Meet David Jefferson

We were lucky to catch up with David Jefferson recently and have shared our conversation below.

David, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

When I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, I remember I was doing some research online and came across a pack of 100 shirts for $1000 that I wanted to purchase. That came out to $10 a shirt so I figured I’d be able to sell them for $30 each, make some profit, and be on my way to success in no time. The problem was that I only had $300 cash at the time. I was working at a call center doing customer service work for General Motors and I knew I was getting paid in a few days, so I waited patiently. I finally got paid and my check was exactly $700, which meant that I had exactly $1000 to my name and it was just enough for the shirts. When my lunch break came, I went to the computer in the breakroom in preparation to order the shirts. Out of nowhere, I got nervous. I started questioning myself. “What If this doesn’t work?” “What If I can’t sell them?” “This is all the money I have, I’ll be broke after this.” I walked away from the computer in fear and got about 6 steps when I stopped in my tracks and heard the spirit of God ask me a very important question. The question was in verbatim, “If you don’t do it now, when will you do it?” At that moment I knew if I didn’t do it now, that I would NEVER do it. With that level of clarity, I went back to the computer, hit the button, and made the order. That was one of the scariest things that I’ve done but it also was the moment that changed my life. It changed my life because it was the moment that I lost all fear of investing in self, and the beginning of many more chances taken and successes realized. Overcoming fear is a crucial element in the development of successful entrepreneurial endeavors.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My Business is a streetwear fashion brand called Stackin Kickz now located inside the Lloyd Center Mall in Portland, Oregon. The original idea was to embrace the sneaker culture and create a dynamic of confidence, individuality,and expression through fashion that makes it clear to the world exactly what we care about without having to say a word. The brand was founded in 2010 in NE Portland. As I’ve grown as a human being, the brand has elevated as well and become synonymous with Energy, Inspiration, Community, Leadership, and Love. I’ve learned so much in my 14 years as a brand owner and it dawned on me how inspiring my journey has been to others who are looking to create their own definition of self. I’ve been using the success of my brand to speak at Middle schools, High Schools, Business Organizations, Youth Entrepreneur Programs (Meso), Oregon State University, Portland State University, MaClaren Youth Correctional, Oregon State Correctional, Oregon State Penitentiary, etc. I also have my very own mentorship program called “ Definition of Success” where I teach classes on Individuality, self- awareness, updating Value systems, and how to create a life of success on your own terms, which is designed to bring peace. Speaking has become my passion and I use it to play my role in changing the dynamics of where we come from.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are Authenticity, Individuality, and Spirituality.

I developed my authenticity by learning how to be more honest about the things I loved, the things that inspired me, and the things that made my connection to the world more unique. I made a commitment to create a career that was based off those things only which would keep me in alignment and at peace with the businesses I’ve created.

I developed my individuality by using my authenticity to express my character, creativity, and value. The science behind this mindset is that there is only room left for unique and individual energy. Everything on the surface has already been created and mimicked thousands of times and there is no space to reinvent those things. If you create from an authentic space that is truly who you are, then what you bring to the table is something that ONLY you can bring. That is where your individuality comes into play. At this point, you separate from the norm and what you create carries more value because it’s something that can’t be obtained from anywhere besides you.

Spirituality is allowing yourself to be guided by something bigger than you. It’s to be accountable to something other than yourself which helps you make decisions that impact your environment instead of just yourself. It gives you a better sense of what is for you and what is not. You can develop it by getting closer to your true self, paying attention to the way you feel in any given scenario, and becoming comfortable with making decisions from that space.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The book “The Secret” played a very important role in my development. That is where I learned about the Law of Attraction and how to use it. I also learned to understand the concept of “Energy” and how to use it. These are two crucial components that I used to build my brand and character.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stackinkickz.com
• Instagram: @stackinkickz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stackinkickz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stackinkickz7449
• Other: IG @calculatedconversation