We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Austin Poe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Austin below.
Hi Austin, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
We use to throw parties at a spot called Called Club Cancun in Harvey, IL at the time. I had already garnered a following from these parties. So I just starting my career musically & I dropped my first project “Jump In 2 Da Money” hosted by Dj Big Pat (rip). We pressed up hard copy cd’s w/ the cover & everything. So as people would walk into the club I was selling the cd’s & I was surprised at how many people was buying the cd since I never done that before. It was a dope feeling & at that point I knew I had something special, didn’t know what at the time just knew I had to keep going from that point on.
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?
My name is Austin Poe — I’m a rapper, entrepreneur, and the founder of Zoony Life, a lifestyle streetwear brand and movement that’s all about inspiring people to chase their dreams and bring their visions to life. I was born and raised in Chicago, and that city’s hustle, culture, and competitive spirit have always been a part of who I am.
I actually got into music in a very organic way. A friend once asked me to get on a song with him — and what started off as just a hobby turned into a profession and a lifelong passion. I’ve always had a strong work ethic and a competitive drive, and I’ve learned early that nothing comes into reality without putting in the work for it. That mindset has guided everything I do, from my music to my business ventures.
Through music, I’ve had some really rewarding experiences — from hearing my songs played on major radio stations like Power 92.3, to having my music featured on MTV and most recently on Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow (Season 2) alongside Ludacris, Latto, and DJ Khaled. One of my proudest moments has been seeing my music reach people all over the world — knowing that something I created can motivate or connect with someone miles away.
That same vision led me to start Zoony Life, my lifestyle clothing brand. We offer streetwear merchandise with original designs, and every piece represents creativity, ambition, and individuality. The mission has always been to inspire people through fashion, to remind them to move with purpose and never stop chasing what they believe in. Over time, the brand has caught some amazing attention — from Hollywood actress Christine Elise (from the Chucky movie series) rocking our gear, to shoutouts from Soulja Boy, and more people nationwide connecting with the message.
What sets me and Zoony Life apart is that everything we create is rooted in authenticity and motivation. Whether it’s a record, a shirt, or a message on social media, it all comes from a real place. I want people to know that inspiring others isn’t just part of what I do — it’s the core of who I am.
At the end of the day, I want my journey and my brand to remind people that if you have a vision, protect it, work for it, and bring it to life. That’s the Zoony Life way.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Network is key! That’s honestly been one of the biggest factors in building my audience on social media. I’ve always been a people person — I know how to hold a conversation and connect with others on a real level. So, when I travel, I make it a point to network and build relationships in every city I visit. Whether it’s at music events, pop-ups, fashion shows, or just being out in the mix, I treat every interaction as an opportunity to connect and grow.
A big part of building an online presence actually starts offline — it’s about showing up, meeting people, and creating real connections that eventually translate to followers and supporters. I’ve learned that the more you engage with people genuinely, the more they’ll support what you’re doing because they feel that authenticity.
Another major piece of advice I’d give to anyone starting out is to invest in yourself and your brand. Don’t be afraid to pay for promotion from well-known pages, influencers, or brands that align with your image. That visibility can make a huge difference when you’re trying to expand your reach and get new eyes on what you’re doing.
At the end of the day, social media growth comes down to networking, consistency, and being yourself. The more you put yourself out there and connect with people in a real way, the faster your audience will grow — both online and in real life.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can best support artists by valuing creativity, giving access and opportunities, and investing in independent voices. Every share, purchase, or word of encouragement helps build a stronger creative ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ShopZoonyLife.com
- Instagram: AustinPoe_
- Twitter: AustinPoe23
- Youtube: AustinPoe
