We were lucky to catch up with Xavier Julius recently and have shared our conversation below.

Xavier, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I would hope that my legacy would inspire another little black boy who comes from poverty where society has already created a “lane” for him to know that he can break the generational curses that may be placed upon him. I’d want to inspire him and honestly any young person with a dream to never think small always think BIG. With me starting at the young age of 16 no sponsorship no real support no true path of how to do it, I still went for it despite what the naysayers think. All I had was a vision and a plan to create something greater for not only myself but other creatives like me and with that alone I have been able to produce a multitude of Runway Shows, Benifit Concerts, Fashion Shows,Battles & much more since 2013.

Xavier, 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?

I am a 25 year old serial entrepreneur who got my start at the tender age of 16. It started all so random honestly I grew up on a dance team and I would always see myself being intrigued with what was going on backstage I was amazed to see how so many people was working hard to create a magical experience for the audience memebers and participants such as myself. So I auditioned for one of the shows but this time I was doing something different something out of my norm but it was something I wanted to start doing and that was modeling. I auditioned and was not selected unfortunately, it weighed heavy on me as to how other guys made it that I felt was on the same skill level as myself but I also learned a lesson that in the industry it is most times about “who you know”. I took that no and created my own YES I decided that for my 17th birthday I wanted to have a Fashion show themed party. What I didn’t know is that It would ultimately just be a fashion show that provided a space for so many people who always wanted to either start designing or modeling but never got that chance to do so. Seeing how I was able to spark a creative light for so many people as well as inspire several individuals as well I decided to keep going each year and it only has gotten better. What started in neighborhood gym has now become an event thats been in convention centers and even as of recent gotten a partnership with local non-profits in the Birmingham area. That is nothing but God and God alone because none of this was planned but HE always make a way as long as you believe. LX Productions is a company that turns Dirt into Diamonds we pride ourselves on working with small budgets but creating a large impact.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As we all know being a black person in america is a challenge alone but being a young black male trying to start a business and grow his audience beyond his age group and race is truly a roller coaster. I will never forget my first few times trying to hold my event at one of our biggest convention centers and they treated my as if I was a joke I mean the respect was surley not reciprocated and at first it bothered me but once I realized that being in this position alone is a protest so I had no choice but to ensure next time I met with them I had all of my “i’s dotted and t’s crrossed” as well as to make sure I looked the part times ten because who would truly think that a 18year old black boy with no one older or more mature in business with him serious. Trust at that next meeting I had everything I needed and I also did my reserach on what questions to ask and what to ensure they provided. KNowing that I realized that when I had the last show a lot of stones were left unturned. However from that day forward I made sure they provided me with all details and perks that was infact apart of the bundle I purchased. I tell anyone knowledge is power so to anyone who may be in a similar position I truly advise you to get a business mentor so you can avoide some of the mistakes I made early on.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The best strategy for growing your clientele/audience is still the traditional and most effective way that is word of mouth. That always will ensure you grow without a doubt that is why influencers are so popular today. Any consumer would like to hear how another persons experience was before they make the investment. So be sure that you treat all customers with top notch customer service and dont be afraid to follow up with them and do a brief survey on what they liked most and even disliked so you can continue to become better. Once you’ve created a good “retrurn customer” rate its without a doubt you’ll continue to grow! Also be relatable to your audience don’t feel as if you have to be someone you are not BE YOU and that alone people will be willing to support you. Of course be professional but dont not be yourself if that makes sense. Also be consistent & persistent no day will be the same but dont you give up!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsxaylorenzo/
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• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesjaUQd_DMz0CTR_P-dm3Q