We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matticus Lowery. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matticus below.
Matticus, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My journey of resilience is a tapestry woven with threads of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. As a child, the world seemed to me a giant kaleidoscope of shifting sands, and I was but a tiny grain, tossed between the homes of family members, battered women’s shelters, and the living rooms of kind-hearted schoolmates. Yet, even then, I refused to compare my journey to that of others – for every path is unique, every struggle a catalyst for unique wisdom.
When I was just 14 years old, I got my first job at a little shop in the mall. It was such an exciting time because I finally had a bit of independence and control over my life. The following year, I was living in a shelter managed by a local ministry when I received a true blessing – a second-hand car. Those two things – my job and my car – were like a one-two punch that helped me break free and begin an entirely new chapter in my life!
I still can’t forget the feeling of snowflakes dissolving on the pavement in Texas back in 2010. On my first day in the state, I only had my tough spirit to rely on when I headed to JCPennys. Luckily, I found a stylish black suit jacket to match the pants and shoes I brought with me from my previous job. My sights were set on getting hired, and nothing was going to deter me. Even when the GM of Regal Theaters said they weren’t taking on new employees, I refused to give up. Instead, I highlighted my prior experience, which secured me a job right then and there!.
After that, life got pretty hectic! I had three different jobs on the go and was doing my best to just keep my head above water. Although it was tough, I even had to drop out of high school, but hey, that’s just between us friends! I didn’t want to give up, so I found a rental house and sublet a few rooms to make it all work. It wasn’t easy, but I was able to turn a challenging situation into quite a savvy move. And finally, I could afford to move into my very own home, a major upgrade from the tiny little closet I was staying in at the shelter.
It wasn’t much later that I decided to take a big chance and take the GED test. And guess what? I absolutely aced it! But as we all know, life can throw unexpected challenges our way. In 2012, I lost my job simply because I am part of the LGBTQ+ community – can you believe it? However, I live by the philosophy that when one door closes, another opens. So, I looked to my personal network and was lucky enough to find a job at Chili’s. It was there that I learned how to keep everyone, from the customers to the kitchen team, satisfied and happy.
So, here’s what happened next: I landed a fantastic job as a 911 CAD Administrator with one of the most prominent ambulance companies in the state of Texas. After that, I took on exciting opportunities at Samsung and *drum roll* my dream company, Google! Unfortunately, as life would have it, things didn’t go as planned, and I found myself without a job once more.
Wow, it’s crazy how life can throw you some curveballs sometimes, but luckily my amazing network was there to lift me up. With their help, I landed some awesome gigs at top companies like the Adecco Group and Sprinklr. I also had the privilege of serving as a Cheif of Staff for a very successful medical startup through the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as much as I loved working for others, I knew I wanted to start something of my own. The journey wasn’t easy, as I encountered some bumps in the road before finding what truly worked for me with Booth & Stager. We specialize in helping performers with their merchandising needs, allowing them to focus on what they do best – creating art! It’s been an adventure, but I’m thrilled to be doing something I’m passionate about.
Circling back to your question on where my resilience stems from, I’d say it’s the result of both the setbacks I have encountered and the victories I’ve achieved. It’s a matter of staying focused on your goals and never giving up. Even when faced with intimidating change, it’s important to embrace it. Ultimately, it’s all about having faith in oneself, regardless of the circumstances. And that’s precisely what I’ve managed to accomplish!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Our main gig right now is growing our baby, Booth & Stager. What’s special about it? Well, it’s a game-changer for performers everywhere. Think of it as an extra revenue stream that doesn’t drain their pockets. You see, performers often buy a ton of merch hoping it’ll sell, but sometimes it doesn’t, and they’re stuck with a loss. That’s where we come in – we provide them a platform to launch new merch super-fast, with shipping that covers the globe.
But that’s not all. Booth & Stager isn’t just about business, it’s about supporting art and creativity. We’re all about giving back to the community and making sure art continues to thrive. As we grow, we’re planning to run more campaigns that support local artist communities across the US.
A fun fact about us? Both my co-founder and I haven’t taken a salary from the company yet. Why? Because we believe in Booth & Stager and we want every penny to go back into helping it grow and support our artists. We’re all in on this, and we’re excited for what’s to come!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting back, there are three standout qualities that were crucial to my journey: resilience, creativity, and networking.
1. Resilience: This one’s a biggie. My journey was far from smooth sailing – it was full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. But I learned that no setback is permanent unless you let it be. My advice? When life knocks you down, get back up stronger. Keep going, keep fighting, and remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
2. Creativity: This was my secret weapon. In a world where everything has been done, thinking outside the box is crucial. I found unique solutions to problems and turned obstacles into opportunities. For those starting out, don’t be afraid to be different. Trust your instincts, question the norms, and embrace new ideas.
3. Networking: The value of a solid network cannot be overstated. I landed jobs, found opportunities, and overcame tough times, all thanks to the people I knew. Start building your network early. Attend events, connect with people online, and always be open to meeting new people.
So, for anyone starting their journey, remember, the path might be tough, but with resilience, creativity, and a strong network, you’ll be equipped to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling an unshakable belief in my abilities, even in the face of adversity. Growing up, I had a learning disorder that made traditional classroom learning a struggle for me. Yet, my parents never let me feel less than or incapable. They treated my learning disorder not as a disability but as a unique feature of who I was.
Even though our family had limited financial means, my mother was a warrior. She fought tirelessly to secure scholarships for me to attend prestigious private schools, determined to never let our economic circumstances hold me back. Her belief in me never wavered. Whenever I answered her “Did you do your best?” with a nod, she’d respond with “Then I know I can trust you.” Those words had a deep impact on me. They made me feel responsible and motivated to never let her down and strive for even higher achievements.
She stood by my side when I was placed in special education classes in elementary and middle school, encouraging me to soak up every bit of knowledge I could grasp. This unyielding support was a turning point when I reached 8th grade. The introduction to computers and technology sparked a flame in me, transforming me into an eager learner hungry to conquer any academic challenge thrown my way.
My mother’s wisdom was profound. She believed in the power of street smarts coupled with a thirst for knowledge, insisting that life was all about the hustle. Even though she’s no longer with us, her spirit and lessons continue to inspire me. Her faith and trust empowered me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined. I owe my resilience, my drive, and my ability to hustle to my mom – it’s a legacy I proudly carry forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: boothstager.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boothstager/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matticuslowery/
