Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Headley.
Wayne, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story began in Canada as the third son of six children. Growing up in a military family meant adaptation and the necessity to develop a strong personal identity both inside and outside of our home. While I did not realize the uniqueness of my upbringing, it no doubt shaped who I am today. My father was the first Afro Canadian Dental officer in the Canadian armed forces and his rank and vocation represented the smashing of many artificial and real racial barriers. We traveled as most military families did like nomads uprooted and replanted across Canada in many rural communities, different provinces and even a foreign country. This transient lifestyle equipped me for a life bent on travel, discovery and developed a strong appreciation for flexibility in design. There was another dynamic that also influenced my life to a huge degree. Seeing my father leave the house almost daily in a razor-sharp uniform meant there was little chance I would grow up without an eye for details.
Today I call myself a Creative Catalyst and Brand Hunter. In Canada, I pioneered and directed fashion ventures for over 40 years. I’ve gained extensive experience through importing international brands, marketing, retail sales and event production. My latest endeavor involves introducing Artphere, a long-established brand of an OEM Bag Maker from Japan. Their factories have a long-standing tradition of producing quality bags for the Japanese market. In 2006 they created a brand of bags specifically for traveling artists coming to sketch the landscapes around their city. Toyooka is known for its rich outdoor environment and natural landscapes. Artphere was borne to maximize the experience of each artist through a functional, convenient, and enjoyable accessory. That suits me just fine!
Has it been a smooth road?
No road is smooth unless you are standing still. Adapting and overcoming is just the natural state of most entrepreneurs. I’ve faced challenges in every area of the business, from importing, transportation and storage to distribution, credit and theft. I don’t feel like there are many challenges I haven’t faced but it’s not how many times you get knocked down. It’s how many times you get back up.
And then there’s Covid: there isn’t much anyone can say about Covid that hasn’t already been debated or discussed. It is the small business’s equivalent of Goliath. Like most small businesses, I’m looking for a few small smooth stones.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is on a mission to discover new people, places and things. I seek out compelling stories of creatives willing to share their experiences, proprietary knowledge, vision, and unique designs shaped by their cultures. The goods and services which manifest from their creativity will inspire my desire to offer access to these treasures through my E-commerce website.
There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” I see a long journey still ahead and regardless of whether the road is smooth or not, I’m staying on it with whoever wants to go far. I do business to cultivate relationships with interesting people. The money comes, as it should, as a means of keeping track of all of the opportunities to share the value I see in what we create and the stories behind those creations. What makes us different is the value we place in the people that create; the reward is in seeing their creativity valued by others. Quality, creativity and craftsmanship.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think LA has everything a business needs to thrive. Firstly, we have diverse communities with a vital workforce, determined to contribute to improving society. Secondly, LA is a mature city that will continue to explore the value of its birthright: the City of Angels. Third, LA with all of its resources, provides a great launchpad. Finally, I believe LA promotes opportunities to brand and develop unique new businesses.
Our city will improve by staying determined to help everyone succeed. If LA becomes a place for only the wealthy, it will become like a house divided. There must be efforts to assist new businesses and help old businesses retire, when the time is right. Building one facet of society at the expense of another, will not be sustainable.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $250 to $1,2oo
Contact Info:
- Website: artphere.us
- Phone: 615.260.0103
- Email: info@artphere.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artphere.us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artphere.us
Image Credit:
Nathan Rocky, John Jefferey, Josh Davies
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