Through networking, I recently met a young entrepreneur named Isaac Mashman. He has a motivational clothing company called Success Before Rest. It’s his vision to eventually expand that clothing line into a large and prosperous business producing a line of motivational clothing that will be sold everywhere. Here is the interview with the young visionary behind Success Before Rest, Isaac Mashman.

 

Where were you born and raised, what was childhood like, and what did you want to become when you grew up?

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida into a less than average household. I’m not going to go into too much detail, but you could say my childhood was rather tumultuous. At that time I didn’t realize it, but looking back now, it is clear as day. Let’s see, I had so many dreams as a child. I remember being in elementary school saying that I wanted to be a 5-star general. As I got older, my aspirations changed, whether it was becoming a crime-scene analyst, an engineer or even joining the NCIS.

 

 

What did your parents do for a living, and was there any entrepreneurship in the family? Is your family supportive?

Well, currently, my mom works full time as an assistant manager at a grocery store, and my step-father spends his hours working at church and doing odd jobs. Overall, I can’t really recall there ever being entrepreneurship in the family, which is ironic being that I turned out the way I did. Although, my parents and I have our differences, they try to support me the best they can.

 

 

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a lifestyle. I do not believe that it is limited to what you wear, how you look or the clothing you buy, rather, it includes how you present yourself, mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. Why do you wear the things you do? Why do they stand out, etc:. I love prying into the actions that led the person into choosing the things they did.

 

 

Describe your personal style.

I like to keep it classy and professional. Although you’ll often times see me in casual apparel, I am very picky about what I wear. I know, odd right?

 

 

Who is your favorite designer or what is your favorite brand? Why?

Oh let’s see, other than my own brand, which I will discuss later, I would have to go with Ralph Lauren as my personal favorite. Something about it has always stood out to me. It’s reasonably priced (for the most part) and their items are virtually always business casual.

 

 

How did you get involved and interested in fashion?

I think my love for business and entrepreneurship inspired me to get involved in fashion. We go about our daily lives looking at what other people are wearing, whether that’s Nike, Adidas or any other big name brand. This got me thinking, why can’t I start up a brand like that? A brand with a message. A brand that’s both fashionable and meaningful.

 

 

How did you get involved with entrepreneurship?

For as long as I can remember I have always had a spark in me driving me towards doing something more. It wasn’t until this past year, however, that I really got interested in entrepreneurship and living the motivated lifestyle. There are multiple examples that I can think of in my life which would be considered entrepreneurial such as owning a lawn business several summers ago, ideas for companies and so on.

 

 

What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?

You know, I love everything about it so far. The long nights sipping coffee and talking with potential clients. The lack of sales. I sound crazy, I know, but as Gary Vaynerchuk says, you have to enjoy the journey, both good and bad.

 

 

Talk about your business. Is it just you or do other people help you? How did you get started with your shop? How did you learn how to run a business? What have you done in the fashion industry? Do you have any businesses or jobs in other industries?

Well, my clothing line Success Before Rest Apparel is a motivational clothing line that I launched in November of last year. The goal of the company is to inspire its buyers and eventually, influence a new generation of motivated entrepreneurs and business people.  Currently I am running the business by myself but I plan on upscaling within the next year. Ultimately, getting started was easy, my suggestion would be to just do your research. Find a good, A-rated manufacturer with reasonable prices. Actually, my experience in the industry is limited, but I look at it as a positive because I am constantly learning. One other thing, I do have some other businesses I plan on starting in the near future. Stay tuned.

 

 

What’s it like running a business while in high school? Do your friends know? Are they supportive? How do you balance everything?

Actually, I love it. Being a senior in high school I have a partial schedule which I use to my advantage. I’m constantly doing something business related. Regarding my friends, almost everyone I associate myself with knows, and I will say my close friends are the ones I can rely on for support and motivation. It’s great really.

 

 

What made you choose to produce inspirational clothing and items?

As I mentioned earlier, there are so many clothing brands out there, but too many of them lack purpose. I wanted to produce something that can act as a catalyst for a professional movement. Something that inspires and is able to help others in their day to day life. Success doesn’t always come easily, hence the name Success Before Rest.

 

 

What is your favorite book right now and why?

Being so busy I haven’t been able to read as much as I would like to. I do, however, have Gary Vaynerchuk’s new book “Crushing It” coming in soon which I am looking forward to reading.

 

 

Do you have any hobbies? What are they?

Camping has been a huge part of my life. Being a part of the Boy Scouts of America for so long, the outdoors is like a second home in all honesty. Other than that, I really enjoy biking and going to the beach.

 

 

What’s one thing you’re passionate about?

One word: business.

 

 

What are your goals for the rest of the year?

Well, I plan on starting up several new businesses in the near future which I am looking forward to. Other than that and upscaling my clothing line, I would like to be able to pay off some of my family’s debt and take a vacation to Dubai.

 

 

What is your favorite quote and why?

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good, to go for the great” – John D. Rockefeller. I love this quote because it is so applicable to my current situation. I am being faced with decisions left and right, and I just have to think everything over and weigh out the pros and cons.

 

 

Here is Isaac Mashman’s websites and contact info. He was even kind enough to provide a discount to readers of my blog on his apparel.

 

www.teespring.com/stores/success-before-rest

 

Use promo code “FE2018” for $2 off your purchase.

 

Personal

Twitter: @isaacmashman

Instagram: @isaacmashman

 

Business

Twitter: @SBRApparel

Instagram: @success.before.rest.apparel