Today we’d like to introduce you to Ondre Gipson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a product of a single-parent home; my mother worked a lot, and I’ve always admired her hustle. She went from working at the bank to becoming a teacher, then an assistant principal, then principal, and then finally the deputy superintendent of the Christina School District. To know this is to know me. As an undergraduate student at Delaware State University, I began throwing some of the biggest parties the campus had ever seen! I loved being in the limelight but didn’t want to rub anything in people’s faces. My DJs often said “Shout out to DRE” all night. So, I had to make a plan. A friend of mine named Reem, who passed away in 2013, used to make music, and he had a line where he said “One eye open because True Hustlers never sleep…” and it clicked! I told them to shout out to true hustlers instead. I began to make shirts to promote the parties. At my following event, EVERYONE had on their shirt. They said how much they loved the brand and what it stood for and even saw themselves in the brand. From there, I made a turn and focused on making this a lifestyle brand. Now here we are!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Along the way, I’ve faced death and a ton of family drama. Plus, I wasn’t no businessman, just wingin’ it. I remember only getting my EIN # because some hoodie site I liked had a wholesale deal if you had one. I didn’t, so I learned how to get it. Just chasing the cash. No entrepreneurial background at all, with little to no help. I met entrepreneurs like Willis Duckery and Eric Leonard, who showed me the way, but they weren’t in the same entrepreneurial space. It was a struggle to find products. Everything done on my own. Around the time, a childhood friend, Dez, showed me how to heat press and cut vinyl. Thank God for him. Eventually, my guy Cease, who owned a store formally known as “House of styles” (Now ‘Premo Status’), would give me blank products or stuff he didn’t sell the season prior. He would tell me some things, but purposely sent me to find my information. For that, I’m forever grateful. Other than that, it was truly like jumping out of a plane and making the parachute on the way down.
We’ve been impressed with True Hustler Worldwide, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
True Hustler Worldwide is a unique luxury brand made for hustlers, by hustlers, we’re here to empower you to reach your full potential. We’re about building stronger communities, connecting like-minded individuals, and breaking the negative connotations of the word “hustle”. This is where we believe most disconnects across communities are. We all dream, we all have fear and goals, and many of them are the same. I want these 2 letters (TH) to bridge gaps across communities worldwide!
Our motto, “Busy Bag Chasin,” is more than just words—it’s a way of life. Chasing the bag isn’t just about money; it’s about pursuing Big A** Goals (BAG) in every aspect of your life; mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and of course financially. It’s about self-improvement and unwavering ambition. You know?
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to step away and delegate. Not only that, I have learned to let my business grow. Even if it outgrows me. I now see a business as a newborn baby. Something you take care of, nurture, feed, and pay attention to day by day so that eventually it can take care of you when you can’t take care of it!
Lastly, I’ve learned, your business will be what it wants to be. Sometimes we have a vision for our brand or business and the business can take you in an entirely new direction! It’s all about being open to new things and opportunities!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.truehustlerworldwide.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drizz.th/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ogipson
