Jamaicans in Business: Kirk Allen, founder of Slang Teez

This week we speak with Kirk Allen, founder of Slang Teez, a Jamaican bases T-Shirt company. Slang Teez produces custom T-shirts with the latest Jamaican slangs. Kirk came up with the idea to start putting slangs on shirts as Jamaican teenagers were always using them to communicate with each other while texting, tweeting and updating their facebook status. Slang teez has been in existence since Feb 28, 2012 and has grown rapidly over the past year. Here is our conversation with Kirk Allen.

Q: Are you a business person or entrepreneur or both?
I am without a doubt an entrepreneur.

Q: What was your profession before you started your business?
Before slang teez i was creating websites for hotels such as grandiosa hotel : example www.grandiosahotel.com
 
Q: Who or what motivated you to go into business?
My dad motivates me

Q: Did you face any challenges in mobilizing your capital?
Not at all, i had savings plus private investors

Q: Tell us about your business?
It can be really fun and also stressful at times but i like what i do. it takes me all around the island getting new stores, restocking stores etc.. meeting new people its a really nice job wouldnt switch it for anything.

Q: Many businesses have a moment they call their “big break”, whether it be a news story, a big contract etc. Have you or your business had that “”big break ” yet?
No haven’t got that big break as yet but i can feel it coming. with all the increase in sales over the pass few months we know sooner or later the world will know about us.

Q: Currently what is our biggest business challenge?
My biggest challenge now is balancing my current job plus slang teez.

Q: Other than the money what types of satisfaction do you get out of your work?
Its really amazing entertaining people with t-shirts, people want to see whats the new slang or new designs… it get them pumped, it gives me a good feeling, i feel like an artist (singer) at times about to release a new song or something.. really full of joy in this business traveling the island getting new stores to come on-board.. etc..

Q: What motivates you on a day to day basis?
The way i create something from scratch and watch it grows motivates me, everytime i get a new like or new follower on facebook/twitter i feel really good, it shows people are actually hearing/seeing the brand and its getting out there.

Q: How do you motivate people that aren’t close to you and enable them to see your vision
People see slang teez as something unique not following anyone or anything and its growing so fast i guess thats what motivates people the most.. an idea turning into reality.

Q: How do you remind yourself of what’s important?
The just keep focus on where i want this company to reach and the potential this company has.

Q. What time do you wake up and do you have a routine?
I wake up 5:30 go to work and come off 2pm in the day and go the print factory and stay until 11pm on a normal day, other days im on the road all day restocking stores in meetings etc…

Q. Do you have any hobbies?
yeah i do, website designs, computer repairs etc..

Q. If the economy crashed hard and there was no more room for you in the business sector, what would you do with yourself?
well i would just open a restaurant… does matter how bad the economy is, people have to eat… LOL

Q: Seven day, six night, all expense paid, my vacation destination is…
i know its cliche but i would love to go america, to see my family and friends i havent seen in the longest while, they support me so much and shop online for the t-shirts i just wish i had the time to go visit them.

Q: My favorite Jamaican food is…
curry mutton and white rice

Q: My favorite Jamaican restaurant is…
Yacht club in montego bay jamaica.

Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to achieve the same level of success you have?
BE UNIQUE, come up with an idea that gives u so much more ideas

Thanks for the interview. Do you have any closing thoughts for our readers?
Thanks guys…May God Bless you and have a wonderful day.

Stay in touch with Slang Teez: slangteez.com www.facebook.com/slangteez www.twitter.com/slangteez www.youtube.com/slangteez