Meet Mr. SOC | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mr. SOC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mr., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For starting my agency, the origin was like an epiphany almost. Peak pandemic I thought to myself that it was vital that I furthered what I’ve already started, but this time I wanted to package everything into one. The idea of creating a creative agency came with much thought — after a year of contemplating when to start, I just decided to take a leap of faith and April 2020 the LLC was created, Mr.SOC & Co., LLC.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Becoming the Creative Director I am today is definitely over a decade worth of work put in to have to be here; I’ve interned with PR firms, model scouted, produced events, wardrobe styling, past member of a performing gospel choir, did road management, the list goes on. There were definitely challenges and lessons I had to learn to become who I am today — whether it was separation, consecration, missing out on fun, etc. My professionalism has grown tremendously; when it pertains to communication, punctuality and execution — I use every opportunity as a stepping stone. Each time I overcome a challenge or faced with a new era, I embrace it and think to myself “what would Mr.SOC do?” after praying to God of course. Everything I’ve accomplished, overcome, etc. is a testament to God’s favor towards me.

What I want the world to know about my story is that, nothing was handed to me and you can do anything you put your mind to. I’ve worked and continue to work my butt off to make a reputable name for myself. I do what I do with my mother in mind, my family and those who look just like me! I want the world to know that if the fat chubby kid from Trenton, NJ, who’s a first-gen Liberian American can make it, so can you! Work hard! Pray harder! Trust the process, but make sure you’re having fun while doing so! Live every day like it’s your last! Don’t fear nothing or no one except God himself! Do whatever it is that’s on your heart if it brings you peace or happiness. Compete with no one but who you were yesterday and remember the best leaders are always a student!

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?
I love all things food, good music, safe environments and nostalgia so wherever those are, that’s where you’ll find us! My close friends, family, etc. are very similar to me. I’m adventurous at times and always looking for new things to try so no day will look like another. Most may not think it, but I’m very easy going and it doesn’t take much to have a good time. Everywhere I decide to take someone there will definitely be a photo opp for sure. We’ll have our moment to document the moment/history and then get right back to creating new memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s a list of those I can give accolades to who’s either helped nurture my talents, assisted in guiding me so far through this journey or helped in any way, shape or form. First and foremost God deserves all the praise and honor. I’d like to thank my first mentor Dr. Charity Campbell, my mother who sacrificed so much for me, my spiritual parents, Mr. & Mrs. Freeman, my high school counselor Mr. Seegars, Ms. Benton, Peter Carey and Joshua Anglero, owners of PR firm I interned with in undergrad. I’d also like to acknowledge Autumn Lopez, Jennifer Michele, Erica Arcilesi, my uncle Leonard Deshield, Captain Munnerlyn, old clients Coolly and Milan H. A few more to name, A.J. Samuels, Renee Jones, Daryl Dendy, Julia Winn, my financial advisor, Malcolm Nelson, Shae Byrdsell, all of my JWU fam, Kayleigh Brown, Kyle Genesis for gifting me my very first dj board, my partners at Charlotte Black Card, Anthony Carter, Martingly and Zeke Evaro, the best Executive Assistant there is. I must also mention Wolfgang Lisborge, everyone needs a cousin like Wolf! Last but not least, my tribe, my family (I love my siblings so much! DMC to the world!) who has been there with me and by me through thick and thin. There are many more to name, but we’ll stop here. For those who I didn’t mention within this article, please forgive me; love you all tremendously. Major shoutout to all of those who have mentioned my name in rooms that have led to being booked, referred or just simply releasing kind words on my behalf.

Website: https://mrsoc.my.canva.site/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mr.soc

Image Credits
Sancho Smalls
JKE
RYS Photography
Ty G