Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ondre Gipson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ondre, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
If I could go back in time, I wholeheartedly wish I had started my business sooner. True Hustler World Wide and its mission of entrepreneurship and education through True Hustler University are more than just business ventures for me—they literally saved my life.
I launched True Hustler World Wide during a pivotal moment in my life. At that time, I was at a crossroads, searching for a direction and a way to make a meaningful impact. The world of business and entrepreneurship provided that path, pulling me away from potential pitfalls and guiding me toward a purpose-driven life. The experience of building my brand and empowering others has been transformative.
Starting sooner would have meant gaining more experience and wisdom earlier in life, which in turn could have amplified the positive impact I strive to make through True Hustler University. By instilling the values of entrepreneurship and business acumen in students at an early age, I hope to offer them the same life-changing opportunities that I found.
Our mission at True Hustler University is to ensure that students learn about business and entrepreneurship early in their lives. I believe we all have an innate drive to succeed, and the environment in which we are raised significantly influences the paths we choose. In inner-city communities, children often look up to the neighborhood figures who appear most successful, which can sometimes be the local drug dealer. These individuals often seem to have the cars, the money, and the respect, creating a dangerous allure.
However, imagine if these same kids grew up seeing a neurosurgeon living at the top of their block—a professional with a nice car, a loving family, and a respected career. The aspiration would naturally shift. By introducing entrepreneurial role models and success stories to young minds through True Hustler University, we can reshape their aspirations and provide them with the tools and knowledge to achieve greatness through legitimate means.
Looking back, starting sooner would have allowed me to reach and inspire even more young people. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the journey and the timing of my entrepreneurial path. It is my mission now to make sure that others have the chance to start their journeys as early as possible, equipped with the right knowledge and surrounded by positive role models. In doing so, I hope to spark a transformation in our communities, showing that success is attainable through hard work, passion, and legitimate opportunities.
Ondre, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who may not have read about me before, my name is Ondre, and I’m the founder of True Hustler World Wide and True Hustler University. My journey into the world of business and entrepreneurship is deeply personal and transformative.
I got into this industry almost by accident. In college, I was throwing parties, and around that time, a really good friend and brother of mine named Reem passed away. Reem used to rap and make music, and he had a line in one of his songs that said, “one eye open cause true hustlers never sleep.” I had heard that song a million times, but after his death, those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I wanted something to stand behind at the parties I organized, something other than my name on the flyer. So, I told my host to start saying, “shout out to True Hustler Entertainment” instead of my name.
This sparked the creation of our clothing line. I started making shirts for promotional purposes, and people ended up loving them! They kept asking for more, even though I had no idea what I was doing at the time. That was the beginning of True Hustler World Wide.
As I continued, I searched for hoodies online and found a website called Cotton Heritage. Right before checking out, I saw a “wholesale option” at the top. I discovered that I could get hoodies and clothing at a lower price with a wholesale account, but I needed an EIN number. This led to my research into business, and the rest is history.
True Hustler World Wide operates in both the fashion and education spaces. We offer a range of products, including apparel that promotes a positive and empowering message. Our clothing line features unique designs like the “Property of True Hustler” shirt with an angel motif and the “True Hustler Money Dept Est 2016” shirt that highlights the drive for success. These products aim to inspire individuals to take risks and seize opportunities.
In addition to our fashion line, True Hustler University, presented by True Hustler World Wide, focuses on educating the community about entrepreneurship, skill-building, and college and career readiness for youth. True Hustler University was a passion project I began, not knowing how lucrative it really could be. I was just focused on impact. We provide courses and youth entrepreneurship programs designed to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Our goal is to break the negative connotations associated with the word “hustler” and bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating a better life for themselves and their families.
What sets us apart from others is our dual focus on fashion and education, combined with a strong commitment to community empowerment. We don’t just sell products; we promote a lifestyle and a mindset. Our brand is built on the principles of hard work, determination, and the belief that anyone can achieve success with the right mindset and resources.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on the lives of young people through True Hustler University. Seeing students gain confidence, develop new skills, and pursue their dreams is incredibly rewarding. Our partnerships with local organizations and involvement in community programs have further strengthened our mission and expanded our reach.
The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us are:
1. Empowerment: We are dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential through education and entrepreneurship.
2. Quality: Our products are designed with quality and meaning, aimed at inspiring and motivating our customers.
3. Community: We are deeply committed to our community, working to provide opportunities and support for youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.
4. Vision: Our vision is to redefine the concept of a “hustler” and create a network of passionate individuals who strive for success and positively impact their communities.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about True Hustler World Wide and True Hustler University. We hope to continue inspiring and empowering people to take the risk and seize the chance to create a better future.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of my innate hustler mentality and my strong presence in my community and on my college campus. From an early age, I’ve always had a hustler’s mindset, driven by the desire to succeed and make a positive impact. This mindset naturally aligned with the brand I created, True Hustler World Wide.
Before launching my business, I was already a known figure in my city and on my college campus. I organized popular parties that drew large crowds, and my name became synonymous with these successful events. This visibility and my reputation for throwing great parties provided a solid foundation for my brand.
When I transitioned from organizing parties to creating and promoting True Hustler World Wide, it made perfect sense to everyone who knew me. The brand encapsulated the same energy and drive that I had always embodied. The popularity of my parties translated into an enthusiastic reception for my clothing line, as people were already familiar with my dedication and hard work.
Additionally, the story behind the brand resonated with many. The inspiration from my late friend Reem and the authentic journey of turning a passion into a business struck a chord with my audience. They saw the genuine effort and the meaningful message behind True Hustler World Wide, which further solidified my reputation.
My reputation was also built through consistent engagement with my community. I made sure to stay connected, whether it was through events, collaborations, or simply being present and accessible. This approach helped foster a loyal customer base and a supportive network that believed in the brand’s mission.
Ultimately, my reputation within the market is a reflection of my lifelong hustle, my strong community ties, and my commitment to delivering quality and meaningful products. True Hustler World Wide is not just a brand—it’s a testament to hard work, resilience, and the drive to succeed, which has always been a part of who I am.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Several books and resources have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. Three that stand out are The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, and The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington.
The 48 Laws of Power offers timeless wisdom on strategy and leadership, providing insights into human behavior and power dynamics that are invaluable for any entrepreneur. It has helped me understand how to navigate complex business relationships and make strategic decisions.
The 4-Hour Workweek challenged my traditional views on work and productivity. Tim Ferriss’s approach to optimizing efficiency and creating systems for automation has been instrumental in shaping how I manage my time and resources. This book has taught me the importance of working smarter, not harder, and leveraging technology to achieve more with less effort.
The 12 Week Year introduced me to a new way of setting and achieving goals. The idea of condensing annual goals into 12-week periods has revolutionized my productivity and focus. This approach has allowed me to accomplish more in shorter time frames, keeping my team and me motivated and aligned with our objectives.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am also a serial entrepreneur with investments in various sectors, including real estate. One of my unique investments is in billboard real estate. This niche market offers incredible opportunities for passive income and high returns. A must-read book for anyone interested in getting into billboard investing is Big Bucks from Big Signs by Frank Rolfe. This book provides practical advice and insider knowledge on how to profit from billboard investments, making it an essential resource for aspiring investors in this field.
These books and my diverse entrepreneurial experiences have shaped my approach to business, enabling me to build and grow True Hustler World Wide and True Hustler University successfully. They have equipped me with the tools and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and create lasting impact through my ventures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TrueHustlerWorldwide.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drizz.th?igsh=MWsxazYxcXgzYWhkMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrizzThaCannon?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ogipson?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@truehustlerworldwide?si=bNW_T8TlqDOIlmIw
