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

Alex Nemo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Losing my mother to breast cancer was a devastating experience that profoundly impacted my life. Amidst the sorrow and grief, I vividly recall stumbling upon something extraordinary: a collection of meticulously crafted blueprints for her dream hair salon. These detailed plans symbolized her unfulfilled aspirations, leaving an indelible mark on my heart. It was at that moment that my personal mission crystallized: I am determined to ensure that no one departs from this world with their blueprints still inside of them. This mission lies at the very core of my being, driving me to inspire and empower others to pursue their goals and dreams, regardless of how seemingly “foolish” they may seem.

When I speak of “foolies,” I am referring to individuals who possess an unwavering passion to live out their goals and dreams, undeterred by societal judgment. This passion stems from a profound understanding of the importance of not allowing our aspirations to remain dormant. It is my sincere belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to manifest their deepest desires and aspirations. By sharing my story and spreading this message, I strive to awaken the dormant dreams within people, ensuring that their goals and aspirations are brought to vibrant life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Alex, but I’m affectionately known as Nemo among my friends. I have traversed a unique path, transitioning from being a rapper to pursuing my passion for design. It all started with my deep appreciation for album art, which opened my eyes to the world of art and design. However, my journey took a poignant turn when I lost my mother to breast cancer during my childhood. To navigate through the tough times and process my grief, I turned to poetry and rap as a form of self-expression. Inspired by artists like Jay Z and Eminem, I found solace and empowerment in using words to tell my story.

Nevertheless, there was always an underlying sense that I could design with purpose and make a significant impact. I vividly recall my initial experience of creating designs for a breast cancer awareness organization at the University of Florida, followed by collaborations with my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. These moments were pivotal, as they unveiled ideas that extended far beyond me. However, my Caribbean parents and family had other aspirations for me, pushing me toward a career in sports medicine, and proclaiming the allure of financial stability. Despite their expectations, my true happiness lay in hosting events, rapping, creating art, making videos, and designing. These were the endeavors that ignited my soul.

After graduating from the University of Florida things shifted. It was during this journey that I met my creative partner, Billy, who shared my audacious vision and helped bring my “foolish” ideas to life. Together, we birthed the concept of “Foolies,” a movement aimed at inspiring our friends and those who felt hidden or underestimated, shouting “FOOOOOOLIES” at the beginning of our tracks. I then embarked on a new adventure at Full Sail University, pursuing a career in Recording Arts and later, Graphic Design.

This mission to inspire and uplift my peers motivated me to start putting impactful quotes on shirts and delve into blogging. I was determined to leave a meaningful digital footprint, ensuring that when my name was Googled long after I departed this earth, it wouldn’t be a trail of insignificance but a testament to a great man who walked this earth with a mission to help others.

As time progressed, my dedication and unique approach garnered attention and recognition. I had the honor of being featured in Gary Vaynerchuk’s book “Crushing It,” a New York Times bestseller. Additionally, I had the privilege of being featured at Essence and OWN Network’s Black Women in Hollywood event, where I produced content for exceptional Black women in Hollywood. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving numerous game changers in my industry, focusing on uplifting and empowering my culture and community, particularly amazing Black women and my fellow brothers.

Presently, I serve as a senior graphic designer for Jobs for the Future, where my various passions and missions have converged, allowing me to make a more significant impact on a global scale.

I took an unconventional path, following my own instincts and refusing to conform to societal expectations. I pursued my dreams in a manner that many deemed crazy and mocked me for. However, today I stand as living proof that embracing one’s uniqueness and staying true to oneself can lead to a fruitful and fulfilling journey.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Trusting my instincts and being consistent have proven to be the best sources of new clients for me. As the great motivational speaker Les Brown once said, “YOU GOTTA BE HUNGRY!” I wholeheartedly embody that hunger to make a profound impact on the people around me. What attracts new clients to my brand is the genuine approach I take with our marketing efforts. I actively listen and seek feedback from my friends and those closest to me, using their insights as mile markers and checkpoints to create remarkable products.

Persistence is a key factor in acquiring new customers and clients. I refuse to back down and relentlessly strive to shake up the lives around me. That’s why I expanded beyond just producing t-shirts and transformed my vision into a lifestyle brand. I authored books that chronicle my journey and offer guidance on achieving success with a foolish dream and limited resources. Alongside these business books, I also created affirmations books to help individuals stay motivated on their own journeys. My aim is to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in launching their businesses and provide ongoing encouragement through affirmations.

Clients and customers are drawn to this brand because I continuously work on personal growth and development. As I improve myself, the quality of the content I deliver also improves. I am committed to giving selflessly, without expecting anything in return. This is not about rewards; it is about fulfilling a higher purpose bestowed upon me by God. Clients and customers are naturally attracted to this genuine dedication to service.

I firmly believe in the power of cultivating a dedicated community rather than amassing millions of followers. As a wise man once said, you only need a thousand true fans. My focus is on consistently serving my community and making a lasting impact. Through this, ripples are formed, and others are inspired. This is what fuels our growth. Many doubted the sustainability of a life devoted to giving, but this mission persists because it transcends my own personal desires. It is much greater than me. The amount of profit made is irrelevant. My heart will remain dedicated to service, whether we reach the pinnacle of success or not. I will never allow success to make me complacent.

It is this visceral feeling, this authentic sense of purpose and dedication, that keeps customers coming back. They experience it firsthand, and that’s what this journey is truly about.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Les Brown – You’ve got to be hungry Seth Godin – Linchpin
Seth Godin – Purple Cow

Tom Bilyeu has so many dope interviews to consume.

I consumed a lot of content from Gary Vee

There’s a dope young woman named Nicky Saunders who is quite the inspiration for me and I consume a lot of her content as well.

Morgan DeBaun
Danielle Leslie
Arlan Hamilton

all really dope game-changing women who inspire me each and every single day. Watching someone’s actions changes the game for you as well.

Also, I encourage you to consume things outside of your craft and industry. There are lessons in everything.

Miles Morales taught me that all it takes is “a leap of faith.” And we just have to take the shot because we don’t get many.

There’s a lot more but I will rest on those things.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://thefoolies.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/foolies
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhanse
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foolies

Image Credits
My bio photo was taken by CarrieB Photography