We recently connected with Octavius Miller and have shared our conversation below.

Octavius, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission behind the company is actually a very simple one. My childhood was a very modest one in terms of finances. I was not able to afford what one would call designer clothing until I was a working adult. At that point I realized how expensive the so called designer clothes were but also came to the conclusion the expense was not adding any value to me as person. So I decided I would create apparel that carried messages that would strengthen the core values and esteem of the purchasers and not just line my pockets as a manufacturer.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Octavius Miller. Aside from operating my apparel line, I’m a father of one daughter, a worship leader, and itinerant preacher. This year on my birthday I received a doctorate in music and prophetic ministry from Omni Christian University. I have traveled the nation over the last 20+ years sharing the good news. This is important to note because I actually entered into the apparel industry because of one of my sermon topics. I placed the topic on a shirt and years later people are still purchasing it. It’s actually one of my best sellers.

How did you build your audience on social media?

So a few years ago there was a video of me singing “Let Praises Rise” that did very well on social media. The popularity of that video caused my friend list to max out and earned me about 5K followers. I was preparing for a large event and somehow Facebook deleted my profile and wouldn’t allow me to appeal their decision. I was crushed because I had built my target audience and didn’t know if I could rebuild it to that magnitude. I reluctantly started over and for about 2 years my numbers resurfaced but never superseded where they once were. About 2 months ago, I simply begin posting stuff that I liked and to my surprise my numbers begin to tremendously increase. Currently my follower count on Facebook is 25K.

My advice to those trying to build their presence online would be to remain organically them. Don’t get caught up in trying to build a brand and lose your authenticity in the process. People will respect you and gravitate to you more when you’re transparently you. Another piece of advice would be never be too grand or busy for follower engagement. People like to interact with people who are touchable and they don’t mind supporting or spending money with said individuals.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the most important lesson I had to unlearn was just because you’ve been there for people doesn’t mean they are required to be there for you. I strongly believe in reciprocity and believe it’s the foundation for great communication and connectivity. However, when you lack it you can’t allow it to cause you to lack. I learned to be confident with strangers online being more supportive than my actual friends and family.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.OctaviusMiller.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/singoctavius
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justoctavius
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/singoctavius
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OctaviusMiller

Image Credits
Alwon Mayweather of Mayweather Images