Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hector Bernal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hector, Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Sometimes you have to quiet the little voice of doubt in your head, wake up the next morning, and go for it. There is one thing that is certain in life and I do not have a better way to say this without sounding morbid – you are going to die. Besides, more than likely you have already failed and persevered.

Do it again and again until you acquire the results you want. It does get easier.

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?

I started this a while back, around 2005 with the idea of making custom t-shirts and clothing. While at San Diego State University, is where I worked on developing my design skills.

I was fortunate to be mentored by some of the best people in the industry at the time. Some helped me refined my raw skill/ talents and others helped me see the potential in me by allowing me to express myself to my full potential. Everyday I feel this journey has a long ways before I reach my final destination. I am hoping is well into that far future.

What sets me apart from other designers is the tenacity to find a way to make it happen. Not all the time is it a fun creative process like most people think. There are challenges that arise as a result of trying to do something very different. Nonetheless, the reward is always great. I think that is something I will always be proud of.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Oh man! What is there not to unlearn even now? The typical little voice in the back of your head “I am not good enough, it is not going to work” etc. I had to let go of something most people are consumed by – negative thinking and a limiting mind.

You have to stay excited, you have to just go out there and try and be willing to fail. It might sound repetitive to hear the usual “stay positive” talk but it’s true. You have to be at least conscious of the results from thinking negatively or limiting yourself. I realized I did not like those results. I like winning results.

There will always be bad days here and there. When you can turn around a bad day into a better day that is when you have learned to dominate your mindset.

I will say this, always stay humble, celebrate the little wins, have enough IDGAF attitude, do not take no for an answer. Be kind, but stay competitive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Sure – you are reading about it right here. When people said it would not work, it got made and published. When they thought I was too out of this world, I made the morning news segment. When they saw I was legit, competitors held meetings about me.

There is a lot of people who will help you win and support you along the way. There is also the inverse to that. Amongst the criticism, the doubt, and obstacles you have to keep your head up and laugh it off.

But the biggest competitor and challenge, will always be yourself. Be strong enough to move out of your own way. Your mind is powerful and it should be use for amazing and positive things.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blakdess.com
• Instagram: blakdess

Image Credits
Jamie Smith Henry Arroyo