We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
James , 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.
I find my purpose in life that is a deeply personal and introspective journey that involves self reflection, exploration, and a willingness to embrace change. While there is no one size fits all approach I have adapted a few things to help me in that quest. Some of it is by reflecting in my core values and passions in deciding what truly matters and brings me joy that is fulfilling. In addition, I also set meaningful goals that I can asses short term and long term goals that encompasses where my career, relationships, and person growth are leading into. From that I can embrace new experiences and challenges by stepping outside of my comfort zone to see new perspectives that can open new doors and opportunities.
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?
As a child, I knew I always wanted to control where I was going in life and set the precedence for myself and my family to be able to say they are apart of a family dynasty. Growing up in Kansas City, it was a dream and desire that was rarely seen among my neighborhood. I grew up in a area that was not where people were the most affluent in businesses and growing themselves personally. Looking around to see what where I was at and saying to myself that I wanted more and better was the fuel to push myself to be something that I can be proud of. I never imagined that I would be a lifelong resident and start a business in KC but 30 years later here I am saying that I’m a thriving business in the metro. This summer we are rolling out a more robust line of drinks and party options to better capture the full audience of those that are in the wavelength of hearing Brain Freeze! This summer will be like no other as we embark on new territory and new equipment to continue to build and expand the empire.
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?
Over the past 30 years of life I have experienced and learned that you have to listen to your instincts more than what you may want to acknowledge publicly. There have been several times where I have said to myself no that’s not going to work but the outside said otherwise and I listened to that instead which resulted in some learning mistakes. One of the main things that is important is to listen to yourself and use that guidance when it speaks to you. That includes opinions, ideas, and health mentally and physically. The last 2 years I have learned that my health comes first before the business no matter what the gig may be. I have learned that when the body starts humming, I need to take a seat for a couples minutes to reset and reprogram.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
My motto for 2024 is all about relationships and collaboration as that is the only way that I will be able to grow my business but also help out my fellow entrepreneurs and community. I would not have been to where I am at now if it was not for my community lending their hand out and pulling me up with them. Some of the most beneficial and best events I have was through partnership and collaboration that I can never take away from nor regret. I am hoping to continue to build my partnerships with more companies and brands to better expose my brand and to create unique experiences for others in need of my services. I have been in a lot of great circles to share and explain what I can do; from here this is chapter 1 in a 10,000 page book.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brainfreezedaq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainfreeze_daiquiri/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainfreezeDaiquiri
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/Brainfreeze_lawrence
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvc6JEbaKJr_GEVhtYHDrOA
