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

Hi Rodney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start my own business to transition from being an employee to a business owner, and ultimately a full time investor.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called The Wall Tats. It is a print shop for photos to turn into posters and canvases. What sets me apart from others is that I am in a lane that isn’t saturated so competition is low. It makes it more memorable when I introduce the business to people. I am most proud of me having the courage to bet on myself to commit full time to my business and leave my full time job, that was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made.

I got into printing as a hobby when I was in college. When I made new ones I would advertise my prints on social media. In my apartment I had over 30 posters on the wall and it drew attraction from company. Between social media and word of mouth I was known for printing before I started the business, so the transition was smooth. What I didn’t know was that it would take me months of preparation before launching. I would not say that it was hard, but it took major discipline, consistency and ACTION.

In business there’s always challenges, and for me. I don’t have any mentors that do what I do so everything I do comes from trial and error. It can be unpredictable at times because I don’t know what problems to expect, but that is what makes it adventurous. Something I learned is that I have to be consistent in staying relevant by putting my product in front of as many people as I can at any opportunity. I want the world to think of The Wall Tats whenever they experience an iconic captured moment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Good thing for me my best friends are close so this is something that we already experience. I live in NC, near Raleigh and for fun activities I like to go to arcades, Drive Shack, working out, bowling and outdoor parks.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Dank Burrito (will crush Moe’s & Chipotle), Oak City Fish & Chips, Juiced! Juice Bar, Shrimp & Pasta Dankery, and Jack’s Seafood.

With it being a pandemic I don’t go hang out much as I did before, but the things I enjoy most with my friends are right in my back yard at home when they come over. I can play on the basketball court, grill, go fishing, and fire some shots at the outdoor target range. Coastal Credit Union Music Park hosts most of the big concerts that I’m looking forward to getting back into when the pandemic is over. Charlotte is only a couple of hours away too, so when pro sports games open back up for fans I’m going to hit some Hornets and Panthers games.

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?
If it wasn’t for my parents, none of this would be possible. It goes back to the beginning from how I was raised and the expectations they set for me. They provided me with everything I needed and put me in positions to succeed. Ever since middle school my mom has been 100% behind my entrepreneurial spirit.

When I sold mixtape CD’s to my classmates, my mom would take some of them to school she was teaching at to sell them to her students without even charging me a distribution fee LOL! My dad was the one who gave me the discipline and skills to be a leader. The standards I had to live by definitely prepared me for real life, such as never expecting things from others, to be smart, and to take care of those around you.

As far as developing into a business man there’s a handful of people that I read on and listen to that deserve the most credit. Podcasts like The Social Proof, Earn Your Leisure and Black Wealth Renaissance are my favorites that share key information for entrepreneurs and investors. A few of my favorite books that I recommend to anybody is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Financial Freedom by Grant Sabatier, and The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone.

As far as developing as a business man I

Website: thewalltats.com

Instagram: thewalltats

Twitter: Hot_Rod8

Facebook: Rod Witherspoon

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