Welcome to the Loveworks dreamers and doers Podcast # 44. At Loveworks we believe you are NEVER too young to be a dreamer and NEVER too old to do your dream.
If this is your first time, thank you for joining us and giving us the thing that means the most to you – your time. If you’re returning, welcome back! We know you have lots of options out there in the Podcast universe.
Our hope with Dreamers & Doers podcast is that each week’s special guests will connect with you wherever you find yourself today and inspire you to become the best version of yourself for tomorrow.
Vernon Deas: CEO/Founder of Group Fly Clothing & Creative
Vernon is an entrepreneur and creative leader with a passion for creative culture. With a backdrop as a graphic designer, inspirational speaker, and hip hop producer, Vernon birthed his company, Group Fly Clothing in 2008 with $10,000 in a tiny 200 sq ft home office. Today the brand has shipped all around the world and has partnered with high profile individuals and businesses such as Kevin Durant and national retailer, Zumiez. GROUP FLY the brand is currently expanding into a large scale direct to consumer operation and retail boutique which is now located in Oklahoma City.
Recently in 2020, Vernon launched and co-founded another boutique promotional agency, Propel Brand Lab. Vernon also is a co-founder of the non-profit Urban Bridge with Marcus Jackson, founder of The Bridge, an organization that empowers underserved communities.
Vernon considers himself both a dreamer and a doer. With a vision, you need to take action. Vernon is a big doer, but he is learning how to become more of a dreamer!
Cultural Curiosity
Growing up, Vernon was very curious. He grew up during the 80’s and 90’s and witnessed a lot of cultural change with the creation of hip hop and the rise of athletic culture. While he was very into athletics, Vernon also found a passion for art in college. It was then when he decided to pursue a career in graphic design!
Group Fly
Vernon wanted to create a brand that could weave together his message, so he and his wife began! He combined his interest in art, hip hop, and clothing to create Group Fly. Vernon focuses on his faith, and uses his brand to call others to a greater purpose.
Vernon learned to put himself and his brand out there. He travelled to expos and concerts to reach his target audience. Vernon learned sometimes it can be hard to receive rejection for your creation, but it is worth it when you find the people who will like what you put out there.
Facing Hardships
Sometimes hardships can lead to bigger and greater things. After facing hardships, Vernon has found inspiration and was able to further grow his brand. He encourages others to hold fast to their dreams even through the low points. Visions may change, but that’s okay!
vernon’s Advice-
No one knows what they’re doing. Everyone’s trying to figure things out as they go. It’s about learning to solve problems and persist through them. Don’t focus on the failures, focus on the dream!
Key Takeaways:
- Hardships can help you grow and adapt.
- Rejection can be difficult, but it is worth it in the end.
- No one has everything figured out!
Connect with Vernon:
Instagram: @verngrpfly & @grpfly & @urbanbridgenow
Facebook: @Vernon Deas
LinkedIn: @Vernon Deas
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