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

Hi Blake, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I used to work for someone else’s goals for 8-10 hours a day and didn’t feel invested in my work. However, even when I worked two jobs, I still managed to find time for my passions and noticed progress. Gradually, I realized that I had the necessary soft skills to start and run my own business, thanks to my experience in the workforce.

When I was in my early twenties, I moved to Orange County and started a promotion company, which eventually led to the creation of my event, Soul Sunday. As time went by, Soul Sunday became a large creative agency, SMPL Collective LLC.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a Creative entrepreneur has not been easy. I worked a day job for a long time and pursued my creative career simultaneously. The biggest thing I have learned in all of this. You have to believe in yourself more than anything. Over time, I realized that all good things take time. Overnight success is rare; even in that, it took time to achieve it. Being consistent in anything you do, you will reap the result. Life will continue to test from all sides, and on those dark days, you have to dig deep within and trust all will work out for the best. The mistakes that are made are the best lessons learned. I want the world to know about SMPL Collective that we are a brand rooted in the community and growth of all the people we collaborate with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In line of work i do. I am a homebody. I just want a good cup a of coffee and a quirt place relax.

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 want to dedicate this to my Parents for always being a living example of what hard work looks like, my siblings for always believing in me, and the core group of friends who have been with me since I started my creative journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blizzzyblake10?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Other: https://www.instagram.com/soulsunday?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

Image Credits
photos caputured by Mikey Avila and Chris Cameron.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.