We were lucky to catch up with Bernard Fogg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bernard, appreciate you 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?
Honestly, it all started with a bucket list item! I always wanted to take a Mixologist class and talked about it for months with my best friend (Star). We made the investment and just went to say we did it, but during the 2-week program, we actually enjoyed it! That’s when the creativity started to ignite within me. I started to do research and ask those probing questions about starting and how to get into the industry. After researching, I started to talk to family and friends, and I will never forget making drinks for them and they immediately wanted to invest into me pursuing this and seeing it through! I even incorporated it into a photoshoot I had coming up for my overall brand and I switched gears with my creative director and stylist, Alise. I took a chance and bet on myself. Once I did that, it just started flowing, I practiced techniques & recipes so naturally it became intriguing. Then even bigger opportunities presented itself and I was asked to go on my local news station to present my business after only starting it for a few months. With a Billboard, News segment and the right Marketing tools, I was blessed with so many inquiries, assistance and opportunities. To think that I actually made it into my everyday hustle and business, is mind blowing. You never know the power you have with just a simple thought. Now today I have created hundreds of specialty cocktails for private events, art shows, baby showers, parties and now in the works of bringing my business into a flexible restauran and event space, Crust by Mack. God is truly good and all of this happened in less than a years time!
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?
For those just reading this insert, my name is Bernard Fogg also known as GQ Trilogy and I am a Cancer survivor, former Financial Advisor, Mixologist, Influencer, Philanthropist and soon to be Front of House Manager & Beverage Director for a Black Owned Bakery right in the heart of Baltimore, MD! I started out as a model that managed myself and learned how to promote myself using marketing strategies, PR tactics and taking the time to learn about anything dealing with branding! It quickly put me in front of people that helped me uncover ways of managing my talents on a bigger scale. What sets me apart from others really relies on my awareness of who I am! There’s only one me and I will always stand out because of my professionalism, creativity, ability to connect, to be personable and trustworthy. With building connections, you will forever have the backing of people and companies with anything you decide to do. I can truly say that I have a strong support system in my city and they could support so many others but they choose me and I am forever grateful. For that very reason, I keep them in mind, thinking outside of the box and making everything user friendly and informative, as well as providing an amazing experience.
How’d you meet your business partner?
So I met the founder of the current bakery/restaurant through being an intern back in 2009, and it was presented by a mutual friend. When I started as an intern, I learned so much and exceeded my goals, placing me on the team as a features editor and handling some of the PR work. Since 2009, the founder has become a close friend and someone I trust! Fast forward, they were a board member for my Cancer Awareness Organization as well as a support system during my fight with Cancer. Then as they changed careers to the food industry, I became a brand ambassador for the bakery, promoting the delicious goods using social media. Now, I am currently prepping for my new role as the Front of House Manager & Beverage Director for the new location. This is an amazing example of being yourself and building trust and connections with the people around you. I am so blessed for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to assist with opening those doors with my amazing business partner and founder of the Bakery/Restaurant, Crust by Mack!
Have you ever had to pivot?
A time I had to pivot in my business is when I kept being presented with corporate job closures, I used the jobs as funding but I always ended up being laid off due to business needs. My resume had the same outcome each time, with prayer and understanding, I had to make the choice to bet on myself and invest in ME! Utilize all the skills I’ve learned from the beginning until now and implement them in my business, my brand. I had to learn how to make things happen with nothing as well as the support of my family, friends and followers! It truly takes a village, and I can say my village motivated the hell out of me daily, so here I am eating, breathing, and living my brand to the fullest!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gqtrilogy.com
- Instagram: @gqtrilogy
- Facebook: Bernard Fogg (GQ)
Image Credits
Photographer: Unix Stylist/Creative Director: Alise (Kreatorstyles) MUA/Male Grooming: Morgan Byrson Photographer for CBS Image: Malik