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

Hi Clifford, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start a business to help and inspire other people. The idea of the Leader Of Me brand was to show people that self control was the avenue to human freedom. To accomplish any goal in life you must have discipline and self control. I wanted to share that idea with others and it just morphed into a brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As far as my music I am set apart because I focus on reality and not just entertainment. There is not a lot of that going on these days. My growth and continuation of my brand has not been easy, I don’t think success is meant to be easy. We all have a dream of some sort, some of us are just crazy enough to try and turn it into a reality. I want the world to know from my music or my brand that you can overcome anything. Wether it be to stop smoking, or to lose weight, or to become the C.E.O of a big company. Anything is possible with discipline, a plan and dedication.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, great question. I am pretty much a home body, but I have a few spots I enjoy. Birmingham is a great spot for wings, Urban Smoke Bar & Grill is a spot with great wings and drinks. They also have an outside deck for entertainment. I am a coffee guy, so my current coffee spot is modern house coffee. It’s a great spot for any kind of coffee you like. We also have the famous comedy stardom which is a spot I frequent often for a good laugh. Bar Sebastian is a dope spot as well, it’s a rooftop bar that sits on top of the restaurant called Michaels. Eighty Eight bar and luxe ultra lounge are good night life spots to get a drink and hear some music. It all depends upon your taste.

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?
My co-founder, Mike McGrue has been with me from the start. He supports me and my vision.

My Creative director, Robert McGrue was instrumental in the popularity of the brand and creative design.

Anyone who has supported Leader Of Me or Mak Kliff’s music.

Website: leaderofmebrand.com

Instagram: @leaderofmeclothing @mak_kliff

Facebook: @cliffmcgrue @leaderofmeclothing

Youtube: @makkliff

Other: Mak Kliff on all music streaming platforms.

Image Credits
Photos were taken by Knox photography and Timothy Leon. Models include Ryan Jones, Brittany Congress, Cliff McGrue, Tyesha Smith

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