Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alvin Perry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alvin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
In 2011 after a series of gang violence I wanted to start a movement to show that there was positivity coming from the area I’m from. I started the I Am The Eastside movement which was basically just people wearing a t-shirt with I AM THE EASTSIDE on front and STOP THE VIOLENCE on back. From that movement people wanted me to make them personalized shirts. Originally I had someone else doing it for me but as time went on I learned on my own how to make custom shirts. In 2015 I bought the equipment I needed to start my business. I acquired my DBA and sales tax and Bullhead Tees & Designs became my business. From the day I started in 2015 I was successful because I had already been selling t-shirts so I had clientele already. I knew this would work because I did good work. I wanted to be good at what I was doing. Aside from that, people always wanted a special shirt for their birthday, a funeral or a graduation. There was plenty of business to go around. There were already others doing this exact same thing but I had a better price and I was fast. Over time I started creating my own ideas and trying to create a brand for my business.
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 Alvin Perry, professionally known as Comedian Alvin Perry. In 2012 while attending a comedy show I decided that I could do what they were doing so I gave it a shot. For over a decade I have been working on my craft and I can do pretty much anything when it comes to comedy. In June of 2024 I was nominated for Best Stand Up Comedian in San Antonio and in July I was announced as the winner. I’m most proud of that accomplishment as a testimony to my hard work. I take pride in my performance so when people come to see me they know they are getting their monies worth.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I have been on Facebook since 2009. When I first got on Facebook I didn’t know what to post about. I was like anybody else, quoting songs and saying random things. Pretty soon I realized I could be myself and that’s when my following started to grow. I’m an engaging person offline so I kept that same element to keep people engaged on my page. I have grown all my social media accounts organically. I’m either having conversations others are scared to discuss or putting out video content that makes you want to share with your friends. Obviously I’ve went viral a few times and now when I’m in public, people call out my name or recognize me for my content.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I ended 2023 on a high note, winning an important comedy competition and carried that over into 2024, entering another competition and placing 3rd. After many successful shows, including two sold out shows for my birthday, I began traveling from state to state with Desi Alexander as his opener. By the time summer came I was already having the most successful year in comedy to date. After I won Best Comedian in San Antonio I made a decision to quit my job and pursue comedy full time. I loved my job so it was a hard choice but one I had to make because I know this is what is meant for me. If life is a gamble then you should always bet on yourself so I’m pushed all my chips in and now I’m waiting for the cards to turn in my favor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.comedianalvinperry.com
- Instagram: comedianalvinperry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apfunny27
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Comedianalvinperry
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@comedianalvinperry
