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

Hi Brian, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is to never stop pursuing. I’ve learned that some things happen organically through time where connections are made and opportunities just come to you on their own. However, there are also some doors that don’t open until they are first pursued. Sometimes, you have to intentionally go after the things that are in your heart to accomplish in the realm of business. Eventually, the right door opens up and causes a ripple effect of very necessary sequential events.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2012, I launched a beaded jewelry brand called BAH Beadz for both men, women and children; which deliberately tailors to each recipient’s likes or personal style. BAH Beadz has made its way to red carpets worn by celebrities and designers alike or by people who simply want a staple accessory to add to their daily look. I am also the founder of Dress Like A Gent ™, a lifestyle blog that focuses on helping gents develop their own personal style. Dress Like A Gent ™ is also a noteworthy media outlet which provides pre and post media coverage for various social gatherings, local foodie brands, fashion and philanthropic events and more. With both creative business ventures, I’ve learned that determination is the key. Like most, I’ve had my challenges, but my determination and dedication to the business has always outweighed. You just learn to work through these challenges and create alternative methods of tackling problems.

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?
If I had a good friend come into the city for a week, I would more than likely take them to a few of my fav restaurant spots like East Atlanta Village Thai, Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand, Thumbs Up Diner, and especially to the Krog Street Market Food Hall. I’m all about eating good food around the city and getting my shopping on. We’d also probably hit some of the outlets in North GA and some of my fav consignment spots like Buffalo Exchange and Rag O Rama.

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?
Throughout my creative career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some very phenomenal people who have inspired and mentored me along the way. Speaking of which, I’d especially like to shoutout Dr. Courtney Hammonds, Vincent Martinez & Caren West for their support and guidance in the marketplace. From the beginning, Dr. Courtney Hammonds has taken the time out to give me very practical advice on how to build a creative business and has also provided me with very essential networking to get me through doors I would not have had the courage to pursue alone. Likewise, Fashion Blogger Vincent Martinez has helped to mentor me where it concerns writing professionally and creating blog content that is both engaging and logical. And lastly, a big shoutout to Caren West and her PR firm for simply paving the way to get me into staple events here in the city where I’ve been able to provide published media coverage and meet some really cool creatives.

Website: www.DressLikeAGent.co
Instagram: DressLikeAGent; BAHBeadz
Twitter: _DressLikeAGent
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianalonzohampton