Get Rich or Die Trying: Reader Focus on Vex King

This week I’d like to pass on thanks to those readers continually sending me feedback on this column, and letting me know that you’re particularly enjoying reading case-studies of other young entrepreneurs with whom you can relate and share experiences.  As such, this week I grabbed a chat with one particular Get Rich or Die Trying regular who is making moves in the world of music and entertainment, working with the likes of Kelly Rowland, Fatman Scoop, Ne-Yo and Danity Kane to name a few.

Vex King, founder and creator of Phiyahless Souljah Group Ltd, 21

How did you get started within this field? 

I’ve had quite a difficult life since entering this world but since my adolescence I’ve made great progress in life, especially with my music and education. I’m now a professional music producer and I have worked with some of the biggest acts around the world and I’m also a business management student at university. Although I haven’t reached “success” as such, I’ve made enough progress to keep my faith and confidence alive with my life goals. I believe the fundamentals to my progress are; the loving people I have been surrounded by, my character and the power of my positive thoughts.  Here at Phiyahless Souljah Entertainment we believe everyone has a dream and seeks happiness and everyone wants to live a positive and healthy lifestyle with some sort of valuable culture.

What is the best / worst thing about working within a creative industry or being self employed?

The best thing is definitely being my own boss and doing things how I want. The outcome is truly reflective on my character and working style. For example if we talk about music, whether I did or didn’t produce or write a track that I push out under my label, the result will be heavily influenced by what I like or what I think will sell. The worst thing is that if something goes wrong, you can only blame yourself because you hold vital responsibility in your business’ operations. However, this isn’t always a bad thing as it can teach you valuable lessons about business.

What do you find to be the best methods of promoting and advertising your talents?

For me personally I would say the internet. As a student, finance isn’t exactly something that comes easily to me; I’m usually spending more than I’m saving just to get by. The internet is basically a free marketing tool where I can target exactly the types of customers I want, when I want, free of charge. Attracting people to your product and updating them on what’s next has never been so simple through groups on Facebook for example, Myspace pages, forums, etc.

What are your tips for other entrepreneurs, or those looking to get into the same industry?

No matter what industry you enter, believe in your product and more importantly believe in yourself and create some real value for the customer…what are they going to get out of whatever it is you are offering?

If you want to be a Reader Focus, then drop Sarah-Jane a line at sarahjane@sarahjaneadams.com