We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex J. Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex J., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always wanted to start a business. In fifth grade, I used to cut grass and sell drawings that I traced of cartoon characters to classmates. In high school, I worked two jobs. So I always like working. Over time my passion for working grew and I realized earlier this year that I like freedom as well. Financial freedom as well as independently creating something from scratch.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Entrepreneurship is not easy when you take it seriously. I used to be in my comfort zone a lot when I started. I would sleep in and party every weekend. It wasn’t until I got fired from my job in 2019, that I took owning a business seriously. Me losing my main source of income was the wake-up call that I needed. A month later, I got out of a toxic relationship, let go of some toxic habits, and just started grinding day in and day out. I started staying up 24 hours twice a week. I realized my environment and thought process was holding me back. Today, people can see the change in my behavior and my growth as a man and business owner. Brand Stimulated has worked with gyms, law firms, and universities since the beginning of 2020. I am proud to say that I will be hiring my first employee by the end of this year.

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 came to the city, I would take him everywhere. I think in the moment a lot. Haha. So Village Burger Bar would be the first spot. He doesn’t drink but he is a big burger guy. After that, I would take him to Deep Ellum to bar hop. Stiir would definitely be his speed.

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?
I recently lost my grandmother Cora this past weekend. She was always supportive of me and always believed in me. I want to dedicate my future to fulfilling the potential that I have and the things she saw in me.

Website: www.brandstimulated.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamalexjmartin
Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamalexjmartin
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamalexjmartin
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/AlexJMartin

Nominate someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.