We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Conrad Wright a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Conrad, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
I couldn’t decide which career path i wanted to follow and I remember telling myself “I just need to stay focused” and develop and a plan to get out of the situation I was in. So whence the name “Stay Focused ” my computer tech added on Digital Imaging so I stuck with that. Stay Focused Digital Imaging , I combined freehand art with digital art.
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?
HI! My name is Conrad I’m the owner of Stay Focused Digital Imaging located in Midtown Kansas City, MO. I’ve been in business since 2007. A friend of mines introduced me to a guy (Ted) that owned a screen-printing shop that was trying to retire. I worked with Ted learning the business for 3 years then I took over once he retired. Since then I’ve added other services offering embroidery, sublimation, graphic design and photography.
I’ve made t-shirts for numerous events over the years. You name it I’ve more than likely have done it. Proud to say that people are wearing shirts that I have made from Anchorage Alaska to Melbourne Australia. Eric Holder former United States Attorney General was photographed with a Emmett Till Foundation t-shirt that I had made. It’s a great feeling to be out in public or browsing the internet and see my work on display.
I truly have a passion for art. I love creating art and creating smiles on the faces of my customers. If you have a mental vision I can create a visual vision for you. Everything I design for my customers are original designs. I don’t use templates unless it’s a family reunion design. I want my customers to stand apart from the others. The key is understanding the client then you can present them with something unique just for them.
I found interest in Photography while subbing as a cameraman at a club. It opened up doors to many others forms of photography. It’s great, I would have never thought that it would turn into what is. Shooting weddings out of state to be being published in magazines.
Being featured in this magazine is an honor! I’m going to continue to provide quality service for all those I come in contact with. @stayfocuseddi on all social media sites.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
December 2020 I was shot and became paralyzed from the waist down. I was in the hospital for 51 days and had multiple surgeries. I was down for several months but was determined to get back to doing what I love. It has definitely been a challenge adapting to this new way of life. I’ve been self employed for so long that I can’t see me going back to the 9 to 5 lifestyle. I’ve come so far on this journey that there is no turning back. Hopefully one day I will be able to walk again but regardless of what happens I’m going to continue to be an entrepreneur.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being reliable, being knowledgeable and having a quick turn a round time. I’ve gained a lot of business because I know the field that I’m in very well. I continue to study and keep my eyes open for new trends. Knowledge is power and that is a 100% fact. You have to be reliable if you want repeat business and that comes with word of mouth also because bad news moves very fast. I always keep in mind to provide a service that you would want someone to give you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: stayfocuseddi
- Facebook: stayfocuseddi
- Twitter: flavababyclothi
- Youtube: stayfocuseddi
Image Credits
conrad wright