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LSU presents Mahoganie Underground, a graphic art/design company based in Brooklyn, New York. Mahoganie Underground serves both the party&events and corporate arenas, supplying prospective buyers with custom designed invitations, event/promotion cards, business cards and more. With us today, is the founder and CEO of Mahoganie Underground, "Mahoganie."


Ashleigh:
Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak with you on your success as a graphic designer.What is your government name, if you don’t mind me asking?

Mahoganie:
Let's leave it to Mahoganie.

Ashleigh:
Okay, I respect that. Well, Mahoganie, how long have you been a graphic designer?

Mahoganie:
I have been a designer for 9 years. I started my own company "Mahoganie Underground," at the age of 23, but designing since 21.

Ashleigh:
Did you always express keen interest in graphic design or did this interest germinate as a result of influences (people,books,tv)?


Mahoganie:
When I was younger I used to love drawing. I would go around the house and pick up random things and try to draw them. For example a vase, cartoon characters, people from the magazines (those were the hardest. Could never get the nose drawn right). When I started going to high school and a college rep came to the school and started to speak on graphics, thats when I became interested into taking drawing onto another level in technology.

Ashleigh:
Commendable…

Mahoganie:
From there I started setting my goals and creating my plans of what I wanted to do.

Ashleigh:
How did you find the competitive nature of the world market, especially as an entrepreneur? Was it difficult starting your own business, and selecting an audience for which you would cater to?

Mahoganie:
Well to be honest, at first it wasn't hard for me. After I graduated from a business school, my first job was working for a company that designed window signs for supermarkets. From there I started working at another company that is within the promotional industry of what I do now. So I looked at it as an opportunity and a practice to enhance my skills. From starting my own business, I had people to support me and I knew I had to market myself and knew what it took to do that. I started my business and had help from two friends of mine, Sheryl and Ray DeJon from Video Music Box.

Ashleigh:
You had alot of support.

Mahoganie:
From there I was constantly meeting new people and thinking of other strategies. I guess it was more of who you know but also had to have the graphics to back it up. At first it was very slow and I was nervous just being on my own but I had friends and family who believed in me that I can do it, so I took the chance.

Ashleigh:
Inspirational.

Mahoganie:
So I started doing really good and business was picking up as well as my graphics were growing more.

Ashleigh:
As a business woman, have you found that being your own boss yields lucrative results?

Mahoganie:
Well it has its ups and downs. It's really a hustle. You just have to know how to be on top of your game and know what you can bring to the table. Being your own boss is good but not an easy task; it has its pros and cons, but it makes you want to keep going if you have a passion for it.

Ashleigh:
Passion is the very thing that makes all endeavors a reality.

Mahoganie:
Yes and motivation is key. You have to find your niche. This is why I love what I do. I'm happy when I have satisfied a client and I see that I have grown a lot.

Ashleigh:
Speaking of clients, what are some of the names which compose your clientele catelog?

Mahoganie:
DeJon Entertainment, DJ Norie from Power 105.1 FM, Bad Boy Records ( I used to work for them),Showcase Entertainment, Airwear NYC, Power Moves Inc., Verbal Eyez Promotions, U.C. Entertainment, East New York Entertainment… the list goes on. I have met a lot of people within this industry of party promotions and looking to venture towards others.


Ashleigh:
Wow. That’s a huge list. Retrospectively, looking back on your life, and the impediments you may have encountered during your quest to make your artistic mark in this industry, how does it feel now, as a successful business woman?

Mahoganie:
Girl it feels great! I have learned a lot.

Ashleigh:
I am sure.

Mahoganie:
Yes a lot, which I am greatful for. Especially knowing that I have grown and grasped the knowledge of what it takes to get this far. I shocked myself and last year when I reached the 5 year mark and was like wow I made it this far. Need to make changes for the next 5 years. Like Diddy would say " Can't stop, Won''t stop."

Ashleigh:
You are absolutely right. That is the attitude LSU harnesses. The sky is the limit ( for all readers.)

Mahoganie:
My goals are to do Photography, Video Editing, etc.There is so much I want to do…have my own night club. I love music…I have accomplished a couple of my goals already and Im here having a business. I’m a capricorn; this is what we do. We set goals and ladders to climb and to overcome, so I am very much driven.

Ashleigh:
Okay! Great ambition. You are so driven and it is so hard to find people in this world, who genuinely share the same aspirations-to succeed- and the burning drive to serve their community at large.In my quest to bring my own dreams into fruition, I have stumbled upon those opportunist figures, who have taken advantage of my talent and me as an individual. Have you ever been in this situation? An instance where you feel that people have your best interest at heart, but in fact, they are ready to take front row seating at your failure?

Mahoganie:
Well being a female designer its more of a competition. Everyone knows most designers are males. I can't really say that I have been in a situation where people would want to see me fail as yet.... I strongly say as yet. Challenged YES. I always surround myself with positive people and people that I can learn from. Haters are out there. They only make me stronger and continue to help me to reach deeper within myself to pull out skills that I didnt even know I had. My mind is focused on what I do. If I listened to everyone and let them break my spirit then I couldnt have gotten this far. You have to have a strong mindset and not let others get to you. That's how they will know u are weak.

Ashleigh:
You are absolutely correct. Resilience is a key staple in life.

Mahoganie:
Yes it is.

Ashleigh:
What are some things you would like to share with Life and Style Union readers, those of whom would like to pursue a career in graphic design and technology?

Mahoganie:
My advice would be " Be Creative, Motivated, Have the Knowledge and be Passionate. Always have goals and plans. Without a plan you will have no future into being successful."

Ashleigh:
Thank you Mahoganie for sharing your perspective and life story with Life and Style Union. I am positive that you will inspire LSU readers to strive for excellence, as strongly as you have inspired me. Peace and blessings.

Mahoganie:
Thank you.