We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelanie Watty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelanie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
As a young child, it was always instilled in me to finish what I started. I was always surrounded by people with great work ethic and a can do attitude. If you’re truly passionate about you craft or anything in life in general, you’ll find certain ways/things to not allow you to get to that “giving up” mindset. Working diligently on your business and knowing things aren’t going to happen overnight. If you put in consistent work, you’ll soon begin seeing positive results. Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t give up, keep going.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
A few things that set me apart from other businesses, would be great customer service, quick turn around time on all orders and personal customization on t-shirt orders. Initially when Beat Gang Merch rolled out in 2017, we were a partnership. Now in 2020, Beat Gang Merch evolved into an official small business and Sole Proprietorship. As a Sole Proprietor, I am now able to make the decisions on my own terms. I solely decide which way my business flourishes. As off June 2020, Beat Gang Merch obtained it’s LLC. Beat Gang Merch, LLC has grown tremendously with a great following and support. We have gone from creating custom t-shirts to now having an e-commerce store. Along with custom t-shirts we now offer other merchandise such as: hats, jewelry, trendy sunglasses, and accessories. I am most proud of the fact that my business has expanded since the start of the pandemic. I have received orders from new followers and have met and made new friends along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was to come and visit the Houston area for a week we would visit a variety of places. We would visit businesses such as: Some of my favorite restaurants and bars that include Vino & Vinyl, Pappadeaux, and Bar 5015. We would definitely go shopping at the The Houston Galleria. We would also, support other small businesses and maybe even attend the Blck Market event at The Buffalo Soldier Museum.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The individuals that I would like to recognize are my wonderful parents. I would have to say that during my upbringing they taught me basic life skills such as being independent and responsible. The independence I have gained has attributed to my desire to become a small business owner and to continue working hard to achieve my goals.

Website: www.beatgangmerch.com
Instagram: @beat_gangmerch
Facebook: Beat Gang Merch

Image Credits
All images are taken by me on my iPhone

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.