Jamael I Clark - Founder Impact Makars and Co-Founder of Aucity, LLC
What sparked your interest regarding starting a business?
I guess from being an artist, I wanted to figure out another avenue where I can transfer by creativity (spoken word poetry/visual art) beyond the artistic field. I wanted to do more than just perform and navigate my entrepreneurship in a corporate ocean and see how to solve a problem or enhance a service to recreate a better experience for humans to be a part of. I am also an advocate for the arts to be applied in education, transform the curriculums into a more lively learning experience to develop students holistically. I know education can improve and I know how. After reading a book called Mastery by Robert Greene, I learned how to merge all of my interests together to prevent spreading myself out too thin. I always feel the need to add value with my talent. Curiosity can’t kill the same cat that has nine lives.
There are two businesses I am currently working on…
1.) Aucity, LLC is a creative design and consulting company that develops strategies for companies to engage millennial audiences through innovative and non-traditional avenues. Aucity works with individuals to help turn their creative ideas and passions into lucrative entrepreneurial opportunities. Our consortium of small business owners, educators, artists, public speakers, researchers, and activists (all composed of millennials) works toward implementing strategies to engage today's generation from first-hand experience.
2.) Impact Mākars is a creative arts organization that challenges students’ and artists' perceptions of creativity. By concentrating on maximizing their creative capital using spoken word poetry & visual arts, transferable skills are magnified for artists to capitalize on opportunities beyond their artistry in fields such as education, business, and entrepreneurship, to expand their social and cultural capital through products, service, or performance.
Why did you choose this particular business to start?
To fix the problems, which I call “challenges” in education. I used to be an introverted, low-self esteem student in high school. The spoken word club at OPRF is what opened me up and ignited a passion and purpose in me that I never knew existed because I was the suppressor. I always told myself, “I can’t do this” or “I am not good enough for that”. This was from the fear of public speaking and the fear of expressing myself. But, somehow and someway I was conjured up enough will power to not only defeat my public speaking phobia, but leverage the art of having a voice into the powerful arena of spoken word poetry. I also become a better student in the classroom by participating more, studying effectively, writing much more improved academic papers, and just knowing my talent can be valued in the classroom. I believe that is the hugest challenge. How can we make students feel valued in the classroom and allow them to flourish in education with their talents and gifts? Joining the spoken word club and experience that period of transcending my internal obstacles (fear, insecurities, ego) let me know two great things. 1.) The power of poetry or any creative avenue of that matter, whether it be music, dance, theater, photography, etc., can and will improve students in ways science, technology, engineering, and mathematics cannot. 2.) WE NEED TO INTEGRATE THE ARTS INTO CURRICULUMS A LOT MORE SO WE CAN SOLVE THE “PROBLEMS” SCHOOLS CLAIM THAT ARE DAMAGING EDUCATION.
How has the OPRF School of Business assisted in your decision to start and run your business?
Funny thing is this; I never took an OPRF School of Business course! I actually learned a lot from my friend and music recording artist, Kendall Robinson, who took a business class (not sure which one). He told me you guys sold shirts in the class, learned how to compose a business plan, and things of that nature. I wasn’t too knowledgeable about branding, marketing, or retail, so I would ask Kendall questions and absorb the knowledge he gained from the course so I can apply it to whatever I was doing. So, I guess you can say I learned the importance of branding and presentation, which I learned from Kendall, which he learned from the business course at OPRF for the most part. My decision to start and run a business was largely inspired by the current high school students I noticed who are already entrepreneurs. I wish I started off that young because I can only imagine how far they will be once they reach my age. Meeting with Hostrawser every now and then and receiving is invaluable and passionate advice also fueled my drive, too. But, the students, the youth has that polarizing and influential energy that is contagiously captivating enough to push you with your aspirations and I can unhesitatingly say, the high school students inspire me a lot.
If you could tell all the OPRF School of Business students something about being an entrepreneur, what would it be?
1.) Don’t listen to anybody except yourself. Just kidding. However, listen to your “why?”, your purpose and really believe in yourself. Your confidence and faith will dictate where you go, how far, how soon, and with whom.
2.) If people tell you you cannot accomplish something, take their words with the most microscopic grain of salt. They are dying to instill their doubts and insecurities in you because secretly, they believe THEY are incapable of doing what you do.
3.) Oh yeah, make sure you surround yourself with people who inspire you and people who share the same values as you. Energy is inevitably inculpable. So, place yourself around people who have a strong strong strong work ethic. Swole work ethic. And most importantly, genuinely honest and ethical, morally driven, highly spirited and positive people. Remember, people are not your friends, they are your frequencies.
4.) Put all emotions to the side or in some creative expression because the business/entrepreneur field is cut-throat. Seriously. Reacting to situations will not take you anywhere. Know the difference between responding and reacting. I never heard of a story about someone using their tears to create a puddle big enough to float them to their destination.
5.) READ BOOKS. A lot of them. The library is the most underrated and overlooked university in the world. Do not rely on books taught in school to determine how much you know. That’s the equivalence to putting all your eggs into one basket or better yet, like putting all of your brain cells into one thought…(don’t know if that analogy worked).
6.) Cure your addiction to social media. Immediately. Learn how to use it to your advantage to build social capital, cultural capital and symbolic capital (look up Pierre Bordieu).
7.) Make sure you are deeply in love with what you do. And make sure people see that. Passion is everything.
What would you tell students who have not taken a class in the OPRF School of Business?
Please, do not make the same mistake I made. Take a class or become great friends with someone who has (like I did).
What drives you to succeed?
Knowing my purpose. Knowing each and every one of us has a special gift to make each other better people while we are here temporarily. Knowing why I was placed on this Earth is possibly the greatest feeling. Ever.
What are any take-aways from your education in the OPRF School of Business that you utilize in your business?
I believe all the take aways come from me returning to OPRF and being inspired by the high school students. Continuously finding ways to be inspired and enthusiastic about my work is a significant takeaway. I see that in them! You really have to ask yourself, “how can I wake up each day finding newer ways to love what I do?” If you can do that then you can always keep doing what you do with passion.
What is your most memorable OPRF School of Business experience?
Well…this is awkward…can I just freestyle a moment since I never took a class?
Where would you like to see the OPRF School of Business in 5 years?
I want to see it on television. Like ESPN or something for sporting great entrepreneurs in the business game.
Contact Info:
Aucity: http://www.theaucity.com
Personal: http://www.isaiahmakarios.com
Social Media: @isaiahmakarios (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn)
Email: [email protected]
Impact Mākars: Will be a surprise. #MakarsSeason
I guess from being an artist, I wanted to figure out another avenue where I can transfer by creativity (spoken word poetry/visual art) beyond the artistic field. I wanted to do more than just perform and navigate my entrepreneurship in a corporate ocean and see how to solve a problem or enhance a service to recreate a better experience for humans to be a part of. I am also an advocate for the arts to be applied in education, transform the curriculums into a more lively learning experience to develop students holistically. I know education can improve and I know how. After reading a book called Mastery by Robert Greene, I learned how to merge all of my interests together to prevent spreading myself out too thin. I always feel the need to add value with my talent. Curiosity can’t kill the same cat that has nine lives.
There are two businesses I am currently working on…
1.) Aucity, LLC is a creative design and consulting company that develops strategies for companies to engage millennial audiences through innovative and non-traditional avenues. Aucity works with individuals to help turn their creative ideas and passions into lucrative entrepreneurial opportunities. Our consortium of small business owners, educators, artists, public speakers, researchers, and activists (all composed of millennials) works toward implementing strategies to engage today's generation from first-hand experience.
2.) Impact Mākars is a creative arts organization that challenges students’ and artists' perceptions of creativity. By concentrating on maximizing their creative capital using spoken word poetry & visual arts, transferable skills are magnified for artists to capitalize on opportunities beyond their artistry in fields such as education, business, and entrepreneurship, to expand their social and cultural capital through products, service, or performance.
Why did you choose this particular business to start?
To fix the problems, which I call “challenges” in education. I used to be an introverted, low-self esteem student in high school. The spoken word club at OPRF is what opened me up and ignited a passion and purpose in me that I never knew existed because I was the suppressor. I always told myself, “I can’t do this” or “I am not good enough for that”. This was from the fear of public speaking and the fear of expressing myself. But, somehow and someway I was conjured up enough will power to not only defeat my public speaking phobia, but leverage the art of having a voice into the powerful arena of spoken word poetry. I also become a better student in the classroom by participating more, studying effectively, writing much more improved academic papers, and just knowing my talent can be valued in the classroom. I believe that is the hugest challenge. How can we make students feel valued in the classroom and allow them to flourish in education with their talents and gifts? Joining the spoken word club and experience that period of transcending my internal obstacles (fear, insecurities, ego) let me know two great things. 1.) The power of poetry or any creative avenue of that matter, whether it be music, dance, theater, photography, etc., can and will improve students in ways science, technology, engineering, and mathematics cannot. 2.) WE NEED TO INTEGRATE THE ARTS INTO CURRICULUMS A LOT MORE SO WE CAN SOLVE THE “PROBLEMS” SCHOOLS CLAIM THAT ARE DAMAGING EDUCATION.
How has the OPRF School of Business assisted in your decision to start and run your business?
Funny thing is this; I never took an OPRF School of Business course! I actually learned a lot from my friend and music recording artist, Kendall Robinson, who took a business class (not sure which one). He told me you guys sold shirts in the class, learned how to compose a business plan, and things of that nature. I wasn’t too knowledgeable about branding, marketing, or retail, so I would ask Kendall questions and absorb the knowledge he gained from the course so I can apply it to whatever I was doing. So, I guess you can say I learned the importance of branding and presentation, which I learned from Kendall, which he learned from the business course at OPRF for the most part. My decision to start and run a business was largely inspired by the current high school students I noticed who are already entrepreneurs. I wish I started off that young because I can only imagine how far they will be once they reach my age. Meeting with Hostrawser every now and then and receiving is invaluable and passionate advice also fueled my drive, too. But, the students, the youth has that polarizing and influential energy that is contagiously captivating enough to push you with your aspirations and I can unhesitatingly say, the high school students inspire me a lot.
If you could tell all the OPRF School of Business students something about being an entrepreneur, what would it be?
1.) Don’t listen to anybody except yourself. Just kidding. However, listen to your “why?”, your purpose and really believe in yourself. Your confidence and faith will dictate where you go, how far, how soon, and with whom.
2.) If people tell you you cannot accomplish something, take their words with the most microscopic grain of salt. They are dying to instill their doubts and insecurities in you because secretly, they believe THEY are incapable of doing what you do.
3.) Oh yeah, make sure you surround yourself with people who inspire you and people who share the same values as you. Energy is inevitably inculpable. So, place yourself around people who have a strong strong strong work ethic. Swole work ethic. And most importantly, genuinely honest and ethical, morally driven, highly spirited and positive people. Remember, people are not your friends, they are your frequencies.
4.) Put all emotions to the side or in some creative expression because the business/entrepreneur field is cut-throat. Seriously. Reacting to situations will not take you anywhere. Know the difference between responding and reacting. I never heard of a story about someone using their tears to create a puddle big enough to float them to their destination.
5.) READ BOOKS. A lot of them. The library is the most underrated and overlooked university in the world. Do not rely on books taught in school to determine how much you know. That’s the equivalence to putting all your eggs into one basket or better yet, like putting all of your brain cells into one thought…(don’t know if that analogy worked).
6.) Cure your addiction to social media. Immediately. Learn how to use it to your advantage to build social capital, cultural capital and symbolic capital (look up Pierre Bordieu).
7.) Make sure you are deeply in love with what you do. And make sure people see that. Passion is everything.
What would you tell students who have not taken a class in the OPRF School of Business?
Please, do not make the same mistake I made. Take a class or become great friends with someone who has (like I did).
What drives you to succeed?
Knowing my purpose. Knowing each and every one of us has a special gift to make each other better people while we are here temporarily. Knowing why I was placed on this Earth is possibly the greatest feeling. Ever.
What are any take-aways from your education in the OPRF School of Business that you utilize in your business?
I believe all the take aways come from me returning to OPRF and being inspired by the high school students. Continuously finding ways to be inspired and enthusiastic about my work is a significant takeaway. I see that in them! You really have to ask yourself, “how can I wake up each day finding newer ways to love what I do?” If you can do that then you can always keep doing what you do with passion.
What is your most memorable OPRF School of Business experience?
Well…this is awkward…can I just freestyle a moment since I never took a class?
Where would you like to see the OPRF School of Business in 5 years?
I want to see it on television. Like ESPN or something for sporting great entrepreneurs in the business game.
Contact Info:
Aucity: http://www.theaucity.com
Personal: http://www.isaiahmakarios.com
Social Media: @isaiahmakarios (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn)
Email: [email protected]
Impact Mākars: Will be a surprise. #MakarsSeason