Hater Proof, tell us what is your real name and where are you from?
Quenton Barnes, Sr. I am originally from Huntsville, Alabama. I’m from the North Side, Meadow Hills. I moved to Tennessee in 1998.
When did you get the idea to start your own business; what became the motivation behind it?
I am a Rap Artist and started in 2003. I was on a mission to find myself. Started a clothing line with the smiley face in 2005. I perform with no fear. I feel that if you believe in yourself, you invest in yourself.
Describe your brand/ business / products?
My clothing line represents my expression to elevate lives with the smiley face logo. When I revised the logo and added the money the internet loved it; they went crazy. Now we have hats, socks, women’s wear. Shit done went crazy.
What would you say has been the biggest perk owning your own business?
Branding myself through the smile, basically just being hater proof. Spend my own money. I’m self made.
What blessings have come from your business?
I started out with 10 shirts and gave them away at the Black Arts Festival in 2008. My greatest blessing is through my child, and my passion for fashion. My son, Quenton Barnes, Jr., starting and growing his clothing line and business, Applying Pressure Corp and Barnes.
Where are some the places you have travelled as business owner?
Jacksonville, Tennessee, Texas, Atlanta, California. It just keeps expanding and growing.
How do you define success?
Success to me is not getting rich, but making it happen. Money ain’t success; money is just being rich.
Where would you like to see yourself/ your business in five (5) years?
Just being further than I am now. Just expanding and helping others. A boss is about putting others in position.
How can the public get in contact with you/ your business?
Facebook: Hater Proof Hog
Snap Chat: haterproofhog1
Instagram: Applying Pressure Corp
