We were lucky to catch up with Ahmad Karim-clapp recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ahmad , thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I started at shirt line a few years ago want to say maybe 4 or 5 years or so. At first it was Okay, you know I was making money and things worked out. Shortly after I realized I wasn’t getting back what I was putting in and then some. After weeks of contemplating I quit. Convinced myself that the support just wasn’t there. Pandemic hit everything changed and somewhere in that time frame of isolation for the world I considered brining back my brand. By that time everybody has their own thing popping off lol. Instead I had a idea to host events that puts local black business on the for front that are just starting up a company or just not getting that support to bring in individuals ready to support them and grow through networking. In the beginning, me and my business partner discussed the idea of possible making this happen. The first thing we had to do of course was come up with a business plan. Which wasn’t that hard to do seeing as though we knew the end goal. So we had to settle on a budget. Location, food, other expenses etc. what would be the amount everything roughly would cost to see if that’s something we could even handle. We found a place, connected with a black owned venue. Had the event catered from a black chef. We had to then come up with a theme that would structure the event and make the flow smooth and make sense. You never want to go to like a party or event where everyone is just sitting there no interaction, no engagement. To me a event should that I have wants to give you the feel to network and want to interact with individuals in the same lane as whomever attends and can possibly support each other to grow each other’s businesses. After we solidified the location we found all vendors needed for the event. Also, we ended up making a Instagram account but that was after the first event. We didn’t really think about event brite and actual was of organizing ticket sales so we did a $5 cover charge and the raffle ticket would be given upon purchase for a prize as a incentive for the guest. Everything was planned out to a tee in terms of getting to the location same time as the vendors day of so that the preparation wouldn’t take as long and the event can start on time. Having all necessary food and different decorations etc prior to the day of the event so that way there would be less to do. It all goes back to having that business plan and also time to time have meetings with you business partner to check in and see what’s what.
Ahmad , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For starters my name is Ahmad and I run a business that I like to call BYOB which is bring your own business.. events. Last year when we started out with this is was BYOB 2021, this year its bring your own business event 2022. I started this because I wanted to do events that showcase local black businesses within Baltimore that are starting their business for the first time or just in general just get that push, you know. It all stem from years ago when I had a clothing line business a but it really wasn’t enough for me to have a starter up or want to keep going. I felt like I was putting out more than I was getting back. For that reason I gave up on it. I wanted to give New and even old businesses in general that have a hard time getting that push! We offer an open space for various different businesses to grow and network with individuals they may have never met before. I think one thing that sets me apart is I look at a certain dynamic which would be black businesses in Baltimore city or county that in most cases would only get support from people that already know them very well or have a higher clientele. Although, this isn’t always the case I try to make sure that I enhance the experience of entrepreneurship for all and make sure everybody feels appreciated. One of the things that I feel like I am the most proud is the consistency of being able to have events and I feel personally when I start something I tend to quit when things didn’t go on my way or it isn’t planning out to be what I expected from the jump. I think my first event was a little different because I was nervous didn’t know what I was doing or how I was gonna do it but seeing the progression up to now from the way I set the events up to gather people together as in vendor, guests, food catering etc. Simple things to major details and just able to execute everything I know this is gonna be bigger and better every time. One of the main things that I want people to know is that you can start anything and make it through as long as you stay consistent!! I think that having an idea is something special but putting a plan in action to bring it to life is the roadblock! Don’t give up on yourself !!!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When I started The Booze Booth, I was a full time student and working a full time bartend job. So I was putting in almost 40 hours a week which was a big jump from my previous job. The additional money I was earning I put aside for a few months and it allowed me to buy the equipment to start my business cash. Well- I put it on a credit card and instantly paid it off- so that I get the points! A win win. – Ja’Sonne jones
“The booth booze”
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
A life lesson I had to unlearn is that my future is irreparably damaged by my past. I remember a point in my life where I thought I’ve hit the lowest of the lows and didn’t expect much from life as a whole. At a very young age I’ve experienced detrimental life experiences some adults in their 40s haven’t even encountered yet. I was living own my own by 17. I equipped myself very early with career skills and educational opportunities to get myself “prepared for life” as I call it . Apart from that teaching myself to care for my mental health in the most refreshing way. That was something that wasn’t spoke on in my family and has opened a new light for me to break tradition with my own daughter. Coming from Baltimore City, your expectations of life can be low but I am apart of a bigger movement making change. There are more individuals like me out there. Hungry and hustling for a better life. I never thought I’d be a manager in a corporate field or be an entrepreneur. I’d never thought I’d find the element of peace or understanding of love through creating life. I have encountered all these beautiful yet rewarding things by breaking the shackles that my past will define my future. My future, your future is infinite and is yours to write.
– Amber Arlington
“Sugar n spiced collections”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/byob-event-5-sneaker-gala-ii-tickets-438542090197
- Instagram: BYOB event 22
Image Credits
N/a