Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Gerlay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mark, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

During my freshman year of high school in 2018, I had a close friend named Carlos who came up with the idea of designing our own graphics for blank T-shirts and reselling them for a profit. At the time, I didn’t know much about business, but this idea sparked a deep interest in the entrepreneurial world. My school was a military-style institution, so we were required to wear uniforms and follow strict uniform regulations. However, instead of adhering to the rules, I began customizing my own uniforms with my designs and bringing them to school. I thought I might get in trouble, but to my surprise, I received compliments from the school staff and students alike, with many of them asking me to design their uniforms for them. This experience opened my eyes to the potential of business, and from that point forward, my interest in entrepreneurship began to grow.

I began reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, which deepened my understanding of personal finance and the mindset of successful entrepreneurs. After graduating high school in 2022, my interest shifted to real estate, and I enrolled in real estate school at Temple University to pursue that path.

In my first few months at Temple in 2023, I was brainstorming ideas with a close friend from my neighborhood. He had previously run a clothing brand but was more focused on pursuing a career in music. Together, we came up with the concept for a brand called “FEAR OF LOSING,” abbreviated as “FOLO” (which also happens to be my middle name). From the moment the idea came to me, I knew it had massive potential — a billion-dollar idea. However, not everyone shared my vision. While I see “FEAR OF LOSING” as a symbol of luxury, success, and resilience, some of my family and peers don’t fully understand it. They offer different ideas, but I’m resolute in my belief that this brand represents something much bigger.

“FEAR OF LOSING” is more than just a name; it’s a powerful mindset. It embodies the drive to overcome the fear of failure and turn challenges into stepping stones for success. It’s about building the mental toughness to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles, and achieving greatness.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was forced to go to a Military school that my uncle sent me to so I wasn’t really interested in the activities in the school I was introduced to business by my close friend in high school named Carlos

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I didn’t really had to unlearn any lessons everything happens for a reason I was leading through the whole process even until now I’m still learning

Contact Info:

• Website: https://foloclothing.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: @folo_apparel