We had the good fortune of connecting with Izzy Lugo III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Izzy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I took a step back and looked at the creatives in the headlines. They were always the same and that bothered me so much. I was always looking for the people that were actually doing the work and connecting with them. The more I heard the stories, the more conscious I became to the need for a platform that highlighted EVERYONE not just the people that could afford to pay for the press. Through the podcast and live activations, the stories being told are truly creatives like you and I–trying to find their way and make a name for themselves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Strange on Purpose Podcast tells the stories of professionals shattering the glass ceilings of culture and shows young professionals what happens when you are authentically you, 100% of the time. Highlighting creatives in sports, apparel, lifestyle and beyond, the show aims to connect creatives everywhere to professionals that can help guide them in their individual journey.

The best part about the show is that I’m highlighting creatives that look like me and are going through similar situations as me. Connecting everyone so they can bounce ideas off each other, learn more about their individual projects and work together makes it all worth it to me.

It hasn’t been easy. For me, a creative career wasn’t in the cards until a couple years after I received my degree. I don’t really come from a family of creatives so I really didn’t have people around me that were someone I could look at and say, “I could see myself doing that.” It wasn’t until my company shut down and unemployment forced me to truly figure out what I wanted to do. Podcasting was the first step of many creative arms of what Strange on Purpose does but will always be the main root of the business. Countless hours spent on the university of YouTube taught me the skills I use Strange on Purpose today. Video, photo, audio and more. All because I wanted to challenge myself to try something new and build something that wasn’t all about me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Milwaukee’s a dope little town. You’re truly a 20 minute drive from anywhere in the city. I’d hit the staples in going to a Brewer or Bucks game while also hitting the lowkey gems for food and drink. Places like burnhearts, the dog park in Bay View and the Sherman Phoenix for sure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Fiancèe, Erin. We’ve been through a lot together but no matter what she’s there to help me figure something out. She’s truly my partner in crime and best friend.

Website: strangeonpurpose.co or izzylugo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsizzylugo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzylugoiii/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsizzylugo

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@izzylugo

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