So last week I made a last minute/random trip to NYC to attend the book launch for the new Frank 151 book. Like most people reading this, I had never heard of Frank 151. The best way I can describe Frank 151 is a book full of small open conversations with Djs, rappers, artist, and clothing brands about who they are and what they’re about. As awesome as the book sounds that was not the real reason I dropped everything to go to the book launch. The real reason I went was to listen to Vashtie Kola and Nick Diamonds speak about there road to success in their business endeavours.

Just to give some quick background info on the panelist, Vashtie Kola is the jack of all trades in the street wear industry. Shes a video director that has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Justin Bieber and the list goes on. If you thought that was a lot, Vashtie is also a DJ, party promoter, and a clothing brand owner. As far as Nick Diamond goes he is the owner of the biggest street wear brand right now called Diamond Supply Co. With that said, I figured I could learn a thing a two or at least get some inspiration.

I’m not going to lie I definitely felt very inspired while listening to Nick and Vashtie’s humble beginnings into their respective careers. However, Nick’s story was the one that hit home the most out of the two panelist. I was really surprised he was able to build his clothing brand on very to little marketing money and no bank loans. His advice to anybody trying to start a clothing company was to use as many free marketing outlets as possible to help get your name out.

I talked to Nick after the event and thanked him for coming out. Hes really a down to earth dude.

I got a chance to chat it up with the very beautiful Vashtie. I actually found out we have a couple of things in common. Not only do we both run our own clothing brand but we’re both Trinidadian.

At the end of the day the event was a success. I walked away with a few ideas for the brand that I plan to start working on asap. Stay tuned

-AndyRocksBluu

In case you were wondering the Divers League Collection is made up of two teams, the Pelicans and the Running Divers. The Pelicans comes in Raglan Tees and Baseball Jerseys. While The Running Divers come in Raglans tees and White Tees. Just remember, this collection was printed in limited number and might not be reprint. Make sure you get your size before they sell out!

-AndyRocksBluu

On a side note its always nice to see people really trying to dive for their dreams. Every time I hear a success story of someone who made it from nothing it really inspires me to keep working on my craft. This video is just another person I can relate to.

-AndyRocksBluu

Coming this April….

-AndyRocksBluu

As soon as I landed there was one thing I had on my list and that was to go and kick back at Disney. I remember when I was younger I pretty much had Disney everything. I’m talking Goof Troops VHS, Peter Pan/Lost Boys toys, mickey mouse video games for Sega. (Yup, I was about that life) Now that I think about it that’s probably why all my Bluu Dreams designs have that pop cartoon vibe to them.

With that said here are some pics from my mini break.

Of course I visited the Aquarium.

I was completely blown away by the garden inspired by Disney characters.

After traveling around the world in Epcot, jumping on a couple of rides, and almost eating in every country I think its safe to say I’ve recharged my battery. Now back to work…

-AndyRocksBluu

I’m not going to lie, only getting 4 hours of sleep a day will definitely take its toll on you. I cant tell you how many times I wake up saying I don’t know if I was cut out for this. However, I get my first cup of coffee and I’m right back working at my job while day dreaming about designs and themes I can accomplish.

Well some how with enough will power/Redbull/and coffee I was able to knock out a spring and summer collection. In fact I actually showed a few people of what I was coming out with and everybody agreed it was a step in the right direction. Lets just hope that all those late hours in the Bluu Dreams office aka my living room will show.

-AndyRocksBluu

When I was growing up Michael Jordan was one of my biggest inspirations/heroes. I collected all the basketball cards, read the books, watched the games, and of course collected his sneakers.  I guess as a kid I got caught in the “I want to be like Mike” hype and owned anything he made just to mimic myself after my hero.

The one thing that really inspired me about Jordan was his road to success. I found nothing more inspiring then hearing his story of how he went from being cut from his high school basketball team to being a college/nba phenom. As a kid I just thought to myself “WoW when I get older want to do something just a spectacular”

Fast forward some years later and I can proudly say the MJ drive I had when I was younger is still present with me today. The only difference between now and then is I’m applying this drive towards my small clothing brand Bluu Dreams. Just like anybody trying to strive for success I’ve hit a lot of bumps in the road but just like my hero Jordan. I learned from them, fixed where I went wrong, and continue towards my goals.

Today happens to be Jordans 50th Birthday.

And I just want to say thank you for inspiring a kid from Long Island, NY to follow his dreams.

-AndyRocksBluu

Just to set the record straight I didn’t write this post to vent, but I wrote it to give credit to someone I knew from my college career that seems to be taking the very popular hip hop artist path. When I first found out that Kadeem was giving rap the “good old college try”, I really expected it to suck. (lets be honest, majority of the people you know that do it are just terrible.) However, when I actually sat down and listened to his mixtape I was shocked on how good it was. The “What Dreams Are Made OF” mixtape actually sounded like something that belonged in my itunes. In fact I liked it so much I took time out of my busy schedule to write about it.

With that said check out my friend Kadeem aka Deemy’s Music Video – Dope.

You can also download the mixtape here

If you like what you hear make sure you spread the word

-AndyRocksBluu

For those who don’t know I actually spent my college career in the Rockland County/Palisades Mall Area. During the drive up to the event I started having flash backs of my college experience. I remember the good times and the bad. I recall the people I meet, lots of sleeping, eating, studying, and going to plenty of parties but don’t remember leaving them. I think the biggest impact School/Rockland County had on me was the start of Bluu Dreams.

Back when I was a senior in school it all started with a heating press and a couple of I love college tees. Fast forward a couple of years later and I’m the head graphic design of my company and a street wear boutique. (I will explain in another post I promise.) I went from selling from door to door on my college compass to selling at events, whole selling to clothing stores and shipping my clothes around the world.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m no where near the bigger clothing companies like The Hundreds, 10 Deep, Johnny Cupcakes and etc…….. for now.

But like my family tells me you have to start some where.

And now that I look back Bluu Dreams and I have come along way and I’m ready to take it to the next level. What is the next level you ask? Well I really cant get to much into that but you are welcome to watch as everything unfolds.

Ps for those who don’t know that’s me to the left. I rarely put photos up of myself but this one just seemed right .

-AndyRocksBluu

Good News! Bluu Dreams is officially on Instagram. For the people that already know this is old news but I total forget to make a post about it. With that said, Instagram has to be the one social network I’m constantly on. If you want to stay up to date with all my movements then I would follow me ASAP. For a matter of fact, I hear I might be giving away a limited edition Bluu Dreams treasure chest but I’m pretty sure you will find out more info on Instagram. You can follow me @BluuDreams. #DiveIN http://statigr.am/bluudreams

-AndyRocksBluu