We had the good fortune of connecting with Preston “7th Floor Freeze” Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Preston “7th Floor Freeze”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business started by accident. In my hometown of Akron OH, my old friend Frank Miller III called me for a favor. He wanted me to design a 2016 Championship Tee for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The only thing was, they hadn’t won the Championship just yet. The series was deadlocked at 3 games each and no team had ever come back from a 3-1 deficit. So I told Frank that I would think about it. Truthfully I was excited to do it but I couldn’t tell him that lol! I designed it and showed him the next day. I am a designer and Frank prints tee shirts. He loved the art and we borrowed 100 white tees from his mentor to print on. Worst-case scenario, we will lose precious time and have to pay for the tees. We printed them and took them to a Game 7 watch party at Lebron James old High School St. Vincent Saint Mary. The Cavs won! Soon as the game was over, we sold all 100 tees in record time. This is how 7th Floor Clothing began.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a gift that I want everyone to have a piece of and I feel the best option for that is merchandise. Before 7th Floor Clothing I was a freelance graphic designer for many small businesses, concert promoters and musical artists. I specialized in logos, flyers for huge events and album art. Aside from 7th Floor, I have am the C.E.O. of a marketing company called Market Me 24/7 owned by Lucia Arteaga. We do marketing and promotion for small businesses and big businesses as well.

I would say I got to where I am today by putting God in charge of my business affairs and working hard. Without the man upstairs, none of this would be where it’s at today. I’ve learned to do the best work possible and never be a slave to money. Focus on making your customers and clients feel comfortable with your business and the money will come abundantly.

The story of 7th Floor Clothing is all about taking chances and using your resources. We all need help with something so don’t hesitate to ask. The Bible says “you have not because you ask not”. Also, don’t be afraid of being judged. Jump out there and try your idea!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friends are my business partners. I’m always with them. If you want to have a great time, come to Northside Marketplace in Akron, OH where 7th Floor Clothing is located. There is food, a sports bar, and a Courtyard Marriot next door in case you don’t want to go home. If you want some good food, you have to get someDeCheco’s Pizzeria. I designed the logo for all the pizza boxes so I may be a little biased. Also, Lebron James has a venue called House Three Thirty that I recently visited. They have all kinds of things going on over there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I would like to shout out my mother Stephanie Bland. She was a school principal and worked hard to put me into art school at Columbus College of Art & Design. She works so hard, that if I’m not working just as hard I’m doing her a disservice. She always encouraged me to use my talents. Thanks, Mom!

The second special thanks would be to Lebron James. After he won a title in Cleveland, he wore a hat that we designed on his Instagram that helped 7th Floor Clothing go from a small local brand to a global selling brand. We are from the same hometown and neighborhood. Companies pay this guy millions to promote them and he used his platform to help a small business grow for free. We are forever thankful. Thanks, Lebron!

Website: www.7thfloorclothing.com

Instagram: @7thfloorclothing

Linkedin: 7th Floor Clothing

Twitter: @7thfloorclothes

Facebook: Freeze Clark

Yelp: 7th Floor Clothing

Youtube: 7th Floor Clothing

Other: marketme247.com

Image Credits
Photo by Lucia Arteaga for Market Me 24/7

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