QUEENS — Russell Simmons, 50 Cent and Sean “Diddy” Combs all launched their multimillion dollar empires with just an idea and some entrepreneurial spirit.
Now Jamaica residents will get to learn how to follow a similar path thanks to advice from several hip-hop entrepreneurs who also built their careers from scratch during an event at the Queens Library this Thursday.
"I Have a Dream: Building Hip Hop Entrepreneurs” will include a panel discussion boasting Dave “UNK” Huie, the founder of UNK, an NBA-inspired fashion label; Coach PR, who promoted 50 Cent before getting a show on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio and founding Burgandy's Soul Café on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica; and Shante Bacon, who worked with the Island Def Jam Music Group before establishing her own marketing firm 135th Street Agency.
The panel, moderated by Donyshia Boston-Hill, CEO of marketing agency Keeper of The Brand, will also feature Frank Garcia, of the New York State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Heddrick McBride, of McBride Collection of Stories.
The panelists will discuss how they overcame obstacles and hurdles and kept gaining experience and connections in order to become successful entrepreneurs, the organizers said.
“We wanted to put something together that would show that you can take your dream and make it a reality,” said Ralph McDaniels, the library’s hip hop coordinator, who is organizing the event.
For example, Huie, who grew up in Jamaica, started his career selling hats on the 165th Street mall, according to McDaniels.
"Now his stuff is seen in Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center and all these big arenas around the world," McDaniels said.
The event will include a Q&A with the panelists. There will also be an opportunity to talk to experts advising future entrepreneurs about how to get funding, McDaniels said.
“Sometimes young people don’t realize that these [celebrities] started the same way they did — with just a dream — and we want to give them examples how people who were in the same position as them made their dream a reality and show them what it took to get that done," McDaniels added.
The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Central Library at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in downtown Jamaica. It's free but those interested should register here.
