Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karl Hibbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Karl , great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Comfort breeds complacency. I’ve always been taught that if you aren’t where you want to be – there’s no reason to be stagnant in your motion. As I streamlined Fortunate LifeStyle, I found myself always trying to prioritize personal growth & development, which inevitably comes with taking risks. In order to establish comfort, you have to get uncomfortable. In 2017, I had to leave my comfort zone of Indiana to travel bi-monthly to Georgia to meet and connect with influencers, artists and labels to promote my brand. Paying money out of pocket for travel, garments, stay, and much more, twice a month as a college student working part-time was not the most fiscally or personally responsible decision – However, the financial and physical barriers of traveling South only proved to be the catalyzing factors for my passion.
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 name is Karl Hibbert & Fortunate LifeStyle (FLS) was curated in 2011 as a creative outlet for myself, and as a vision to connect me to the world. In 2017, After connecting with 21 Savage, Young Nudy, and other Atlanta natives, FLS seemingly took off. I started FLS as nothing more than a creative outlet; one which would, at most, bring pleasure through simply seeing my ideas expressed on others through clothing. So to have traveled the country, connect with fashion icons, build a priceless network, and make a living all through clothes – I can’t do much but be grateful for every failure turned lesson, every order & every day. Whenever I think about the time, I realize it’s easier to see where you have come from when you stop and look back, compared to when you’re actively on the journey. I embody the proverb which states: “Do nothing of no worth”. Make every move count, and know what it’s trajectory can reach.
Waking up every, understanding the work and labor of my hands will determine my success, not a corporate paycheck or team – but myself, is a blessing in itself. Whenever I try to think about the time (11 years), I realize it’s easier to see where you have come from at a milestone, rather than when you’re on the journey. I don’t say this to insinuate I am anywhere near the finish line, but 12 years is a long time to be committed to a company and its growth. I believe and embody the mantra which states: “Do nothing of no worth”. Make every move count, and know what it’s trajectory can reach. As I celebrated 10 years last April, I look back on the time without regret, understanding that the plan only worked because I did.
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?
Initiative, Persistence, Faith. In a world full of false motivations and distractions, I feel its important to have intrinsic understanding of our movements. In other words, having the ability to take initiative to be a self-starter without outside influence to get started, persistence to continue or pivot when things don’t go as planned, and finally faith in the process and labor of your hands, trusting in the result.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past year, I have had to reach myself the art and benefit of being self-sufficient in all aspects of life. In doing this it’s important to not shut-out those around you who contribute to your growth & development; but Moreso being cognizant of the motivations and support (or lack there of) which comes from the community and circle around you. Not allowing your mind to be manipulated by the good or bad is a key factor in remaining grounded and focused for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thefortunatelifestyle.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortunatelifestyle/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortunateLifeStyle/
