We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steven Sneed a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Steven thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Oftentimes, discovering one’s purpose isn’t immediate. It may take a series of events to gradually reveal new insights and opportunities.
S Claz Productions originally began as my music production and studio business. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, I lost my studio that my closest friends helped me build. At first, my primary goal was to rebuild another creative music space. Little did I know, another venture would soon capture my interest.
I embarked on creating a documentary titled Pasadena: Exploring Solutions to Reduce Gang Violence, inspired by my work mentoring and teaching youth. The first person I contacted to collaborate on the project was my good friend, Jason Hardin. As we discussed funding strategies for the film, Jason had the brilliant idea to relaunch the Made In Dena clothing brand.
We quickly went to work, producing t-shirts and hoodies. The brand was well-received within the community, and the profits allowed us to create an impactful film for our city. Both the documentary and the brand garnered positive feedback, inspiring many.
Soon, I began receiving requests from individuals and organizations asking if I could help design and produce custom products for their brands, businesses, and organizations. That was the turning point when I realized the potential to evolve S Claz Productions into a custom t-shirt printing company.
Today, S Claz Productions thrives as one of Pasadena’s premier printing partners, offering custom apparel solutions to a wide range of clients.
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?
S Claz Productions: Your Premier Custom T-Shirt and Garment Printing Partner
At S Claz Productions, we take pride in delivering high-quality custom T-shirt and garment printing services with a commitment to exceptional customer experiences and fast turnaround times. Our mission is simple: to transform your ideas, logos, and brands into tangible, standout products that reflect your vision.
Trusted by Pasadena’s Finest Institutions and Businesses
We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed institutions such as The City of Pasadena, Pasadena City College, NAACP, Leadership Pasadena, La Salle College Prep High School, Pasadena High School, John Muir High School, Maranatha High School, and several other Pasadena Unified School District campuses . Our portfolio also includes partnerships with local restaurants, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Notably, we’re proud co-producers of the renowned Pasadena-based clothing brand, Made In Dena.
Community-Friendly Services for Every Budget
At S Claz Productions, we believe in accessibility and inclusivity. Our services cater to any budget without compromising on quality. We’re dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, promoting sustainability, and giving back to our vibrant community.
Empowering Through Workshops
In addition to our printing services, we offer engaging T-shirt making workshops tailored for youth, adults, schools, local businesses, groups, and organizations. Led by industry experts, these workshops provide hands-on experiences and valuable insights into the art of T-shirt design and printing.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Building a business can be an intimidating journey into the unknown. When I speak to young people, they often ask me, “What type of business should I start?” My advice is simple: sell what you know well or what you’re good at. These are strong indicators of the knowledge and skills you already possess. While leveraging what you know is a great starting point, life experiences, personal growth, and unexpected discoveries can sometimes ignite a passion you never anticipated.
In a short period of time, I faced significant setbacks. I lost a job I truly loved due to budget cuts and also lost the studio into which I had invested considerable time and money. Naturally, I felt disappointed and overwhelmed by a range of emotions. However, I’ve found that some of my best thinking and brainstorming happens during difficult moments. Surrounding yourself with positive, productive people during these times is essential. And a little faith goes a long way.
It can be challenging to understand why negative things happen, but I believe everything occurs for a reason. After all, it can only rain for so long before the sun comes out. Resilience starts with maintaining a positive mindset.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
For many years, I have worked in education, actively engaged with my community, and mentored local youth. Throughout this time, I have built a reputation as a trustworthy, reliable, and consistently present individual. When I launched my business, I was able to leverage these strong relationships and positive connections to support my growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sclaz.com
- Instagram: @sclaz
- Facebook: Steve Sneed (S Claz)
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LihUy5FyjIg
Image Credits
S Claz Productions