Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Burrell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The actual idea for Wake/Up came to me years ago when I worked at a printing shop. I’d always intended to do something with it, but procrastination is basically my middle name. Finally, after a series of events in 2018, I finally put the money towards starting the line. Really it’s intended to be an art piece. I’ve always used my artwork as my voice because I’ve always felt that’s the only way that anyone actually listens to what I have to say, and its the best way that I know how to articulate what I’m thinking. So I started with a handful of shirts and signed up for my first popup event. Really with no idea of what I was doing. Over the past year, it’s taken off in ways I couldn’t ever have seen coming, going from just an idea to participating in major festivals like the We buy black convention in Atlanta, GA, Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA, and various HBCU homecomings. Next year is going to be even bigger, and I cant wait to see where it all goes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not! There is so much to learn in owning your own business. Lots of mistakes to be made, and obstacles to overcome. First of all, just having the money to finance everything. Unless you have some sort of investment( or financing) it’s all out of pocket; or at least at first. Learning what events are right for you is key because it’s all a calculated risk. Everyone has a target demographic. Also, understanding that it is and always will be a business. I’ve made tons of friends along the way, but ultimately always have to figure out what is the best move for me and my business to continue growing. If you’re not growing, there is no point to it all.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wake/Up Apparel story. Tell us more about the business.
Wake/Up Apparel is about celebrating black culture and combating negative stereotypes placed on people of color. It’s meant to create a narrative other than the misconceptions that people have from popular world views.
With each hand made piece, our goal is to positively contribute to the community. We are driven to enhance lives through a great product experiences as well as using proceeds from product sales to support various cultural causes.
What sets us apart from others is our in person experience. Honestly, everyone involved is a huge smart ass! We love messing with people and making them laugh while they are talking to us, but also talking to them about things about our culture that they may not know.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have had my share of both good and bad luck. I think its all subjective though. It’s all about what you do next. I used to take bad breaks and get down on myself and let it hold me back. Now I take everything that is thrown at me and turn it into something that I can use to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.wakeuphou.com
- Email: wakeuphou@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/wakephou
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wakephou
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wakephou
Image Credit:
Photos by DarkLight Studios
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