We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josh Blanaru. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josh below.

Hi Josh, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Pick a phrase + get it on a shirt! GUNS R BLAZIN launched in 2021 with a clear intention to inspire others while looking good in the process. The idea of putting a custom phrase on a t-shirt once ruled the 80’s shopping mall scene, and GRB upgrades this vibe by pairing an extra sexy t-shirt template with a phrase of your choice from volumes of album art menus. There are over 200 phrase options to choose from, ranging from uplifting to borderline bonkers, so get ready to laugh while being inspired at the same time. Choosing a phrase is a lot of fun and these tees make great gifts! You can also request a personalized phrase by reaching out via email ([email protected]) or sending a direct message on Instagram (@gunsrblazin). I recently added some SICK logo tees to the online store, as well as distressed hats and two-sided drawstring bags – they look awesome and get noticed! For a limited time, get 10% off your entire order at GUNSRBLAZIN.com by using discount code “GRB10” at checkout.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a sensory person who enjoys the experience of taking in my environment and staying as present as possible. Along with this openness, comes a strong curiosity to understand more about other people and the world around me. I try to absorb many types of things, but prefer to let the important ones inspire me, such as: great music, vivid colors, ocean air, magical sunsets, and deep connections with ancient souls.

Being creative allows free flowing energy to radiate from your deepest soul. It creates a safe atmosphere to express yourself in an authentic way and can lead you on a path to inner healing. We feel different, and are sometimes changed, after experiencing art forms that resonate deeply within us. For this reason, music is a massive source of inspiration and a key element to my creative process. I love the way music feels and how it guides me in different directions while making art. During lockdown, I started cataloguing music from different genres into 2 distinctive playlist series on Spotify (profile search: Josh Blanaru): “Music That Feels Good” and “Night Vision”. There are multiple editions under each playlist name, and I often use them as a soundtrack for everyday life. I enjoy sharing music with others and bonding over songs that actually make us feel something.

Photography is also a big passion of mine. I am magnetically drawn to abstract silhouettes, complex shadows, and mysterious shapes. I love accidental patterns in everyday life and enjoy capturing these images in a unique way that tells a story. I like the idea of creating something that hasn’t existed before or reinterpreting the norm in an interesting way. I’m a better listener than talker, so showing how I perceive my environment comes more natural for me.

Last but not least, creativity has led me right to this special moment where YOU are reading this. Thank you for taking the time to read about GUNS R BLAZIN – I hope you’ll join me on this meaningful journey to live in truth + be free forever!

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

I have been excited to introduce GUNS R BLAZIN to a larger audience since going live. I like to work backwards – starting with the overall goal and vision of the output, then splitting up the goal into smaller milestones, and finally breaking it down further into bite-sized tasks that are easy to digest. There were definitely bumps along the way, but I kept my eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. Since we’re all friends here, I’d love to share some insights and best practices that worked well for me.

First, be honest with yourself about realistic time management. I say “realistic” because you have to build out your tasks with a consideration for real world responsibilities, such as: your primary job, family obligations, mental health breaks, daily exercise, social commitments, etc.

Next, be open to change. As an artist, you have to remove ego and stubbornness from your creative process. In doing so, different energy can guide you to make better decisions. You have to be okay with things not going as initially planned, so allow yourself to surrender some control if you find yourself feeling stuck. Be prepared to learn as you go – the pros often remind us that success is never a straight line, so being flexible is an asset. You don’t want to force anything that doesn’t align with the overall vision.

Lastly, decide carefully who you let into your inner circle of strategic planning. At times, outside energy can affect or derail your authentic creativity in a harmful way. It can be risky to share what you’re doing with others, especially those who might not see the world the way you do. Personally, I think relying heavily on outside validation and feedback should be kept to a bare minimum – at least until your ideas materialize into concepts you strongly connect with. This allows you to properly discern appropriate and healthy feedback, from undermining intentions or subconscious jealousy. Art is subjective, and that means not everyone is going to get it or even like it – and that is okay. It’s important to get to the place, on your own, where being misunderstood by others is no longer a barrier to productivity.

Most important – set goals and boss up, because it’s got to get done. If you’re a one-person operation at the start, then it’s up to you to make it happen. Turn it on + turn it up!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It feels like many of us are undergoing an inner transformation of sorts and catching glimpses of how to connect with our higher selves – by creating more meaning in our lives. We can actively take steps toward inner healing by understanding more about who we are on a soul level, and how our unique gifts can positively impact the world around us. It’s important to focus our energy on becoming the person we want to be proud of – but also inspired by. Let’s encourage one another to vibrate higher and invite a healthy evolution of change to reshape our lives for the better!

I’d love to share some inspirational reminders with you that are important to me personally:

• Character is everything – live in truth and always lead with integrity. Your singular example can inspire others to live free + become the best versions of themselves.

• One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, and others, is the freedom to be your authentic self – unconditionally and without judgement.

• If you want to grow, you’ll have to let go – of perfection. Instead of fixating on what is out of your control, redirect your focus on how to move forward with a healthy perspective of what is possible.

• Pay attention to the things you’re naturally drawn to – these passions strongly align with your purpose and will bring much satisfaction + meaning to your life.

• Not everyone will believe in you – and strangely – that’s ok. Have faith in yourself and be open to change – if it makes sense to you, then it makes sense period.

• It’s ok to let go of who you once were to become who you are meant to be – even if it makes others uncomfortable. It can feel uneasy when others respond/react to us in unexpected ways. Regardless, you are free to evolve at any time + at any stage of your life!

• Celebrate your individuality + uniqueness – there’s only one you! Not only is that a superpower, it’s also a compliment from the universe.

• Throughout history, the breakout thinkers who challenge the status quo are the courageous leaders who move society forward. If you’re considered “different” or feel out of place in conforming situations, then you’re right on track to change the world!

• Show up + take your shot!

• Feel free to share these reminders + inspire someone to shine bright!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gunsrblazin.myshopify.com/collections/all
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunsrblazin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gunsrblazin/