Meet Wes Watkins | Father/Musician/Author/Entrepreneur

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

Hi Wes, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to taking a risk I am all in. My FAITH outweighs anything that resembles an obstacle. The way my mind works is that whatever I put my hands to do it will work. I know for a fact my Vision will work. Having this kind of Confidence and Faith makes it easier to take a risk. I’m willing to bet on myself at all times, even financially. I had an idea to start my own Fedora hat line, partnered with a company to create my own drumsticks, wrote 3 books etc…. I funded every single business venture alone, funded the content/ads/promo with no financial loans or help from anyone. When you understand Vision you understand the goal is not money. I’m in this game for the long haul and it comes with risk taking. Taking risks have played a major part in my life/career because of the confidence it has given me. Jumping off the cliff is not scary when you’re willing to take that risk knowing everything will workout. Even if it doesn’t workout you learn from it and try again. Taking risks in my businesses helped to take risks in my daily life. I’m never afraid as long as I have the Faith and Confidence to jump off the cliff and know I will land safely.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a creative I have to find different ways to set myself apart so I don’t resemble or look like the next person. My sound on the drums and what I do as entrepreneur sets me apart from others. My goal is to come up with a need or do something nobody around me is doing. Starting my Fedora hat line was major because I didn’t know any other Fedora hat owners around. In the first month I sold out! The way I attack songs adding in different genre feels to grooves grabs the attention of the audience and sets me apart. There was a lot of hardworking that got me where I am today professionally. Many doors were closed in my face but I kept working and didn’t take no for an answer. The Faith and Confidence I have in myself took me a long way. God provided a path and I had to make sure I walked in align with what he has for me. This entrepreneur is never easy, you have good days and bad days. A gig can get canceled at anytime, people can stop buying your product etc….As long as you have a clear vision, Faith, Pray and stay consistent the challenges turn into lessons. The lessons I learned along the way was never give up despite what I may look like. Becoming great and winning at high level will also come with obstacles. These are the times you have to ask yourself what will be my view point of these obstacles I face? Will they break me or make me. One thing I want the world to know about my story is that I never quit even when I feel discouraged. Your process will come with hard times but that is when you have to stand up with your Faith and face it head on.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting with me I would take them out to a restaurant/lounge called SOBE in Greenbelt Md where one of my bands play. The food is amazing and of course the live music is great! Another spot would a place called Burgers @ Apollo in Camp Springs. They have some of the best burgers and live entertainment you could find. The rest of the time I think we would hit the harbor or go skating and bowling. I like old school fun.

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?
Shoutout to my family for pushing me to be great and always encouraging me. My Father (Panama Watkins) owned his own cleaning business when I was younger and it made me want my own. Watching him play drums growing up made me want to be like him. If it wasn’t for my Dad I wouldn’t have the urge to be a musician or a business owner. Definitely have to shoutout my mother (Brenda Watkins) for the push she always gave me. My mom never doubted me in any idea I had. She stood by my side no matter what and always encouraged me to be great. The love and support my older brother (Jermaine Coger) gave me was amazing. He is the main reason I am able to play different genres of music. My brother made sure my ears heard everything and I was able to implement that in my playing. L Boogie (Larry Dennis) my big cuz put me on to GoGo and the age of 6. Thank you fam, you are the reason I am relevant in this GoGo game today and still consistent making it happen on a daily basis. The help and support of one of my best friends (Lloren McKinney) we been rocking for 26 years and she always believed in my ability to play drums be entrepreneur and more. Always stood in my corner to cheer me on and I don’t take that lightly. Definitely have to shoutout my children Demauri and Drew. These two motivate me in so many ways to be better as Father, Musician, Author and Entrepreneur.

Website: www.gotmyownsound.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesgotmyownsound?igsh=MXIzc3RxamxzcGU2cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wes.watkins.16/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/XUYGRCG7rNM?si=cQDxw_rp_ITGabQ1

Image Credits
1st photo @feelinfluid 2nd photo Maurice Taylor @gogomoe