Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Shepard III.
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 started off in a small country town called Vicksburg Ms. I started with fashion/music at an early age. I created BlackLionClothing on 12/31/2013. The brand, throughout the years, has grown deeper roots not only in Mississippi but in Texas, Alaska, and Africa. We were featured on @bet channel as the premier brand through @FamousAmos and have had appearances with Boss Mansion (the birth stage of Rick Ross and more). The people I admired the most were the Late Patrick Kelly (Vicksburg Fashion Pioneer), The creators of FUBU, Harold Whaley, and Malcolm Butler. They gave me hope that you can be immaculate if you pursue your dreams ANYTHING is possible! I’ve had some moments in the business, especially dealing with COVID, that stretched my funds out soooooo thin that I eventually crossed the bridge of a divorce and the closure of my storefront. But with my loyal customers, even during the pandemic, they still shop and support a brand that ALWAYS gives back to the people. For 5 years in the row @BlackLionClothingCo along with the partnership of @TheYoungXecutives has 5 back-to-school giveaways in Vicksburg. Giving back more than 10,000 book bags, 20,000 school supplies, and more. I realized that the most important thing to me is PEOPLE. I moved to the Fort Worth area in 2020 and have made ALOT of Acquaintances. I’m looking to network and meet the wonderful people in this state. I feel right at home here and I plan to live the rest of my days in The lone Star state.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It really has been a struggle. Taking 6 steps forward and 15 back sometimes makes you want to give up. But in my situation, I had to learn my flaws and mistakes to maximize my assets and minimize my liabilities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have released 3 albums, 26 singles. Along with producing over 10,000 apparel orders with my clothing brand. My thought prices is like this. When I create ideas whether it be for apparel or music I usually listen to some jazz or simply red “holding back the years “which is my dad favorite song. I’m a philanthropist at heart and a leader/influencer. I feel I’m most proud of myself. I’m currently in college and I have it to my second semester in college and that’s something, for 2 different colleges, that I have actually made it to the next level of college and actually made an actual real step of growth to the next level in my life. I feel like I’m different from others because I don’t need the man-made things in life to be happy. God is the one who shall give me my ultimate reward. My purpose comes from the joy and smiles that I make people get from my energy and experience that they get from me. Of course, we know bills are due but I just can’t see me doing GOD people wrong. I just can’t sleep at night. I take the hard roads, the roads that are less traveled. I’m not scared to lose! I’ll lose and win again. It’s something I understand that is a part of life. But my decisions I make can alter it as well. Humbly.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My versatility when I sing just soothes and relaxes people. My story is a relatable and real deal.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts – $25.99
- 3dShirts – 35.99
- Jogger Sets – 55. 99 and up
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/blacklionclothingllc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kBs3M9L5u3PVsB7ikexJjhGlEF79YPzIk
Image Credits:
Famous Amos
