Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahman Rogers Jr.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been on this entrepreneurial journey for 8 months now. 7 months ago I was living with my dad in Houston, TX. I was definitely not the person I am today nor did I have the same mindset I possess now. I was the class clown, teachers and other students looked down upon me. The word “Business” didn’t even come to mind as I was uneducated on anything relating to and only interested in playing basketball. In the middle of the first semester of my junior year I got kicked off my high school basketball team. I thought my dreams were over and that I wouldn’t do anything else in life. It all started with “BrothersINCharge” my lawn care service. My dad sent me to live with my mom in Indiana under not the best of living conditions. When I got there I was depressed for 2 weeks, I didn’t want to do anything, there was literally a movie going on in my head replaying everything from there. I knew I was gonna have to do more for myself and be more independent. All I wanted to do was make money for myself, I was offered an opportunity to make $20- raking the lawn; for which I received $20! I thought “pretty easy” so I expanded the lawn service to neighbors and relatives. I saw the demand in the community and executed by turning it into a business. I watched a show called “Shark Tank” which got me even more interested in business and thinking about what made them self-made millionaires and billionaires and what do they all have in common. Everyone knew I had a business and my peers didn’t understand my mindset, as a result that caused confusion which led a lot of people to lash out at school and on social media and bully me and talk down to me. I wanted to do more and build something up for the people who had the same feeling as me and were getting bullied and made fun of. So I came up with the idea clothing in which people can express their grind, and their hard work through fashionable apparel! Everyone took me as a joke because some kid like me had bigger dreams than the universe. It wasn’t until I got product then everyone saw it and all of a sudden the mood changed. Many people were congratulating me, trying to be my friend just to get free clothes and started listening to me on the advice I was giving on social media.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been rough! 16 years of age, African-American, and in high school made it difficult for me to run and build a business. I realized more and more that entrepreneurship is not as glamorous as it sounds or looks. Most people didn’t take me seriously: not even my own mother! It took me two long months of finding the company, coming up with a meaningful logo. I barely got any sleep, all I wanted to do was work and prove everyone wrong. I would miss lunch constantly just to get on the phone with my manufacturer which is 1,000 miles away! Many people would tell me “slow down, you’re doing too much” or “your only 16 you got time.” Most people don’t get it, I want to build a legacy for myself. I refuse to get up every day early in the morning, drive to work, sit at an office all day and build someone else’s dream when I can I just be my own boss and get up on my own time and work just as hard but I create something for myself! After the struggle of finding a reliable manufacturer, and handling startup costs it all started. I recently had the opportunity to have my line “Motivation O Loyalty” in a fashion show right outside of Chicago! So to answer the question again no it has not been a smooth road, everything goes wrong in business. I’ve just been staying humble because I’m just getting started I know this is only the beginning.
BrothersINCharge Lawn Care services and Motivation O Loyalty apparel – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is an apparel company. We’ve been up for about a month now and we currently sell t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more to come! But more important than the apparel is the message I’m attempting to send to people. My logo “Motivation O loyalty” sends this message; everyone wants the money, fame or to be able to provide for themselves and their family right? Well in order to achieve your gonna need some type of motivation! But once you’re successful or when you’re a place you wanna be you gotta stay loyal to your community, family, friends and most importantly yourself! That’s what we are most proud as a brand, anyone who’s working hard themselves and their family deserves recognition. And you can express yourself through our fashionable apparel. Our merchandise is less expensive than some of the over-priced brands that are on the market today. The quality is highly comparable.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as executing on a goal or dream! I wanted including me everyone that is working hard to achieve their goals by getting my message regarding ‘Motivation O Loyalty’ as being well received by the public; especially young people and its impact felt across the globe! The apparel will become popular and I can live the American dream. Changing the attitude and behavior of young people and merchandise sold, will be two of the markers of success I will be looking out for.
Pricing:
- T-shirt- $23.95
- Hoodies- $32.95
- Hats- $19.99
- Sweat pants- $32.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mloyalapparel.com
- Email: motivationoloyalty@gmail.com
- Instagram: @motivationoloyalty and my personal: @therealrahmanrogersjr
- Facebook: officialmloyal and my personal @officialhoop1
- Twitter: @Mloyaltyapparel and my personal @RahmanRogersJr
Image Credit:
Models: Will Samfield(IG;will_samfield), Caroline Flinder(IG:caroline_flinder)
Photographer: Shakira Reedus(FB: Shakira Reedus)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Demarcus
May 18, 2020 at 11:59 am
4707657925 it’s crazy because I’m 19 and I go around my Niebor hood doing lawn care it’s a side hustle but its so immaculate Its good you became what you are from that I feel like I can do the same thing I have a nice clothing brand I came up with it’s called gorilla drip but the design are dope with colors get back at me
oguzzsancaktar
January 6, 2021 at 3:06 pm
his name is oguzzsancaktar he is dealing with turkish millionaire software, he is doing legendary works but he does not offer it too much.
Joseph Bolton
January 12, 2021 at 2:39 pm
I’m trynna get out on bro, tired of living broke, I wanna do more not just for myself but for my family aswell
Deshawndre
January 13, 2021 at 12:47 pm
i wanna be my own boss too but ion kno where to start from life hard in new orleans ion wanna go out here & take people hard earned things like every other new orleans kid it’s rough where i’m at
Carl
January 13, 2021 at 5:35 pm
I admire your story
I would love some advice
Amer
January 14, 2021 at 2:59 am
Salam wa alaycom. I just read the story and truly is motivating. J appreciate the hard work and dedication you show to have people see what a hard working mentality will get you in life. God bless and many more good news to come Inshalla,
Amer
Muslim Don
Timothy
January 14, 2021 at 3:14 am
My name is Timothy Wilson I’m 17 going on 18 but I’m not yo ever 17 year old and I’m trying to get where you are. I’m so ready!! Plz get back at me. And that’s fye how you started I read it from top to bottom but for you to be so young and went hard that’s fye I F with it lol .. but yeah plz get back at me.
Dajia
January 14, 2021 at 8:45 pm
How did you do it in how could you help others get to the same path your own
Malik Wimbish
January 20, 2021 at 11:31 am
I’m tired of jumping around home to home, I’m tired of being broke and unable to help my mother, and myself.
Malik Wimbish
January 20, 2021 at 11:33 am
I don’t wanna ever go broke again, this feeling-jumping from home to home, child in the way and few ways to support without going broke for months,I just wanna kno what I need to do.
Malik Wimbish
January 20, 2021 at 11:34 am
I don’t wanna ever go broke again, this feeling-jumping from home to home, child in the way and few ways to support without going broke for months,I just wanna kno what I need to do.
Malik Wimbish
January 20, 2021 at 11:34 am
show me what I need to do
Keontai Rainey
January 25, 2021 at 5:47 pm
so im currently sleeping in my aunts truck ,i dont have anywhere to go as well im 17 yrs young. im a homeless guy like u were . i want to know how and what steps i need to do to get to your level .
Shawn moten
January 27, 2021 at 8:57 pm
I need help to bra I’m from Cleveland n it’s poor down here shit I just need a lil help that’s all I
Justin Hutsona
January 31, 2021 at 12:03 pm
I would definitley love to join the team!!! We all know its hard out here & i can see youve managed to take advantage of the pandemic👀 If there is anything i can do to support your business id be willing🙏🏾🕊
Nevaeh
January 31, 2021 at 7:17 pm
I wanna be rich like. You
Ashya
January 31, 2021 at 10:00 pm
I’ve Read It All! I Love The Person You Has Become , I Understand The Part About You Didn’t Have A Good Supporter I Can Imagine It All , I’m Working On Looking Forward To Start My Black Owned Business & Become A Millionaire I’m Only 16 But I’m Trying Because I’m Trying To Become A Millionaire By 18 But I’m Gonna Continue Being Humble Graduate From Highschool & Figure It Out From There But I God Has A Plan For Me , But As For You I Hope You Continue Been The Young Man U Is & Becoming
Amarivedwardsc
February 4, 2021 at 7:49 am
I just at t wanted to know what it took to start that business what are all the assets and what is everything you need and need to know before starting. I am a young black man going through the same things you were at 16 and I am looking to be a self made millionaire. I refuse to make somebody else rich.
River
February 6, 2021 at 4:09 pm
Hey mr rogers my name is river goldwire and I. Am very inspiring about u journal into be coming a millionaire.
I am 20 also but I feel like I have made a lot of bad decisions in life
So now my main focus is bettering myself and becoming financially,physically,and mentally successful
.. i am looking forward to hear from you to get more renowned on the steps I need to take to further my journey
Maliki
February 6, 2021 at 10:25 pm
@shhhroombm trying to change young lives working from home.