Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey “Flex” Artis II
Hi Corey “Flex”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Dallas, TX, and spent many of my summers in Homer, Louisiana as a kid. Growing up, I had the unique experience of seeing the best and worst of both worlds—living in the city and growing up country. This blend of environments deeply influenced my perspective on life and business.
My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 10 when I started my first business—a candy and snack shop. That small venture was the spark that ignited my passion for working for myself along with seeing my mother have her hair stylist business. By the age of 16, I had co-founded an events and promotional company, producing parties for high school kids across the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex.
Upon graduating high school, my brand had gained significant recognition in the DFW area. In college, I continued to produce events, expanding my reach & events to new markets like Houston, Austin, and San Antonio during my freshman year. My brand flourished, and I double-majored in Entrepreneurship and Marketing while minoring in Real Estate.
During my time at UNT, I joined several organizations that shaped my entrepreneurial spirit, including Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity inc., the Black Student Union, and serving as Vice President of the Real Estate Club. It was through the real estate club that I launched my Airbnb business, a venture that has continued to grow for over nine years.
College was a period of significant growth and transformation for me. I launched “F.l.e.x.a.v.e.l.i,” an events, clothing, advertising and media brand that stands for Focus your Life on EXcellence And Value to Excel your Life Infinitely . I curated various events, from panel discussions and networking mixers to concerts and meet-and-greets with A-list artists. This exposure attracted brands, leading to opportunities as a marketing consultant and promoter. The demand for my services grew so much that I established my marketing agency, “Artis Agency.”
In the entertainment industry, I hosted major tours in Texas for artists like Chris Brown, Nipsey Hussle, Rae Sremmurd, 21 Savage, Migos, and Young Thug. My expertise and network allowed me to manage and consult for music artists, models, creatives, and videographers, providing them with invaluable resources and guidance.
A pivotal moment in my life was studying international business abroad in Steyr, Austria, during my sophomore year. Experiencing international business firsthand opened my eyes to the world beyond the U.S., fueling my desire to expand my brand globally.
In my senior year, I worked in the marketing department at Radio One, but after six months, I transitioned to the mortgage industry as a Loan Officer. After a year and a half, I realized my true calling lay in my entrepreneurial endeavors. I resigned to focus on my passion.
Post-college, I co-founded D.R.E.A.M Con (Dallas Recognition of Entrepreneurs, and Artists Magnified), a four-day conference that brought together over 400 entrepreneurs and professionals for learning and networking. The success of this event reinforced my desire to make a global impact.
I spent some time in LA, working as an independent contractor for an agency that connected me with major brands and celebrities worldwide. I orchestrated events, media campaigns, and promotions for luminaries like LeBron James, Floyd Mayweather, Dwyane Wade, Michael B. Jordan, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins.
Building on my consulting success, I expanded my portfolio by partnering with and gaining equity in several businesses across various industries—gaming, technology, bar/lounge, television/advertising, and the medical field. While some ventures thrived and others did not, each experience enriched my understanding and fueled my passion for helping small and mid-sized business owners.
Every step of my journey has taught me how to make businesses more profitable, efficient, and scalable. My mission is to share this knowledge and passion, guiding other entrepreneurs toward achieving their dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh no, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! If anyone tells you their entrepreneurial journey has been easy, they’re probably not living on this planet! Haha. The struggles I’ve faced have been numerous, but each one has been a crucial part of my journey. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
In the beginning, I felt like I hit a ceiling with my team. I didn’t know how to properly scale and manage them, which was incredibly frustrating. However, my background in sports played a crucial role here. Growing up as the quarterback of my football team and the point guard of my basketball team, I learned invaluable principles and life skills about team building. These experiences taught me how to lead and collaborate effectively. But still, I needed help. Bringing on an older business partner with more experience was a game-changer. His guidance and resources helped us break through that ceiling and reach new heights.
Another significant struggle was figuring out how to properly compensate my team members. This is a common issue, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship, because you only know what you know. That’s why having a coach, mentor, or advisor is so crucial. Their insights can save you so much time and effort. They can provide guidance on things you might not even know you need to learn about.
One of the toughest lessons I had to learn was that sometimes your friends aren’t meant to be your business partners. As a decent human being with good character, you naturally want your friends to benefit from your company’s growth. But it’s a bitter pill to swallow when you realize that some friends may not be ready for the roles you’re trying to put them in. I often tried to place friends in positions within my company, only to find that they took these opportunities for granted. They didn’t treat me with the same respect as they would have a non-friend colleague. That’s when I learned the importance of separating personal relationships from business. If you do bring friends into your company, setting clear boundaries and communicating expectations is essential.
Another major struggle was finding true focus and discerning the difference between an opportunity and a distraction. Being a multi-talented individual, it’s easy to be good at multiple things. But this can also be your downfall. I often found myself spreading too thin, taking on new projects that seemed like great opportunities but were actually distractions from my main goals. Learning to say no and maintaining focus on what truly matters has been a huge learning curve for me.
These struggles have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. They’ve taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, team management, focus, and the importance of having the right support system. And while the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business, “Flexaveli,” is more than just a name—it’s a philosophy. The acronym stands for “Focus your Life on Excellence And Value to Excel your Life Infinitely.” At Flexaveli, we are a community, a brand, a media powerhouse, an events hub, a consulting firm, an advertising agency, and an edutainment platform. Our mission is to empower, educate, entertain, connect, and develop entrepreneurs, brands, creatives, and professionals.
What sets us apart from the rest is our unique blend of creativity and business acumen. We have extensive experience working with both startups and established corporations, and we understand the importance of marrying creative vision with solid business strategies. This dual focus allows us to truly connect with our audience and clients on multiple levels.
I am immensely proud of our resilience in this ever-evolving industry. Over the past decade, I have witnessed countless businesses come and go, but Flexaveli has stood the test of time. Our longevity is a testament to our dedication, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support and elevate entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals. These include consulting, coaching, resources, advertising, media production, merchandise, and mentorship. We specialize in areas such as advertising, brand development, business development, marketing, personal growth, and event management.
Our commitment at Flexaveli is to work with individuals who are eager to expand, grow, learn, collaborate, and add value to their communities, all while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. We believe in the power of community and strive to create an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive.
Our readers should know that at Flexaveli, we are passionate about making a positive impact. We are dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential and achieve infinite success through excellence and value. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to develop your brand, a creative seeking guidance, or a professional aiming to enhance your skills, Flexaveli is here to support you every step of the way.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise those who know me or are familiar with my work and brand is a fact I don’t often discuss. Over the years, I have generated millions of dollars through my business. While this might sound impressive, what many don’t realize is that a million dollars in business isn’t what it seems. Haha! The realities of taxes, overhead, payroll, and countless other expenses can quickly consume that revenue.
This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about financial management and the true costs of running a business. It’s a constant balancing act, navigating the complexities of sustaining growth while managing expenses. Yet, it’s also incredibly rewarding. These challenges have not only made me more resilient but have also deepened my appreciation for every milestone we achieve. The journey to financial success is filled with highs and lows, but it’s these very experiences that have shaped me and my business into what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Flexaveli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flexaveli
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flexaveli
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@flexaveli
