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

Hi Miguel, how do you think about risk?
When people think of the word “risk“ many scenarios come to mind… they feel as if they are putting themselves in a bad position by risking everything because the outcome is either 100% success or 100% failure. A “risk” taken without any calculating measures will leave you open to a lot of effort without any results, by simply prioritizing the “risk” that you’re taking, not only do you eliminate the sense of failure but even if you do not fully achieve what the risk was intended for you are left in a better position than had you never taken the risk at all. When I think of risk, it involves a calculated sacrifice with the intent of either instant gratification or to set up building blocks for long-term success in an area of which you have never ventured. It is necessary to take risk to propel yourself forward in life, there’s no other way to push yourself but by taking risk. It’s not just the corner stone for entrepreneurs but anyone simply trying to put themselves in a position of exceptional status in any competitive environment. To do this though you can’t just dive in without understanding what you’re getting yourself into, you need to prioritize your risk and research what pitfalls others have had trying to do something similar or exactly like you. Nothing under the sun is new, regardless of technology and access to information, effort is always paramount there is no success without it. More than likely, you’re not the first person to try to be exceptional at what you’re trying to do, and you most certainly won’t be the last. I use the past as a playbook to move my business faster by avoiding what didn’t work for someone else or adapting what worked for them. I’m still taking a risk, but it is now mitigated, because I can utilize best practices by implementing what works best and avoiding what didn’t. I used this specifically when it came to my business, when you research top tech CEO’s or Owners an African American face will most likely not pop up even rarer if you search African American app creators of top grossing companies. I mitigated my risk by taking lessons from other African American owned apps (for instance create a hashtag out of your business name to increase traffic) along with researching my competition and seeing how they position themselves in the market. Research is a big key to risk-taking along with confidence, often miss labeled as arrogant. Most often no risk is associated with a limited shot at success because if you don’t believe in your dream 150% more than everyone else around you, your chances for success is limited. You need to be your biggest cheerleader even when you’re the only person on the field, the craziest thing is that people will always find missteps in the things we want most. Since you’re the one assuming all of the consequences of your risk you can’t expect everyone to see the success that you’ll get from it, you have to have the confidence in yourself or your idea to overcome any objection, if you have unwavering confidence in any risk you take you will never see a failure but only a step closer to your final goal. In the African American community sometimes the person that handles your hair and makeup is the most trusted person in your life. Along with that there are some standards and customs in the hair and make -up industry that have become ingrained in our community. Those risk relate directly to my business Clipnwhip, because I’m asking our community to try an innovative way of getting their hair and beauty care done by allowing the artist to come to their household all done through a app. As for my artists the app has the ability in the health and beauty industry to show how simply changing your location to providing the service in home can greatly increase profits by offering your customer convenience without having the hassle of monthly shop fees. However, if I don’t believe in that message or in the power of what I’m trying to create then no matter how much I research or try, my “risk” will fail. Finally, to prioritize a risk you must understand that there is a sacrifice, nothing worth truly earning or having does not come at a price. You must be willing to sacrifice all your vices and wants for an extended period if it comes to that. It sounds easy at first, but when that means no vacation for two years or isolating yourself every day at lunch to research how to code or leaving your “good job” as people would say for actual ownership in this world. If you’re willing to make any sacrifice for a “risk” then the reality of what you will accomplish will never let you fail.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business Clipnwhip is unique from most other businesses in this industry not only for consumers but the artist as well. Clipnwhip is a mobile app that brings Barber’s, Makeup artist, Lash specialist, Hairstylist and now aestheticians to the customers home (Uber for hair and beauty) with all the transactions along with scheduling on our app. I’m excited for clients to see the convenience and how much time can be saved by using the app. I’m also excited for new artist just starting out in the hair and beauty industry now having another option when selecting at the graduation that get them clients based on their ability not there shops reputation. Clipnwhip got to where it is today by maximizing time, speaking to as many outlets as possible, and just simply working harder each year. I faced many challenges getting my business to where it is one big one I faced was managing my time between a full-time job and creating my business. There were many times where my lunches and days off were spent speaking at a school or a local salon about the app I was building or getting my developer account setup with Apple. I went from Paul Mitchell, Aveda institute and Pro Way hair school in Decatur Georgia just to name a few, if your school would give me opportunity to speak then I was going to be there. I’m the first person in my family to be a entrepreneur and especially in the app development industry there’s not many individuals that I can call on for mentoring, so a lot of work in the beginning was a ton of effort without any real direction. That was the greatest lesson I learned from the whole experience that you can work harder than everybody else but if you do not have a goal for where all your energy is going then it will leave you exhausted and unwilling to continue pushing for that goal.

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?
Oh I would first take them too Mangoes Caribbean restaurant or the Urban Grind coffee house for a poetry reading. I always like to free my mind on the weekends by being around art or creative people.Then we would go to get some good food either from Harold’s chicken and ice bar or if I can catch them Slutty Vegan. I’m a big person on quality food not the location also always support black business whenever. At night we would head over to Ponce city market get a couple of drinks or two and play games till they close. With so much work and time management throughout the week I use my weekends to relax and allow myself to have a little fun.

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?
I want to first dedicate my shout out to my wonderful team at Clipnwhip without any of those ladies we wouldn’t be able to even have the notoriety or the ability to service so many Georgians. So I’m very thankful to have them on my team. Family is important but you can’t put a price on support the two biggest influences are two very strong African-American women my mother Wila Carmona and my mentor Orienthia Speakman. Without either one of these ladies I wouldn’t have the will to continue my business especially when things are down. I’m so grateful to have such inspirational African-American women in my life.

Website: https://www.clipnwhip.com/

Instagram: @clipnwhip_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clipnwhip

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClipnWhip/

Other: TicTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMekf4MrT/ Apple App Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clipnwhip/id1464966987 Android App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.clipnwhip&hl=en_US&gl=US

Image Credits
Photos:Brandon Heath Haircut: Kevin at Morden city barbershop Artist: @unforgettabletamye, @darealshiraq, @mubytiffanynicole, @mickeybusch, @crystyle1981, @kutzbykaine, @zsavetshouseofstyles

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.