Meet Benz Shareef | Owner, Creator

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

Hi Benz, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
This question and being an entrepreneur go hand in hand. My advice is this,  the moment you decide to start your own business, You have to make a personal agreement with yourself that giving up just isn’t an option. That, of course, is easier said than done. The trial and tribulations you face as an entrepreneur can certainly make you ask yourself this question often. Things like, not receiving instant gratification for your business,  all the time, money, and hard work that goes into your business that no one else sees. Do you keep going or give up?

I choose to keep going, and here are a few reasons why. Most importantly, I love what I do. My business is my passion, I took my passion and turned it into a way to provide a stream of income. I didn’t begin this journey for the money. I knew this would be a process that took some time because I was self-taught.  Another reason is my support system, and the people who believe in me I didn’t do this all myself. I have friends and family who are rooting for me, my customers all over the United States, and even outside the US who continually support my business. They support CRE8 because of the quality and because they believe in me and what I am trying to accomplish. Lastly, my business is one that was created to change with the times. I’m building something bigger, that requires a certain mindset, one that requires unwavering belief. I can NEVER give up. I just have to get better. I ask myself tough questions like, how can I improve? What can I learn to be better, make my business better, or reach my goal faster? I’m not a “Slap a design on a Gildan T-shirt, and charge you $50 Brand” I know my worth and I know great things take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and my business certainly won’t be either. Brick by brick, I will keep going until I succeed.

What should our readers know about your business?
I want the readers to know who we are and what we stand for. CRE8 stands for Creating Reality 8 days a week. CRE8 is more than just a clothing brand. CRE8 is a fully functional company. We are a Cre8tive lifestyle company.  We offer multiple services, like printing, videography, photography services, content, and brand creation. CRE8 has assisted multiple brands with brand launches, product shots, Labeling, marketing products, BTS videos, content creation, consulting, and much more. In addition to that, Cre8 also has the clothing brand that we make to order. What sets Cre8 apart is the quality of the product you will receive. We take our time to educate about the process as well as provide our clients with excellent services. Cre8 goes above and beyond it certainly has not been easy, but it has definitely all been worth it.  Every day is another day to Cre8 our reality. I had to develop an unwavering belief in myself, for the times when no one else believed in me. At the same time, my brand Cre8 was motivating others in support of me, and around me. There were days I was not inspired, I did not feel any of the positive energy, I was supposed to be exuding. I had to learn to develop a strong mindset and mentality.

I want your readers, and the world to how I Cre8ted my Reality, I took what I loved to do, from an idea in my head and I literally manifested it and created my everyday reality, and now I do what I love! i also want them to know the CRE8 brand and its quality. I want the world to see how we help other brands to bring their ideas to reality. I want your readers to see how we CRE8.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take that friend all over. We would start in Buckhead for brunch we go to TOAST on Lenox then, and stop by R. Thomas for some smoothies after lunch. The next stop is Piedmont park to walk off breakfast. For dinner, we would have to stop by Two Urban Licks and get the mussels. We would then walk that off on the beltline. and probably ride some scooters to the James Room and have some delicious cocktails. and they probably head to the Ponce city market rooftop to finish off the evening with some dope city views and games. that’s just one night. ATL has so many great places and a lot of fun things to do! I can’t give out all the secrets. 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The SCORE Foundation In Atlanta. SCORE is a group of retired business professionals, and they have a foundation that has some free workshops where they show you some great things and assist you with starting your business, like writing a business plan, placing you with a mentor, and providing you with continuing education through seminars and even placing you with Angel Investors.

Website: Cre8reality.com

Instagram: @Cre8reality_co

Twitter: @Cre8_Apparel

Facebook: A Cre8tive Lifestyle Company