Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaden Myrick.
Hi Kaden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from small town, Sparta, GA, now residing near the Atlanta area. At age 19, I’m currently a full time student, majoring in Computer Programming, with desires of becoming a Cyber Security Specialist. I am also a full time entrepreneur, owning and operating my business, with the help of my parents. When I was in 7th grade, I grew attached to the word Hollyhood. This is how I got here today. It has been quite the learning journey, but I am certainly grateful to be able to learn and grow with each passing day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be very honest, I knew very little about the business aspect of it. I just knew I wanted to create a stream of income for myself. Being a computer major and having a creative mindset, I began to play with different graphics and fabrics, and researching, and it was no problem to come up with a graphic design. Finding the right software to create in, building my website, time management and marketing were some of the struggles I’ve experienced along the way. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned so much about myself and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. I went to my parents with the idea of starting a business, and they asked me to produce a sample for them to see. I produced it, showed it to them, and they immediately loved it. My parents and aunt already had some resources and they then contributed to this major idea. My mom showed me how to operate the tools in which I needed, and from there, I began to practice, and made my first 10 sales the same week I decided to start a business. I didn’t even have a website at the time, no promotions, or anything. Mostly my family and close friends supported me from the jump. I’ve been learning and growing since. I have exceeded many of my expectations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I own an online apparel business, called HollyHood Apparel, LLC. I am the Owner, Creator, and Operator. I create my own designs and graphics. I also print my own apparel. I built and manage my own website. What sets me apart from others is that my mission is to encourage others that no matter where you’re from, you can dream big, work hard, and accomplish anything you put your mind to. You can live in the hood or suburbs, or urban areas, anywhere, and still have star qualities. I want to encourage others that just because you’re from a certain place, doesn’t mean you have to be of a lesser quality than anyone. You are whatever you put your mind to be. When it comes to my apparel business, I am proud of how far I’ve come, from not knowing anything other than how to be a consumer to now owning my own company. I am proud of the financial challenges and financial literacy I have achieved. To know that as a young black man in this society, with so many odds against you, I’m confident in knowing where my future is heading and the path I’m clearing for others. Everyday there are challenges, but the willingness to keep pushing to get the desired outcomes is a must and that’s Freedom. One of my favorite sayings is, No matter how far you go, never forget where you come from. I stand on that. I also have some upcoming community projects coming soon, so stay tuned. You may find my products online at www.hollyhoodapparel.com.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I definitely didn’t think I’d be owning my own apparel company. I also played sports in school. At a young age, I always had a liking for computers and anything in technology. Before the big names came into play, as far as communication online, I would find ways to call my parents cell phones from the computer. They couldn’t believe I could talk to them through the computers. It was pretty funny just thinking back. My family are huge tech enthusiasts. I was and still pretty much quiet and very close with my family. I come from two very large, hardworking families who have always instilled in me to be humble, and to always treat others with the same dignity, integrity, and respect as I would want. I can’t say that I’ve come this far alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hollyhoodapparel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyhoodapparel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyhoodapparel/
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