I need friends who will keep me accountable for the commitments I make, based on the potential they see in me, challenging me in ways I might not challenge myself. If I tell them I want to create a multi-million dollar company, I want them to ask, “What’s stopping you from making it a billion-dollar company?” I want to be challenged that way—I need those types of people around me. I need people in my life who match my hustle. What do I mean? If I’m creating 21 pieces of content a week, I want them to say, “Hey, I created 21 pieces this week too; let’s push for 25 next week, let’s ante up.” If I say I want to write a new book next year, I want them to start with me right now, setting the same goal. Accountability needs to be mutual. I need to be challenged.

When it comes to being married, I want friends who will hold me accountable if they see me straying, even in subtle ways. I call this the “second glance” test. Seeing a beautiful woman can’t be helped, but turning around to look again—now that’s where we cross the line. I need people who will remind me to cherish my wife: “When was the last time you bought her flowers? When did you last tell her you love her? When was the last time you did something she enjoys?” I need that kind of accountability in my life.

As a believer, a follower of Jesus Christ, accountability is essential. I need friends who will examine my character and ensure I’m being the person God calls me to be. I need encouragement, but I also need to be challenged. I need people who walk alongside me, pointing me back to the Word of God, asking questions that lead me deeper into the scriptures: “Did you know this?” or “Have you considered that?” Such probing questions should push me to dive into the Bible and discover more on my own. When it comes to our inner circle, those closest to us must hold us accountable. This is what true accountability means: to challenge, support, and encourage us to be our best selves spiritually, relationally, and professionally.

So, take a look at your circle and make sure the people closest to you are holding you accountable. If they aren’t, it might be time to make some changes.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.