Hip Hop, Felonies, and theMSQshop 1 year anniversary

Some of the MSQshop staff behind the scenes of Quesday workshop

For all my business owners and entrepreneurs, what made you go into business for yourself?

For me, it was 2017. I became a felon for the distribution of marijuana (which is now legal), and every time I had an interview, I kept crushing the interview UNTIL they realized I had made a mistake in my past. This hurt to see their energy change so dramatically. At the end of the day, I needed more income. I had a court case to pay for and I still had my everyday bills.

I decided I wasn’t going to wait to work for someone else anymore and began freelance graphic design under my LLC - theOGdesign. As the years grew so did my interest in branding and creating content. Also, I was garnering attention and clients who were impressed by my work. I started directing music videos for others and being consulted for branding, studio sessions, and much more.

After 10 years of being a musician, traveling the country touring, booking shows for legendary acts like Curren$y, Big KRIT, Action Bronson, Ace Hood, and even Aaron Carter, 6 singles on the radio and so many moments I cannot even keep track - I wanted to step in the role of elevating others and chase my dream of being a Creative Director.

OG ILLA and THE UTH on set

Fast forward to 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, my business partner THE UTH (pronounced Youth), and I decided to take a leap of faith. With my skills in branding, graphic design, and networking acquired in the music industry and UTH's experience in the music industry and his newfound passion for cinematography, we felt we had something to offer the world.

We co-own a label called HLGNLIFE Records wi