We were lucky to catch up with Karl Hibbert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karl , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
There’s a video I watched in 8th grade, it was titled “Why Following Your Passion Is a Bad Idea” .. the video essentially speaks to following your passion vs. capitalizing on your ability. The video highlights the blind motivation which is given to those upcoming in the creative space to “follow their passion” but then addresses the fact that 9 time out of 10 the person encouraging you to follow your dreams….dont know your dreams. It also mentions how dreams, are just that, dreams. Until we act upon the dream and make it reality it is merely a thought.
In short, one’s purpose is defined more than solely one’s passion, but ultimately the ability and skill which one possesses. In 2011 I curated Fortunate LifeStyle (FLS) which turned my hobby of fashion into a tangible creative outlet which later developed into a passion. However, it wasn’t until 6 years later in 2017 when I was called on for my first tour that I knew this was my purpose – maybe not clothing itself, but being a vessel to bridge the gap between creator and goal. Since 2017 I have used FLS to leverage connections, relationships, projects and growth.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
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, Pi’erre Bourne, Young Nudy, and other Atlanta natives, FLS & it’s core Midwest base grew nationwide.
I started FLS as nothing more than a means to an end. Networking, connecting, learning. 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, every lesson, every order & every day.
Whenever I think about the time, I realize it’s easier to see where you have come from than where you are along the journey… I embody the proverb which advises us to “Do nothing of no worth”. Make every move count, and know when it’s time to pack it up and pivot. Your only plan B should be to restructure the original plan.
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?
– Perseverance: We’re never going to get the result we wanted the first time around…and if you did that just means you didn’t set your goals high enough.
– Independence: Once you start comparing your progress to your peers, unfortunately, you’ve already lost… Tunnel vision on your life and your goals is the only way to make sure you don’t get deterred or become envious of the blessings of others.
– Elevation: Scaling is everything. Competing with yourself should challenge you to grow, develop and elevate beyond your past achievements at an ascendable pace.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Independence and self-awareness. In my opinion it’s important to not let the good news or bad news jade you too much.. The positive and the negative guidance one gets should move them at the same rate. It’s important to have control of your own mind, motion, and motivation. With this month marking 12 years of FLS being established, I’ve had to reflect on so much, including the friends, partners and even family I’ve lost along the (bold) journey. Fortunate LifeStyle was curated by myself to serve the world, nothing more nothing less. Block out the distractions, good and bad, and allow success to sustain you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefortunatelifestyle.com
- Instagram: @fortunatelifestyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortunateLifeStyle/
- Other: Instagram.com/fortunatelifestyle
Image Credits:
@kswaggin
