Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes, from diverse backgrounds, in a variety of fields, and sometimes all a potential entrepreneur needs is a little support from those who are paving the way for the future generation of entrepreneurs. And sometimes a sign of a great entrepreneur is knowing when to ask for a boost – and knowing how and from whom to ask for it. We’ve received plenty of support, guidance, and encouragement on our own journey to entrepreneurial success, and we enjoy doing the same for others. We receive thousands of emails every month, and do our best to respond to each one. We were particularly impressed with one young music entrepreneur who contacted us through YoungEntrepreneur.com, and we hope you’ll be inspired by his story and his drive.
We’ve had a passion for music since we were kids, and when we discovered Derrick Jones was from Phoenix, where YoungEntrepreneur.com is based, forming a business and mentoring relationship with him seemed natural. Derrick is a gifted R&B artist, and his talent is a big part of what inspired us to become part of his journey. Derrick Jones, who goes by his stage name, Aquarius, emailed us back in January with the following subject line: "CEO of Lady’s Man Entertainment independent label — Young Entrepreneur." He briefly expressed his experience, his passion, and his goals, and asked where he might get advice about getting investments in his independent label, under which he will soon be releasing his debut album. He had the determination; he just needed a little backing, guidance, and support.
We were impressed by Aquarius's music, and further impressed by his ideas and his drive when we met with him. We believe in what he stands for, and feel his passion for his craft – for his singing, songwriting, dancing, producing. That’s why we and our team decided to personally fund his studio time; help build his brand online through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and his own Web site; and coordinate and organize his debut music video shoot for his soon-to-be-hit, "Young Entrepreneur." Another shoot is already planned for August.
This venture means a lot to us"because it means so much to Aquarius. When he was 18, he broke from his R&B group, formed his label, and concentrated on writing the songs he felt were important for his first solo album. All of his songs come from his heart and his experiences, and he says the beat usually shows him which ideas will fit each track.
"The thing I love about R&B is that you can put so many emotions and expressions into your music – make people listen and believe and feel what you're saying, even be able to relate to it," Aquarius says.
One subject close to his heart – and something to which we can definitely relate – is that of entrepreneurship, and his single "Young Entrepreneur" expresses his desire to follow in the footsteps of other entertainers who have created more than music, of the entertainers who have forged their own paths and created new sounds in the music industry – those like the late Michael Jackson and the stylish Usher, who is pouring his own experience and influence into the career of the breakout pop singer Justin Bieber.
"I want people to see where I came from, how hard I worked to get where I am now – the struggles I've been through," Aquarius says. He wants his listeners to understand that success doesn't come easily; that it takes hard work and determination. Aquarius considers himself committed, driven, and never willing to give up.
Those are the qualities an entrepreneur needs. Those are the qualities we look for and with which we can work. We believe in Aquarius because he believes in himself. And we are able to help him because he is willing to put in the effort – because he is bringing everything he has to the table. Embedded below you will find the music video for "Young Entrepreneur." It is an anthem of sorts with which all of you, we’re sure, can relate. Try and spot us: we make our own debut hip hop music video appearance in the video! To hear more from Aquarius, visit his Web site at aquariuslive.com. Check for updates and look for his debut album to drop this fall. We’re proud of his journey and are extremely excited to see his career really take off.
"Being on stage singing is what I live to do," Aquarius says. "It makes me feel so good to see the crowd showing me love."
Showing your fellow aspiring entrepreneurs a little love is sometimes all it takes to launch their careers. And you never know – one of them just might return the favor.
If you like what you hear, you, too, can show your love for Aquarius by helping to spread the word! Comment on the embedded music video on YouTube, share this post with your Facebook friends and Twitter network, review his music on your own blogs – use whatever networking tools are available to you!
If you’d like to show Aquarius some support, you can by downloading the song through itunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/young-entrepreneur/id385833648
Adam Toren and Matthew Toren
Brothers, Business Partners, Entrepreneurs
Co-Founders of YoungEntrepreneur.com
