Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Desmond Napoles, Founder of Be Amazing NYC, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a fifteen-year-old designer and the creative force behind Be Amazing NYC. We are making a name in the fashion world with our unique designs and queer-friendly message. Our clothes, accessories, and shoes are all designed with the LGBT community in mind, and we are quickly becoming a popular choice for queer people looking for stylish and affirming clothing options. I am passionate about helping people feel good about themselves and their identities, and our designs reflect that commitment. Be Amazing NYC is making a powerful statement about the importance of representation and inclusion in the fashion industry.

Currently, I am working on renovating Be Amazing NYC's website to provide a more intuitive shopping experience. We are adding new features and redesigning the layout to make it more user-friendly. With the new website, customers will be able to easily find the products they are looking for and make purchases with just a few clicks. I am confident that the new website will help Be Amazing NYC grow in sales and reach even more customers.

You can sign up to be notified of the website re-launch on my personal website.

Tell us about yourself

I am a teenager who is changing the world. We are a multi-awarded LGBTQ+ advocate, genderfluid editorial and runway model, motivational public speaker, performer, clothing designer, actors, singers, hosts, social media influencers, and published author. I have been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, NBC News, Teen Vogue, and OUT Magazine, among many others. We use our voice and visibility to help break down barriers and create a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. "I've always been interested in fashion and design, and I love being able to express myself through my clothing. I decided to create my own clothing line because I want others to be able to express themselves freely as well. I believe that fashion is a great way to show your personality, and I want to give people the opportunity to do that.

I believe that fashion should be sustainable. Be Amazing NYC's clothing is made on demand with materials sourced in the USA. This cuts down on waste because you're not contributing to the overconsumption of fashion. I think it's also important to support small businesses and local economies, and Be Amazing NYC does just that by collaborating with other small businesses and many LGBT or queer-owned and independent artists.

There are many queer and LGBT people who feel like they do not have a voice or a place in the world. I am motivated to design clothing that helps them feel proud of their identity and be more visible and included in society. My designs are inspired by my own experiences as a queer person, and I want to create fashion that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. I believe that everyone should feel like they can be themselves, and my clothing line is one way to help make that happen.

I am motivated to be a teen entrepreneur because I love helping people and seeing people happy, and living authentically. I firmly believe that teenagers have the potential to make a massive impact on the world, and I want to be a part of that. I also believe that being an entrepreneur will teach me invaluable skills that I can use throughout my life."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, my biggest accomplishment has been to bring LGBT and queer youth representation and visibility to fashion. I strongly believe that fashion should be inclusive of everyone and that everyone should be able to see themselves represented in the fashion industry. I am proud to be working to change the lack of visibility LGBT, and queer youth have faced in the fashion world for too long. As a result of my work, I want to make fashion more inclusive and diverse so that it reflects the world in which we live today.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As someone who is new to entrepreneurship, I have faced many challenges, such as designing a website for my store and creating a marketing plan. I have had to learn how to do these things from scratch, with no prior experience, which has been both difficult and time-consuming. I have been learning as I go, and I am slowly getting better at it. I am confident that I will eventually overcome these challenges and be successful. I have found that the process of trial and error, as well as seeking out advice from more experienced entrepreneurs, has been very helpful in overcoming these challenges. The challenges I face, however, are also rewarding as they allow me to learn skills that will be useful in my adult career and life.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

If you're looking to start a clothing line, my best advice is to be prepared for hard work, be creative, and make sure you have fun with it. You'll face challenges along the way, but if you stick with it and stay true to your vision, you can create something special. Keep your head up and stay focused on your goals, and you'll reach them in no time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.desmondisamazing.com/be-amazing-nyc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesmondisAmazing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desmondisamazing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/desmond_amazing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmondisamazing/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.