Today we’d like to introduce you to Mr. C C Brooks
Mr. C C, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Houston, we have a problem—or rather, I *was* the problem. I mean, not *the* problem, but a problem *for* the problem. Specifically, the problem of good vendors being relentlessly exploited in Houston’s cutthroat market scene. I saw the cliques, the gatekeeping, the blatant power grabs disguised as business deals. Vendors barely scraping by, surrounded by an abundance of oblivious consumers who would gladly buy ten times better local goods if only they knew they existed.
My early years were less “idyllic childhood” and more” Mad Max: Fury Road, kindergarten edition.” Single mom, two jobs, a dad who was more a figment of my imagination until later in life where he became an actual parent— not a classic dysfunctional family sitcom stuff, I had a strong support system. My mom, had a name that confused the system into inadvertently promoting her. Pure comedic genius. She was a government worker who played the game *masterfully* and taught me everything about navigating systems, using loopholes to benefit others, and taking on the establishment from the inside.
This life prepared me for the next challenge: a career pivot to Personal Styling. This wasn’t just about clothes. I learned to treat everyone with kindness, taking empathy to new heights.
So, I started The Metallic Sunflower Collective – a non-profit with a for-profit attitude. The idea? A haven for Houston’s most talented, most ignored vendors. This isn’t some namby-pamby feel-good project. I’ve battled homelessness, survived abroad, conquered the suburbs, and even escaped a country club. So yeah, I bring the war stories, as well as a master welder’s skillset, environmental management expertise, a freight broker’s knowledge of logistics, and a customer service record that would make a saint weep with envy.
And oh, did I mention I’ve danced in front of 800,000 people? Nerves of steel.
Starting TMS was like herding cats during a hurricane—chaotic, hilarious, and strangely effective. I was given the runaround, faced accusations of having impossibly low prices (because *gasp*, I actually cared about my vendors), and dealt with more than a few people who wanted to steal my ideas. My response? *I don’t give a f*ck* attitude combined with enough kindness to melt glaciers.
TMS isn’t just a collective; it’s a support system, a business incubator, and a mobile therapy group rolled into one. We’re a rainbow coalition of straight, gay, trans, cis; veterans, students, mothers, fathers; even a few well-behaved dogs. We’re black, white, brown, every shade in between; women, men, non-binary, every gender identity. And we have a board of directors—elected by the vendors, whom I empower completely— while I’m off doing the legwork, fighting the good fight, and making sure everyone gets a fair shot.
People called me crazy. They said it couldn’t be done. But guess what? We’re doing it, because I’m not just a fairy godmother; I’m a rhino-powered, elephant-hearted, glitter-cannon-wielding force of nature. I’ve faced adversity, so my team won’t have to. I’m their fiercely loyal, overprotective leader, fighting for every vendor, every single day.
So here we are. The Metallic Sunflower is blooming, defying the odds, proving that Houston is more than just a collection of cliques; it is a community capable of great things. And you know what? It’s only getting started. Join us. Let’s disrupt the status quo, one fabulous, fiercely independent vendor at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Honey, if this were a road, it’d be a demolition derby track paved with good intentions and sprinkled with glitter! First, finding a permanent home for our fabulous vendors felt like searching for the Holy Grail…in a city obsessed with tacos. We’ve mapped potential locations with drones – yes, *drones* – because apparently, detailed plans just confuse people. It’s like trying to explain quantum physics to a squirrel.
Then there’s the delightful skepticism. Some folks didn’t take us seriously, mistaking our initial diversity pitch for a marketing gimmick, not realizing we’re a fully-fledged rainbow coalition of entrepreneurs. Their surprised faces when they discovered our actual makeup? Priceless.
Oh, and let’s not forget the quest for affordable insurance and tax services. It felt like a scavenger hunt designed by a mischievous tax accountant. We’re talking late nights, cryptic online forms, and more phone calls than a telemarketer’s dream. Plus, sourcing produce? That’s a whole other adventure story involving questionable produce delivery trucks, aggressive squirrels, and a very bewildered llama (don’t ask).
In short, it’s been a wild ride—a rollercoaster of bureaucratic battles, unexpected alliances, and enough near-misses to fill a book. But the chaos? It’s part of the charm. And honestly, it makes for a much more interesting story.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What *don’t* we do? That’s a much shorter list! The Metallic Sunflower Collective isn’t your average organization; we’re a vibrant, chaotic, gloriously nerdy ecosystem of creative entrepreneurship. Think of us as the Avengers, but instead of fighting Thanos, we’re battling boring business models and empowering local artisans.
We’re event organizers, vendor managers, media moguls, and business development ninjas all rolled into one glitter-bomb of awesomeness. We’re not just helping vendors get started; we’re guiding them through the labyrinthine world of business, sharing knowledge, building networks, and cheering them on as they unleash their inner crazy genius.
Need help with your five-year plan? We’ve got you covered. Want to learn sustainable gardening techniques from a master horticulturalist who moonlights as a rockstar? Consider it done. Dreaming of a self-watering vertical garden powered by unicorn tears? We’ll help you find the tears (metaphorically speaking, of course… unless?).
We’re passionate about fostering a community where creativity thrives, sustainable practices are celebrated, and everyone feels empowered to share their unique talents with the world. We specialize in making the impossible, possible – with a healthy dose of glitter, laughter, and maybe a llama or two. Our brand? It’s a kaleidoscope of colors, a symphony of unique voices, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a constant source of joyful chaos. We’re more than a collective; we’re a movement, a force for good, blooming brilliantly in the concrete jungle of Houston, one fabulous vendor at a time. Join the revolution; it’s going to be epic.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Now let’s be clear: Houston is a mixed bag, darling. I adore the climate – keeps my plants thriving, even if it melts my moisturizer. Pearl Bar is my sanctuary; The Side Peace bar is aLos essential. And the diversity? Magnificent, a true kaleidoscope of humanity. The food scene, when it’s *good*, is *amazing*. But… let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we?”
“First, the lack of readily available vegan/vegetarian spaces are a CRIME against flavor. We have gems, yes, but it shouldn’t be a treasure hunt. Second, the city’s obsession with its own cliques is exhausting. The ‘in’ crowd mentality? It’s tragic. People cling to their little bubbles, completely blind to the vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences right under their noses. The lack of appreciation for that very tapestry is a sin.
Houston, darling, you’re stunning, but you need a serious attitude adjustment. You have so much potential, but you’re letting petty drama and a lack of inclusivity dim your shine. Work on it, sweetheart. The clock is ticking.
Pricing:
- $500 for us to create a business and logo ideas.
- $800 for event planning!
- Other price is very depending on the request.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ccbrooksugccontent.my.canva.site/themetallicsunflower/#solution; www.themetallicsunflowerfounda
tion.org - Instagram: TheMetallicSunflowerfoundation
Image Credits
Photo taken by myself: Mr. CC Brooks *personal photo
Photos by: All Real Radio (Deniz Lopez) *photos 1 and 2 of additional photos
Photo by: Ashlee of Royal Ave. Tattoo in Spring, TX. *photos Photo 3
Photo by: Natalie of Herbalist Unicorn *Photo 4
