Growing Pains

Today is officially our last day in our 14799 Clark Ave. office and warehouse space in City of Industry. Starting tomorrow we will be moving everything out and over to our new location down the street. We may just be moving down the street, but to us it's a big deal. At this time one year ago, we were still printing out of our garage at our home preparing to move into our current warehouse. I can still remember how nervous I was to be taking such a giant leap, and here we are now re-investing all of our money into a newer, even bigger office. Going for broke on a brand new 8 color 10 station automatic screen printing press and a warehouse/office space that is more than two times what we had this past year.

After careful planning, we're more broke than we've ever been, and I'm not worried at all. It's a trip. It truly boggles my mind that I'm not even scared of what's on the line. Don't get me wrong, we're completely stressing out on all the work that needs to get done to get where we want to be, but we're not scared. After doing this for so long, we've grown so confident in our own abilities. To be honest, that's how we like it. We like the pressure. No, we LOVE the pressure. If you've been following the life of L&O and GRink, you know that we've always been ones to try and out-do ourselves and go the extra mile. To set goals that we aren't even sure we'll reach, and work ourselves to death to make it happen. Ambition is a hell of a drug and we're addicted to the D.I.Y. ethic. L&O is NEVER DEAD.

I know this is cliche and you hear it from every other brand and company out there, but it's true. "If we can do this, so can you." I can confidently say that LOUD& OBNOXIOUS and our screen printing company Glad Rags Ink can stand as true testaments of the belief that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. And when I say "set your mind to it" I really mean that, because that is the most important thing to a successful career, whether it be starting a clothing line, barber shop, taco truck, or working in an office all day. You may have loads of talent and tons of contacts and know a million people, but it's the passion that will keep you grinding day after day. Finding purpose and meaning is the name of the game. If you talk about your career or your college major and you've got a twinkle in your eye and an excitement in your voice, then you know you've struck gold.

Sure, the road has been long and hard (that's what she said) to get to the point where we're at. And yes, we're not exactly making an incredible income like all the big dudes in this industry. But we're still on that road, and we know we're on our way. If you work hard enough and keep doing what you're doing, regardless of profession, it's only a matter of time before you get where you want to be. The last 3 years of my life have been difficult, emotional, stressful, and most importantly: rewarding. Until I buy my own home, get married, have children, and travel the world, there has been no greater joy in my life than to see all of our hard work come to fruition.

It's true. If we can do this, anyone can. Find your purpose. Find your meaning. Find your passion.

- Vince