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

Chazriq, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success means something different for everyone; some people think success come from material possessions, others believe it is based on how well known you are. But I believe success simply means achieving your own best potential in whatever area that may be. To attain that level of success, it takes passion, grit, and authenticity.

Chazriq, 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?

Greetings! I am Chazriq “CHAZAM” Clarke! I am a recent graduate from Florida A&M University, where I graduated with my B.A. in Theatre Performing Art & my B.S. in Business Administration. I am an Actor, Dancer, Singer, Songwriter, Playwright, Director, Graphic Designer, and now… Business Owner. I recently launched my own Fan Business entitled “Chazam Fans”, where we create and customize hand fans that celebrate people of all races, cultures, and genders. As the first black owned, designer, hand fan company, we pride ourselves on providing unique and durable fans for our customers that allow them to not only stay cool, but fashionable as well. Although we are only 5 months old, we have created over 40 designs through our 4 collections; The Coloring Book Collection, The Chazaissance Collection, The HBCU Collection, and the Divine Collection. In addition, we have been featured on CBS news, HBCU Pulse, BlackExcellenceX, and many other social platforms.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Funding your business is probably the most difficult part of the process in launching a business, and I was no exception. Unlike many other business, I fronted the initial capital through over 6 months of serious saving. Outside of Chazam Fans, I have 3 other entrepreneurial endeavors; a Graphic Design Business, an Online Clothing Re-selling platform, and a Creative Direction Company. All while working as a Management Rotational Program Associate at Capital One. That’s how I funded, Chazam Fans, LLC.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think there are a couple of things that helped build my reputation in the market; primarily the iconic song “HEATED” by Beyonce. The song is sheds love and light on ballroom culture and the use of hand fans with lyrics like, “Fan me off I’m hot, hot, HOT”. In addition to that, Beyonce’s “Renaissance” tour has brought even more attention to hand fans and their versatility with the concept of “clacking”. As a marketing maven, I seized the opportunity and capitalized on creating iconic fans that would catch the attention of people of different audiences and tastes. As a previous HBCU King, releasing our HBCU collection truly garnered a lot of attention from the HBCU community and even celebrities like “Mariah the Scientist”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/ala.chazam/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazamfans/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/chazamfans/

Image Credits
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