Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Unruly.
Charlie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story begins over 30 years ago during a blizzard in the middle of Tennessee. Unruly8’s story starts in a 30° produce warehouse on the north side of Atlanta following the epiphany of rerouting my energy into complete self-investment. There were always random periods of creativity in my life but most were hobbies or inspired work. It has taken some time but I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can literally do whatever I put my mind to. That whole thinking may be common knowledge to some but application makes all the difference.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing worth it comes easily. That being said, I don’t feel as if I have dealt with any specific obstacle or challenge that countless other black and poor people in America haven’t. The difference is will. A lot of this takes genuine effort and discipline. Something most of us struggle with. That’s when sympathy and compassion for others come into play. Everyone is fighting their own battle, whether they tell you about it or not. However, resiliency is the only way to thrive.
Unruly8 and StarvetheRich – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Unruly8/StarvetheRich is an art company to put it plainly. However, I wouldn’t put art in any specific category. It began with illustrations and abstract paintings, which then led to the creation of “A boy who loved a girl”. Creating and curating artwork for realtors opened doors I never considered knocking on. Exhibitions and pop-ups were routine up until the COVID outbreak earlier this year, and in the spirit of entrepreneurial adaptation, I decided to launch a mask and tee-shirt line, Masked-Up and Unruly Wear.
Unruly Wear transitioned into a full clothing line in a few short weeks and somehow, I found time between fatherhood and painting commissions to return to my musical roots and record The Quarantape. That was just the last nine months of Unruly operations as an LLC. Ultimately, the goal is inspiration and influence through visual art, writing and provocative creative design. StarvetheRich is more of a community initiative. Consciously addressing social inconsistencies and injustices while asserting both self-reliance and mental fortitude in times of profound uncertainty. By design and by action. I’m really only getting started.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I talk about this with my good friend and manager all the time. And to be honest, this really does depend on the person you ask. Once you get past all the projection and prejudice, you’ll find most people don’t know what it really means to them. To me. In a word. Power. The ability to get results. Money comes and goes. Any hustler or entrepreneur will tell you that (especially fast money). Respect is appreciated but not necessary to guarantee success. Power is the only thing in my mind that displays success. The ability of an individual or group of individuals to act with both influence and authority and get results. One note to add is intent. Power attached to selfishness and cruelty is short-lived and even in that, you reap what you sow. But real authoritative power, coupled with altruism, wisdom and discipline; it’s a beautiful thing. Power to the People. Starve the Rich.
Pricing:
- Unruly Wear clothing starts at $25
- “A boy who loved a girl” Abstract art and Thoughts by Charlie Unruly $14.99
- Masked-Up cloth masks $14.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unruly8.com
- Email: unruly8collections@gmail.com
- Instagram: charlie.unruly
- Twitter: charlieunruly_
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