B.E. Y.O.U, Troy Gathers a young man with a plan!
Troy Gathers is like most young people, he is ambitious and is very excited about what lies ahead ten years from now. But, there is just one small thing that separates Troy from the rest; he is already living out all of his dreams.
He is an entrepreneur and a motivational speaker and he is just a junior in college. He lives by the motto “ B.E. Y.O.U”, strive for excellence and stay
true to yourself!
HBCUCONNECT sat down with Troy and asked him some questions to find out what pushes him and how he keeps his flame alive.
HBCU CONNECT: Why did you choose to attend an HBCU, and what has your experience been like in college?
Troy Gathers: Everyone knows that one, it’s the football games and the step shows. Just kidding! An HBCU is the only option for someone like me that's trying to make a real difference in the black community. As a student, I realized that everyone doesn't see a problem with our community at all. Open your mind! There is a fight that's going on over our heads everyday. I realize that the fight for equality and greatness has been forgotten by a lot of today's generational leaders; we only come together during tragedy. Not to jump off topic, but we are not being taught how to become these great leaders in American society in college. More schoolbooks today need to put emphasis on
strong work ethic and permanent success. College has opened my eyes up to the cold reality of societies plan.
HBCU CONNECT: What motivated you to start your own business (clothing line) and to become a motivational speaker?
Troy Gathers: Ideas come from God and those that are blessed will go places no one could ever imagine. I understand why I'm in the position that I am in and have accepted it. I could go on for hours about how far he has brought me from, and times he has made the impossible things possible. That is more than an enough to be motivated about. As far as me speaking to kids, I'm just returning the favor. God got involved in my plans so I'm involved in his, I can't lose. Basically, to wrap all that up in a nutshell all my motivation comes from God.
HBCU CONNECT: Being that you are still in college, how are you able to manage a clothing line, speaking and school at the same time?
Troy Gathers: I manage my time wisely; there is enough time in a day to do almost anything with great time management. I started my clothing line on SCSU campus, selling Sixteen Seventy polo’s, t-shirts and tote bags. Since then I’ve branched on-line, newspaper publications, magazines, and national television. Don't spend valuable time doing what the in-crowd does, that is just a waste of your time. Sometimes you have to separate yourself from the crowd in order to accomplish your goal. Let me remind my peers, if you could see it then it wouldn't be a dream.
HBCU CONNECT: I read in your Biography about your companies; please explain to our members what your mission is for the future.
Troy Gathers : Well, My mission is to be great. I think outside the box that most people can't seem to escape. With Sixteen Seventy I plan to take the
fashion world by storm with a premier golfing brand. Charleston, South Carolina is home to America's first Golf Country Club in 1786. The founding year of Charleston is 1670, so I'm taking the history of Charleston and marketing fashion. I've actually got a great boost thanks to B.E.T. Sixteen Seventy has been worn multiple times by celebrities on the network. So everybody look out for Sixteen Seventy and visit the website:
www. sixteenseventy.com. As far as speaking goes I want everybody to dream, have goals, and shatter them! B.E. Y.O.U. is my organization dedicated to our youth and Speakers Etcetera (Los Angeles, CA) is the name of the speaking bureau I've recently been accepted into. I also have a book coming out very soon called MY REGRETS. This book gives a real look into the prison system and gives life lessons; everybody needs to read this book.
HBCU CONNECT: What type of media advertising have you done for your endeavors?
Troy Gathers: Advertising is the key to success, the more you advertise the more people see your product. I actually advertise my message and my clothing line. Urban Pages magazine was where I first advertised Sixteen Seventy.
Since, Sixteen Seventy has reached the #1 countdown show on B.E.T. and I've actually confirmed a wardrobe agreement with Vh1 for an upcoming television series this fall. The Black News in Columbia, SC featured me on the front page
of there newspaper and The Chronicle in Charleston, SC did a full page write up on me and my vision. I've done the Collegian here on SCSU Campus, and working on a hand full of others. Plus, now we can add HBCU CONNECT to the list.
HBCU CONNECT: What will Sixteen Seventy bring to the State of South Carolina, which is still an untapped resource in the industry?
Troy Gathers: Charleston receives over 5 million tourists a year and over 800 million dollars in revenue from tourism. I am sure Sixteen Seventy can slide in there, don't you? Ironically, in the world of fashion and music South Carolina is definitely untapped. The Carolinas have identity flips, because people try to find themselves on television, they usually end up in Brooklyn. Sixteen Seventy will bring the true meaning behind why South Carolina and the South is so sought and historical. Sixteen Seventy is a true representation of my homeland that people can smile and be proud about. People have approached me on numerous occasions and told me they have been waiting on a brand like this for years. A hand full of national recording artist has inquired about Sixteen Seventy and we are in talks of getting the brand more exposure. Sixteen
Seventy is leading the way in the Carolina movement!
HBCU CONNECT: What are your goals after graduation?
Troy Gathers: After I graduate from SCSU I am going to push harder than I've ever pushed. Only expect great thing from Troy Gathers, I am the real deal! In the next 5 years, expect to see a world renowned speaker with a New York best seller and the C.E.O. of the #1 Clothing Line in America. I only expect the very best out of myself and I have great pride in the path chosen for me, so I'm walking on faith!
HBCU CONNECT: What is your definition of success?
Troy Gathers: Being happy, able to financially support your family and having a great relationship with God! Before I end this interview I want to tell
everyone out there: Don't let anything or anyone cause you to fall short of greatness! B.E. Y.O.U
To view Troy's clothing line, check out:
http://www.sixteenseventy.com
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Monday, October 2nd 2006 at 11:42AM
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