WS Chronicle

I turned 60 on Aug. 6 and during my 60 years of living, Anthony Ingram’s advice on how to build your business brand is some of the most empowering advice I’ve ever received. “I don’t know the owners of Polo or Nike, so as a business owner, why would I wear their logos when I’m out networking or at an event? It’s a must that you always promote your own brand,” shared Ingram. Simple, yet very empowering. 

After our conversation, I immediately got to work. I had a Q&A with Anthony about his company, Superpowers Heroic Apparel.

When did you start your business?

“I had a bail bonding business and when I made a little money, I paid for a custom logo for my business. I put it on t-shirts to see if anyone would buy it, and they did. That’s how Superpowers Heroic Apparel was born. I named my apparel company Superpowers Heroic, so people knew it was me. I was hoping for the same people that supported my bail bonding company, to support my clothing business. That’s why branding is extremely important.”  

With so many businesses such as yours, what sets you apart from the rest?

“People love great customer service. I know I do. People are not as kind as they used to be, so I put my focus on excellent customer service and top-quality products. I’ve researched men’s and women’s clothing to identify best quality custom designs and branding. I take time to listen to my customers, because I need to know exactly what you need. It’s a lot of online stores that will delete other company’s logos and change the colors and add their logo. So, I do something that will make my customers say, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this!’ I try to be a branding consultant for my customers. And our prices are very competitive.”

Superpowers Heroic Apparel provides custom hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and even scrubs for health care workers. The founder and CEO Anthony Ingram added, “If you don’t see something you want on my website, I can make it happen. Anything you can think of, I’ll find a way to do it. Any way you want to brand your business, you just let me know. If by chance it’s something I don’t do, I network all the time, so I’ll find someone that can.” Anthony attended Carver High School in Winston-Salem and is a native of the city, so it’s no surprise that the Yellow Jackets are one of his biggest supporters. 

“Carver alumni were the first to do a substantial amount of business with me,” shared Anthony. Ingram said each of the Big Four schools were very supportive of Superpowers Heroic Apparel. In 2014, the company won Fashion Designer of the Year at the Forsyth County Entertainer of Arts. 

What do you love most about what you do?

“Meeting people and networking. I post about Superpowers Heroic Apparel two to three times a week. Networking is key. It’s the reason I’m talking to Busta Brown right now. You always need someone to speak about you, in a room you’re not in. God blesses us for helping each other. The other thing I love about what I do is making my customers’ dreams come to life and teaching them about the importance of branding.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve overcome that helped prepare you to become an entrepreneur?

“I wasn’t big on speaking in public, not even during college. But when your business is on the line, you’ll find that courage. It’s an old saying, practice makes perfect. I also had to overcome a lack of confidence. My mentor, John Ray, told me to always study successful people, so I watch motivational videos, read books on leadership and entrepreneurship, and if I knew of certain people that were speaking that I’m interested in, I would go hear them speak. I’m big on taking notes. All of this played a huge role in building my confidence.”

What advice would you like to share with up-and-coming entrepreneurs?

“Keep yourself out there, network as much as you can, and work on personal development. My business isn’t always as busy as I want it to be, so I spend that time learning, because you can never stop learning. Make friends with those like-minded people, so you can learn from them. It’s as simple as just asking people for advice or help. You’ll be surprised how much successful people want to help you and your business grow. And brand, brand, brand. Walk in it with confidence. Use someone’s weaknesses to make you strong. Learn how to bring others together. I used my own money to do business expos and it went very well. It helped me make a name for myself, and it was an excellent way to promote my brand.”

Is there a scripture or quote that gives you strength during those down times?

“We all must walk through the flames, but you want to come out cool on the other side. So, my favorite scripture is, ‘All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.’” 

The Chronicle’s Business of the Month is Superpowers Heroic Apparel. Send them an email at admin@superpowersheroic.com or visit their website at superpowersheroic.com.