We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nate Lucas. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Nate, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Personally, I believe others are struggling with finding a starting point and general direction to chasing their dreams. Many people have dreams and are willing to work hard if given the opportunity to pursue their dreams. The struggle of work ethic is less of a problem than the struggle of finding a navigation point to truly start the journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nate Lucas. I am the CEO and founder of Asterisk Web Design Services & Asterisk Collectibles. I am also an award winning hip-hop artist (which I will speak less about in this interview). As a musician I go by the name Trip Star. Both my music and business ventures were vital to the development of who I am today.
In my early 20’s I was a troubled youth with creative talents. I attempted to start a misguided graphic design and photography business with a former classmate in 2012 that failed horribly. The name of this business was FAR FROM FAMOUS. Our goal was to do freelance work for local rappers and photography for skateboarders. This effort was very short lived but would give me my start in running an agency and skill sets for my future career at the time in graphics
During the pandemic I was determined to start my own business. Making music was a side thought as the world was going through chaos as concerts and interviews were at a halt. I created an online hobby shop named MY TEAM COLLECTIBLES that specialized in Pokemon and Sports cards as well as Funko products. I designed the website, logo and graphics from scratch. Although I don’t consider this business a success story this business made me learn web design and made me tap back into the world of collectibles now that they were trending upwards.
In the years that followed things got so rough economically that all the prices on collectibles took a fall . This left me with 2 options. I could either sell the product at a loss and opt out, or I can wait the storm. Safe to say we chose the 2nd route. Choosing to wait out the storm meant I needed to make more money in the meantime. I had to go to the drawing board. This made me look into what products, services or skills I had to offer the world. This led me to the start of ASTERISK WEB DESIGN SERVICES.
At this time so much of my money was tied into the collectibles business that wasn’t going well. I dug deep and realized I have 2 skills to offer…WEB DESIGN & GRAPHIC DESIGN. I quickly came up with the name and the logo. Since I go to buy the name TRIP STAR as a musician some people know me in the street as STAR as a nickname given to me from select circles of people. I wanted the brand to be directly connected and associated to me as a creative figure so I chose the name ASTERISK – which is literally the star button on a keyboard. ASTERISK = STAR.
I did some cheaper work for friends and family along the way to get things going quickly. I admit I under priced myself in the beginning to get a fast start on having a large portfolio of top notch work to show future clients. At this time MY TEAM COLLECTIBLES would go on a downward spiral until my partner Chy and I closed shop for MY TEAM COLLECTIBLES.
Fast forward a bit… Asterisk Web Design Services expanded its service list to include Photo & video services as well as virtual assistant services. This led to a growth in business and brand recognition particularly among musicians and creatives. I liked the progress but wanted to do something to add some funds to my business venture on a consistent basis so I quickly assembled ASTERISK COLLECTIBLES- my new and improved collectibles store. The pandemic was becoming a thing in the past and consumers were beginning to buy collectibles. Once again I put together a website and branding. The advantage the second time around is I still had all of the product from my first store. My story is not one that came without many hours of sacrifice and chaos at times.
Long story short I built both ASTERISK WEB DESIGN & ASTERISK COLLECTIBLES as 2 entities that can fund and supplement each other. I also am still actively doing my music career but I am also involved in the ventures behind the scenes through ASTERISK and the services offered.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my friend OSMAN ARCH to sickle cell (a deadly disease) at the age of 13. Knowing he would likely die young shaped my mindset of how short life is.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To believe in myself even in times where it may seem like no one else does.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
There is a GOD!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Spending more time with my grandparents before their passing. They all had lots of knowledge and wisdom I’m sure I missed out on. Now they are gone and there is lots I cannot ask.
Contact Info:
- Website: ASTERISK WDS: www.AsteriskWDS.com ASTERISK COLLECTIBLES: www.AsteriskCollectibles.com MUSIC: www.IAmTripStar.com
- Instagram: ASTERISK WDS: @AsteriskWDS ASTERISK COLLECTIBLES: @AsteriskCollectibles MUSIC: www.IAmTripStar.com
- Facebook: ASTERISK WDS: www.facebook.com/asteriskwds ASTERISK COLLECTIBLES: @AsteriskCollectibles
- Youtube: ASTERISK WDS: @AsteriskWDS MUSIC: @IAmTripStar
- Other: TikTok: @GTODTripStar
Image Credits
All images are provided by Asterisk Web Design Services.
