Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Williams.
Shaun, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always seen myself as a creative spirit. With my roots coming from Port Arthur, TX, initially arriving in H-Town in 1990 and finally coming back to settle in H-Town in 2000, I explored different art forms throughout the years. I was always looking for unique ways to put my stamp on the industries I was involved in during different stages of my life. The evolution of where I am as a man today stems from 3 major industries (what I’d like to call, “The Big 3”) that I drew inspiration from; which were the Automotive, Sneaker & Music industries. All made impacts on my life at different times and still influence me and give me inspiration today.
In my early years, the Auto industry made its impact from looking up to my Dad; who established his career on the sales side of the business. He was more of a numbers guy but my interest in the business stemmed from the car shows he took me to as a kid. I gravitated to the aesthetics of the different makes and models which also sparked my imagination to think outside the box and apply those ideas to my own renditions of different cars. I did so through sketches and different video games I played coming up. That creative energy would evolve over the years as I found similarities between cars and kicks. The sneaker industry made its impression on me through my love for basketball. As in the Auto field, I once again find myself seeing so many makes and models of shoes from my years of playing organized ball in school to now having my own sneaker collection. Lastly, music became the common denominator between the Auto and Sneaker cultures. Playing both Varsity Basketball and also being in the Drumline in HS, music would always play a role. After HS, I reflected and realized that creativity was at the center of all three areas of life that I was interested in.
Fast forward to my college years were after my college graduation in 2011, “The Big 3” still had influence. I majored in Auto-Body Technology–specializing in painting and refinishing cars. One of the songs I would have in heavy rotation at the time was the late great Pimp-C’s, “Knockin’ Doors Down”. The way he was trying to bring people together and change the mindsets of artists he mentioned in the track resonated with me on different levels. As the years passed after college, I reflected on Pimp-C’s lyrics and wanted to leave my stamp to pay homage and also find my own way to bring people together and also be that person to help connect people in my areas of influence so we could also make business moves that were profitable for all parties involved. I didn’t have the commanding presence like Pimp-C, because I was mostly behind-the-scenes when it came to certain areas of business. I couldn’t draw large crowds but just like in the video, I was able to at least get key players involved and draw in smaller groups for round-table discussions and meetings. I’d slowly start building my connections with others through referrals, but at the time I didn’t have a concrete plan or even a name for the companies I wanted to build today until late 2015 going into 2016. Blessed with the help of key individuals along the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
From the jump, it wasn’t easy… lots of trial and error through the branding process. So many questions and prayers along the lines of “What can I do to find stability in my life with all of these ideas?” Also, “How can I make a positive impact in my city?” After the lyrics of “Knockin’ Doors Down” still ringing in my head years later, I pull up on a friend of mine by the name of Mr. Dixon who was designing at the time, the hashtag (#HOUNITY) he had on his shirt set off a lightbulb in my head. After about a year of us communicating and sharing ideas, I was blessed to be able to build with him. When I found out he was transitioning into a new business venture, he graciously allowed me to carry on the HOUNITY legacy and now as a Co-Founder, I’ve applied my ideas with the help of other individuals and companies along the way to have the company evolve into the LIfestyle Brand you see today. (I didn’t want to leave any names out but to those of you who are reading this, you know who you are and I thank you!)
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the HOUNITY Lifestyle Brand & CTMC Media story. Tell us more about the business.
HOUNITY [Hou-ni-ty]: A lifestyle brand that expresses the positive universal message of unity from an H-Town perspective. By providing three levels of digital marketing services, we cater to the areas of Arts, Entertainment and Promotions. We’re about bringing people together through embracing creative expression & supporting all of the artforms that leave a positive impact.
This 2-in-1 service-based brand supports the following areas:
Visual Arts • Fine Arts • Culinary Arts • Graphics • Photography/Videography • Music • Fashion • Street Art • Custom Auto & more!
Speaking of Custom Auto, this leads me to the 2nd half of the brand…
HOUNITY Brand also brings you:
CTMC Media (Acronym for “Cruisin To My Cadence”).
A custom automotive lifestyle brand and area of my life that highlights my perspective of custom cars & music. This is also the personal mantra for my journey in life to help encourage others to create their own lane and move at their own pace. The road to success isn’t easy but I have to always remind myself that there’s no traffic when I’m in my own lane. As a custom automotive & music enthusiast, I want to be able to share my experiences of these two industries with others.
I’d like to see how I can develop and take the brand(s) to the next level by encouraging others to “Generate Positivity Through Creativity”. This is the motto and foundation that this company stands on and embraces the cultures that makes this city unique. Despite the company still being in its early years, I’m glad that the brand has found its niche. I look forward to the upcoming campaigns that will help further the brand recognition and truly remind others that it’s always better when we shine together. I’m looking forward to the new opportunities and excited to work with more like-minded individuals and groups that are on the rise in this industry. Even though its an Houston-based brand I’m happy to work with and have worked with others from many different places. I’m a rookie and a vet (word to Drake… lol!). Despite previous experience already under my belt, there’s still so much to learn and I’m excited for what’s next!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’d love to see this industry interact more with more collaborative efforts! As a creative, I know it can be hard at times to explain the vision so it’s up to me to stay passionate with the content and creative marketing campaigns. I’ll keep sharing my creative expressions with hopes that it will catch on an inspire others. Only God knows if I’ll accomplish everything I set out to achieve in this lifetime. If not, I’ll be sure to have the right people carry on the legacy long after I’m gone. It’s always a we-not-me mindset and it’s ideal to build something that outlasts me.
The ultimate goal is to establish the “HOUNITY Foundation”. An organization that helps give back to highlight the areas of the community that specialize in the arts. It will benefit schools and centers that 1.) Already have arts programs established to help modify them and keep them up-to-date. 2) Provide to Schools and centers that don’t have arts programs or lost programs in the past; to help install or reinstate those programs. I know that those art programs helped me with my creative thinking & development as a child. They gave me creative outlets that kept me on the right path and kept me out of trouble. I was able to express myself in ways that words alone simply couldn’t and I want to do my part to pay it forward. Hopefully, in the future, the HOUNITY Foundation can make that possible in innovative ways for future generations.
Pricing:
- Don’t drop a Single, a project or have an event without a promo plan behind it! I have service packs that start at $64.99 that fall into 3 promo categories: PRE-EVENT Promo, PREMIERE (Day-Of-Event Promo) and POST-EVENT promo.
- Special Premiere coverage features for the day of event and Recap bundle packages! (Contact for Details)
- IG Growth packages (for personal and business profiles) that break down into 3 promo run intervals to give you the best engagement with your followers! (Contact for Details)
Contact Info:
- Email: htxstar1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hounity_lifestyle
- Twitter: @HounityBrand
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