Meet Capn Blakk

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

Capn, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

I try to keep life simple by focusing on what truly matters—and knowing how to keep it all in the right order. For me, it’s Faith, Family, Ryze. That’s the motto. Faith comes first—if I’m not grounded there, nothing else flows right. Then comes family—because if you put them last, what do you really have at the end of the day? And finally, Ryze. Business is always going to be there, but it’s my faith that drives my success and my family that gives life meaning. Keeping that balance is everything.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Ryze-Up Magazine was born out of a challenge I faced in the corporate world. I was told you couldn’t run a successful company without cutting corners or dipping into some unethical practices—and I flat-out refused to believe that. I knew there had to be a better way. That’s when the idea for Ryze-Up hit me: a transparent, honest, creative platform that could still thrive in the business world.

As a member of the metal band TradeskiN, I had the incredible opportunity to perform with and meet some major names in the music industry. I decided to use those connections to create a magazine focused on music—one that not only interviewed big-name artists but also gave rising talent a spotlight. We launched in July 2012 with a goal of staying local, but that didn’t last long. Within weeks, people from across the country were reaching out, asking how to be a part of it. Before we knew it, we were expanding into models, photographers, business owners—you name it.

So we evolved. Music remains our core, but Ryze-Up became a platform for creatives of all kinds who needed exposure. From the beginning, we’ve kept a strict code: no politics, no religion, no holidays, no birthdays, no controversy, no racism, and no discrimination of any kind. We’re not here to divide—we’re here to inspire, promote, and uplift. We want Ryze-Up to be a place where everyone feels welcome.

That foundation has opened so many doors. We’ve worked with iconic brands like Lamborghini, Bentley, Chevrolet, Ford, and Honda. We’ve covered major concerts and festivals, along with sporting events like the Firestone Grand Prix, football, basketball, and baseball games. Today, we’re proud to be a standard-setter in digital media and advertising—and we owe so much of that to our readers, our supporters, and audiences like yours. Thank you for being part of the journey.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First—faith. That’s the foundation. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to take the leap in the first place. Faith in GOD gives you the courage to push past fear and believe there’s something greater on the other side of risk.

Second—an analytical mind. I’ve always been wired to think in terms of systems and strategy, which has been a huge asset in navigating the digital world. Whether it’s marketing, tech, or data, being able to see the big picture and the tiny details at the same time is a game-changer.

And third—patience. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes long hours, trial and error, and a lot of faith that the hard work will eventually pay off. But when it does—it’s worth every moment.

For anyone just getting started, my advice is: build a strong foundation of belief—whatever that means for you—because self-doubt will come, and you’ll need something solid to lean on. Sharpen your mind, especially in the digital space—because whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creative, the digital world is where the game is played now. And finally, be patient. Trust the process. The results don’t always show up fast, but they do show up when you stay consistent.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—we’re always looking to collaborate with other creatives and business-minded individuals. One of the things we love most is building partnerships where everyone wins. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or content creator, we’re all about growing together and helping each other shine.

We’ve been lucky to work with some incredible people. For example, Jake Coughlin—our head photographer—is based in Florida and runs his own photography business. He’s a master behind the lens, capturing everything from live concerts to high-end real estate and major sporting events. Then there’s Rich Taylor, another talented photographer and graphic designer, who also runs a life coaching practice. He contributes monthly articles on mental health and photography that really resonate with our readers. And Ashley Caroline, a nurse by profession, helps connect us with amazing charitable events, especially those focused on cancer awareness.

Each of them brings their own brand and unique strengths to the table—and that’s what makes the collaboration so powerful. If you’re reading this and think we might vibe creatively or professionally, we’d love to hear from you. Just reach out through our website at www.ryze-up.com or connect with us on social media. Let’s build something amazing together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ryze-up.com
• Instagram: @ryzeupmagazine
• Facebook: @ryzeupmagazine
• Twitter: @ryzeupmagazine
• Youtube: RyzeUpTV

Image Credits

The image of me in the white shirt only is Sheila Carroll Photography the others are by Photos by Bee.