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

Hi Papa Zaniel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
With dreams of becoming a successful recording artist, I understood how a physical asset would be the key to establishing a business within music. I was very unaware when I started my journey, that I would be in the fashion industry and not necessarily the music business. As Papa Zaniel became the moniker I embraced as an emcee and songwriter, finding a way to create merch with my name was always a challenge for me. So when coming up with a brand that has traits of an attention-grabbing name and logo, that represents sustainability and luxury… I was stuck.

These measures of quality were requirements that I deemed obligatory when starting a business. After weeks of brainstorming, I figured out to name my product “Hundred Dollar Hoodies”. The cost of the material, the labor, and the branding all pointed to a hundred-dollar production cost per item. It only felt right for the hoodies to be titled after the literal cost of making an item like mine. After researching the internet for brand names, I found that my logical nonsense was nowhere to be found, and the name could be established as mine. I continued my research for fabrics and manufacturers and finally perfected the right combination for the Hundred Dollar Pull-Over, Hundred Dollar Zip, and Hundred Dollar Crop. Making these items exclusively on my website has allowed me to maintain control of the name and the shipping fulfillment to each customer. I aimed to be sustainable, and luxurious, and so far my brand has garnered that direct reaction from each of my customers.

 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Making an audience care has always been my goal. I am proud of how I’ve molded my music and art after my life. I do not operate outside of what I do not know. This trait has always been a part of my character, to never, “fake it”. It truly isn’t an easy path to walk in your truth. Being vulnerable is a human emotion and feeling that a lot of us don’t enjoy managing, however we find ways. Greatness is birthed when obstacles are constantly conquered. That’s how my life has felt. That’s how my art has felt.

My brand as Papa Zaniel the recording artist, DJ Papa Zan, and Zan the person behind Hundred Dollar Apparel, has always existed in the realms of my own life. Trying to partner with others and delegate responsibilities, has taught me that no one will care for your business as much as you do. You have to be the individual to organize, operate, and execute. There aren’t any motivators, outside of money, that will get people to treat your business as their own. My council has been there to remind me… do it yourself and watch how the results will end in success. Partnership is wonderful in concept, but for me, premature in application. Working to be in a position to employ has been my main focus when operating a business like this. Finding ways to generate revenue to the point where I need to hire additional help, is my next step in evolving my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is such an interesting city. With having the luxury of living right in the middle of Los Angeles for the past 4 years, I’ve seen how quiet and lonely it can be and how vibrant it can be as well. When you first arrive to LA, you will be hungry. Please do yourselves a favor and go to Honey Bee’s House of Breakfast and get their house special. Some of the best pancakes that I cannot figure out how to make. In the day time, depending on where you are in the city, make your way to some museums that you’ll find on Google Maps. Have lunch at Chris n Eddy’s for some amazing sliders, but if you don’t eat meat there are plenty of vegan options. Literally food trucks on every corner, and there are often events with food truck lots. If you’re not cooking by this time, and you got money to spend, in the evening any steakhouse (American or Brazilian) will be an exquisite experience.

Now for the nightlife, I always suggest you follow whichever DJs you enjoy hearing spin and go to their events. Tip the bartenders, and don’t be afraid to bar hop. Do be wary if someone invites you to an afterparty because you don’t know where you’ll end up. It could be nearby where you’re staying, or it could be far… very far… don’t do it. Did I mention the beach? The water is cold, super cold, but visit the beaches. Yes plural, as you can choose to go to crowded areas, or more quiet less densely populated areas. Choose Wisely.

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?
Shout out God… I am thankful for every day I wake up and can live my life. Shout out my late mother, grandmother, grandfather, uncle, and stepfather. These losses over the past 15 years has been very difficult, to say the least, and I’m grateful for the time I’ve had to reflect and honor their legacies. Shout out to my Dad. As my only living parent, our relationship has grown exponentially closer over the years and I know he is proud of how far I’ve come. Shout out to the individuals who I call my council. Green Squad and all of my friends who know and understand where I come from. Throughout each tragedy in my life… I’ve had a wonderful set of friends who have been there for me. I am forever grateful that my friends CHOOSE to be there for me and support my adventures in life. I literally could NOT have made it this far without the people in my life who have helped me along the way. They know I am a grateful person because I make it known that I recognize how they do not have to be there for me or help me in any capacity, but they choose to regardless.

Website: www.papazaniel.com

Instagram: @papazaniel

Twitter: @thepapazaniel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PapaZaniel/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@papazaniel?themeRefresh=1

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