We had the good fortune of connecting with Rashaan “Tigmatic” Whitaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rashaan “Tigmatic”, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The one thing that I feel as a parent that I’ve done as far as impact,is teach them how to be independent men. Not only have they learned life skills, they have learned to do things without needing help. But, also they have learned how to remain focused on tasks no matter how hard they may seem. Parenting can be hard at times the older your children get. But, I make sure that they know that God is first, family second, and business last. My sons are kind individuals and loving, and those are things that can only be taught from their father and mother as we teach them what it means to be of service to people and the community. I would like to think that they appreciate the love we give them and the examples that we give on a daily basis of service impacts their life so that when they become older, they’ll be the same way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m the CEO of Damani Brand LLC,an E-commerce store that sells men and women’s clothing ,custom clothing ,and accessories. I am also CEO of a radio station called Going In Radio, with Grammy Nominated Billboard Charted singer songwriter FabianR.James Sr. and owner of The Pot Podcast With Tigmatic, and Stirring The Pot With Tigmatic. The thing that I feel I’m most proud about my company is that it was hard learning this business, so there was lots of trial and error moments to see what worked and what didn’t. I’ve learned that in order to become successful in sales, you have to be up on the latest trends and whats successful in the fashion industry. It can be difficult at times, because as the seasons change, so does style and things that men and women wear. You also have to be acclimated on what’s popular in culture musically as well, because that’s one of the main aspects of fashion. Whether it’s hip hop, pop, rock or anything else, You have to know what will work and what doesn’t. All of these things matter because if you don’t keep up on these things you won’t make sales and it will be harder for you to be successful. Another aspect is keeping your website looking cool and hip. Marketing on social media is one of your biggest and most important tools.You want to have things for all generations so you don’t want to make it lean more towards one generation, be for all generations. The hardest thing about this journey was learning how to be savvy and creative at the same time. It was the same for podcasting and radio as well. The way I overcame it was studying the game, learning the ins and outs of business and how it really works. So, the thing that I want people to know most about my brand and our story is that it comes from a place of adversity after surviving a gunshot wound to the Head, and becoming a business owner of multiple businesses ,that no matter what troubles we face, we stayed focused and hungry. Ambition can be a good thing,but it could also be a bad thing if you don’t pay attention and correct your wrongs. Do great work, and let the Lord guide you in everything you do. But truthfully,it doesn’t matter if you don’t give back and help those who need it most.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s plenty of places to go in North Carolina. There’s lots of beautiful rural land to look at, and if there was a week-long trip I would suggest trying out some of the buffets here like Hong Kong and Golden City, I would have drinks in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Where there’s lots of clubs and places to have fun. You could go fishing in the river,or you could travel down to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina at the Marina Inn and enjoy the Sun. Even in the winter, it’s not as cold as up north.Being a person from Philadelphia ,Pennsylvania ,it’s definitely a cultural difference. It’s lots of fun here but it’s also quiet and peaceful so you can get the best of both worlds living down here. There’s comedy clubs and there’s plenty of places to just go sightseeing visiting some historical places. It’s a cultural experience like nothing I’ve ever had. I’ve been living here 12 years and it’s the best decision my wife and I ever made. It put me on a path to change my life and become a better person, owning businesses and enjoying family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate this to my amazing wife, La La, who has stood by my side in this thing we call life. She’s been the best support a man could ever have. I love you more than words could ever express!! God has blessed me with an angel in you from your awesome meals, to being a great friend, lover and business partner! I pray we get to spend another 21 year together!!! I also dedicate this to Black Lives Matter Grassroots, my extended family,who fights injustices throughout the country.They taught me what it really means to serve the people in my community no matter the race or gender. Fighting the good fight so that equality is not something we dream of, but becoming a reality for the oppressed and marginalized. Special thank you to Dr.Melina Abdullah ,Co-Founder of BLM Grassroots, and my awesome mentor, Dr. Porch’se Miller,
Who has been a great help on showing me what it really means to do boots on the ground protests and Grassroots action. Thank you for entrusting me to be the head of Black Lives Matter Grassroots North Carolina 🔥 🙏🏿 It’s a pleasure and a honor.

Website: https://www.damanibrand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damanibrandofficialstore?igsh=Y294Nmk4MmttcXpu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashaan-whitaker-254a52b9?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Twitter: Damani Brand (@Damani_Brand) / X https://share.google/TV9Xq9N5XvILJJN0f

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVDcTNy1F/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepotpodcastwithtigmatic?si=F6_05BAK-9OfrxvA

Other: Listen to my hip-hop and R&B Internet radio station Going In Radio owned by myself and Grammy nominated billboard charted singer-songwriter FabianR.James Sr.

Listen to Going In Radio | Zeno.FMhttps://share.google/c803BpLipUGwrv40w

And check me out on 105.7 The Phaze with 875 million listeners worldwide! Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Saturdays 9pm-11pm EST.

Independent Artists | 105.7 The Phaze

https://share.google/rkbPJ4DxVpOcZXne5
Check out our women’s clothing Store Norshea Damore Boutique

www.norsheadamoreboutique.com.

Visit blmgrassroots.org to learn about Black Lives Matter Grassroots!!

Image Credits
Photos by Tigmatic and Black Lives Matter Grassroots

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