Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar Garcia.
Hi Cesar, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started @tanqhathletic in June 2020. I always knew I wanted to own my own business. My dream has always been to be an exemplary entrepreneur who against all odds overcame all the challenges life threw at him. The thought of being “self-made & self-paid” was always the endgame for me. I just didn’t know what route to take or let alone where to start. After having a previously failed business venture, I originally wanted a hobby that can not only give me experience but would also be fun and have the potential to generate income. I had no intention of taking it too serious by any means.
My friend Alan and myself brainstormed some names that we thought could go on a tee shirt. We really just wanted something of our own. So we came up with TANQ Athletic. We were influenced by the term “tank” because of how strong and indestructible battle tanks are. The word “tank” is spelled “tanque” in Spanish, so our name is a little bit of a bilingual blend. We then got to work, drafted a very simple/clean design, reached out to a local screen printing shop, and produced our first batch of tee shirts. I posted it on my social media just to show people what we were doing. I received a handful of messages from people who wanted to buy a shirt. It was in this moment where the intention to take this business serious was born.
I then took it day by day, step by step, 100% focused on mastering the 3 main areas of any business. People, process, product. Fast forward nearly 2 and a half years later, and I could not be more happy nor excited as to how bright the future looks.
This business venture that started as practically a joke now has me thinking bigger than ever before. The amount of lessons, small victories, losses, and overall experience I have obtained the last two years is priceless.
I’ve learned that my business is so much more than just a clothing brand, it is so much more than just a piece of garment. It represents those who live their life for the joy of winning, not for the fear of losing. It is for those who refuse to settle. For those who know that at the end of the day nothing matters more than the results you have and the lives you impact/change.
My business is undoubtedly still in its’ infancy stages. And it’s almost scary (good scary) to think about what we can accomplish.
“You’re telling me I have a chance to make it big & accomplish my dreams?”
This question runs through my mind every single day. And it drives me to continue to push, push, push.
No matter what, time will pass. And we will either look back with the joy of accomplishment or with the pain of regret.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Nor an easy or simple road. Previously having zero experience in fashion, manufacturing, design, and overall social media growth, I have felt stuck plenty of times the past 2.5 years. Regardless, I’ve been able to figure it out or find the solution somehow someway. I’ve learned there is always a solution to any challenge you may face in business.
What has helped me is sticking to the bare basics of good business practices. Like I mentioned earlier: people, processes, and products. That combined with a great attitude will open doors and present solutions one could never even imagine.
It all starts with the attitude. You can overcome any problem in business. Sales, marketing, manufacturing, logistics, systems, etc.
However, I’ve learned the one thing that will be a complete death sentence to your business is having a bad attitude.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a fitness apparel brand that represents those who are willing to put in the work. Our apparel has a combination of fashionable designs that you can wear not only in the gym but also casually.
When someone wears one of our products, they feel like they’re a part of the community of doers and winners who are result driven.
Our merchandise is 100% designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, CA
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Following the steps of those who have succeeded before us is a game changer. Not only can a mentor help you get many steps ahead, but they can also help you avoid many roadblocks. Today’s society is very fortunate because of the access to information that we have. Social media such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc, allows for an unlimited amount of content to be passed to those who seek it.
There is an abundance of information that can be accessed for free. The key is to know what you are looking for, what you actually need, and what to ignore. Being selective of the information/advice, you get in today’s day and age is vital.
The last point I would emphasize is that knowledge is only power when it is applied. So make sure you’re not only a thinker but also a doer. Results follow proper execution.
Contact Info:
- Website: tanqathl.com
- Instagram: @tanqathletic
