We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaunevalice “808” Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shaunevalice “808”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
With Risk taking I first decide what matters most by identifying the risks and what are the two sides of taking the risk. I look at things like is it a financial risk, a reputation risk, a personal risk, or a loss of business risk, Risk taking is a big part & role of everything in my life and in my business, and risk is making a decision that has consequences with either outcome, either big losses or big wins. We of course always want the wins but losses do happen and it’s what you learn from those losses that help you in taking the next risk in life, business or in your career! But overall risk is necessary for any growth to happen, some have lots of wins and some have lots of losses, the most important thing is to keep trying and don’t give up on your goals or dreams.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, my art is a combination of Photography and Graphic design, which has set me apart in that I get reference photos the way I want them. So it really lets me be a full creative when I design my graphics. One of the things I’m most excited about is I’ve had the chance to have my photos featured in several magazines (Hood Illustrated, Ring, & B&W Photographers of the Year) both online and printed magazines. And as of recently I’ve also done graphics for a project with Renegade El Rey feat. Killer Mike & Ceelo as well as a project with Khujo Goodie! The way I got to where I am today started out doing photography and graphics for a good friend and brother Coach Hakim Lopez who connected me with Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E. and things really took off from there. It wasn’t easy, it took a lot away from my kids being at studios and events. But as I grew with my business I was able to be more selective about who and what I did. As far as lessons learned along the way, both the boxing and music business can be rough, either your apart of it or your not, but once you get in, your in and you can do amazing things and meet some amazing people. If I wanted any one to know anything about me and my brand it would be that I drive harder and make connections because I truly enjoy and love what I do and it shows in all my work and the connections I’ve made along the way.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You know if I was to take them out I would say eating would be all over the place because I like to try all kinds of things so first would be The Slutty Vegan, hands down the best vegan spot in Atlanta, then it would be because I’m definitely a meat lover Fogo de Chao which is a Brazilian Steakhouse and the food just keeps coming! For breakfast I would go to a place in McDonough called Leo’s Cafe which has a huge Eggs Benedict menu! I also would take them to Revival for amazing Southern Food but I also couldn’t leave out Paschal’s either! But we can’t see Atlanta on food alone so I would love to take them around both the historical spots and show them some night life as well. I’d first start out with a few of the music studios that have helped put Atlanta on the map, starting with Stankonia, Astro, QC, & Treesounds, The Traphouse Museum then I’d like them to see MLK’s home & Woodrow Wilson’s childhood home and HBCUs like Clark and Morris Brown. And once the daylight goes away then we would checkout some night spots like Puttshack, Skylounge or Whiskey Blue.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Man I would like to give credit to is Coach Hakim Lopez who is also my Brother, unfortunately he left us last year. But I definitely owe my success to him, he made me my first connection that started my business and supported me through everything!
Website: www.808NoKaOiCreations.com
Instagram: 808nokaoi.creations