Today we’d like to introduce you to Camron Sheppard.
Hi Camron, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was 15 years old, with $35 and a dream. A dream to inspire people with my brand. I went to my local print shop, Impression’s, and got 5 hats made with Chill9 printed on them. I sold them all the first day, I was hooked. I started saving up all the money I could for my next release, the ‘True Lies’ tees. And the rest is history.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Starting a business for anyone, especially at a young age, comes with many obstacles. To start, my focus was everywhere: school, sports, and social life.
It was not until I was 19 that I dropped out of college to fully commit to being an entrepreneur. Since I wanted to do everything myself, there was a learning curve for not only making the shirts but also marketing, web design, etc.
After almost 2 years of hard work and dedication, Covid hit. Sales did drop for my brand during that time period, but Covid did bring a lot of learning and opportunities. I would not change anything that happened because facing those challenges made me a better person and business owner.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I design and make clothing for my brand.
While having some support from others, I do almost everything for my brand. I have had many people stop me to ask if I was the “9 Guy”. I would like to say I am known for being the guy who created Chill9. I am proudest of the fact that I stepped outside my comfort zone and started something new at 15.
I think what sets me apart is that I make everything myself, and I stayed true to my roots and experiences which allows people to shop from a more authentic brand.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’m originally from Florida but spent most of my life in Tennessee. Growing up, I loved playing outside and connecting with the kids in the neighborhood.
Early on it was clear that I was different from the others. I would use my business-like mindset and trade with the kids in order to get things I could not afford. It always amazed me how, despite the struggles in our lives, we still continued to find joy every day.
It was quickly rooted in me that I wanted to make affordable clothing for people just like those kids and myself. As I got older, I realized that I had a very competitive mentality. I expanded this mentality through sports. This corresponds with what it takes to become an entrepreneur.
I was allowed to be competitive with myself and others around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: shopchill9.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/chill9clothing/
