Hey Guys, Check out this interview with Jonathan mead, an entrepreneur, a writer, a coach, martial artist and the founder of the amazing blog illuminated mind.

Hope you enjoy the interview.

Hey Jonathan, how are you doing?

I’m doing good, thanks for asking. And thanks for having me here.

Can you give us some quick background information about yourself, what you do now?

Sure. I’m a writer, entrepreneur, coach and a martial artist. I’m most interested in helping other people break free from limiting structures to help them live on their own terms.

How did you start blogging and start Illuminated Mind, what inspired you?

What first inspired me was finding a way to give back to the self development community. I felt like I had benefited so much and wanted to find a way that I could contribute and share the knowledge that I had gained.

As time went on, my motivation shifted a bit. I saw that a certain group of people weren’t being targeted or spoken to very much when it came to self development; people that were off the beaten path, that questioned authority, and the structures society has created to limit us. I came from a similar background, so I wanted to see if I could speak more directly to that audience, and that’s how I wound up where I am today.

How have you been able to grow your blog? Creating awareness and getting quality readers?

I try as best as I can to be remarkable, to not do what everyone else is doing. I don’t want to compete with everyone by trying to do the same things they’re doing better. I want to do something totally different so that competition is obsolete.

How much time do you spend for your blog?

Since my blog is my business I spend a lot of time on it. Since I’m self-employed, the amount of time varies a lot week-by-week. It could be 15 hours one week and 50 hours the next. It really depends.

What books would you suggest reading for anyone interested in the topics you blog about?

One City — Ethan Nichtern
Hardcore Zen — Brad Warner
Walden — Henry David Thoreau
The Four Agreements — Don Miguel Ruiz

From which people have you learned the most or which people are kind of role models for you?

I’ve learned from anyone that follows their heart and lives deliberately; anyone who sets out to be excellent, or genuinely wants to serve others.

What are your main sources of inspiration for your articles?

Living and experience. I get most of my inspiration from just doing and trying different things. A lot of it comes from lessons that I’ve learned or shifts in my thinking that have made a big difference in my life.

Tell me about your book “Reclaim Your Dreams: An Uncommon Guide to Living on Your Own Terms.” What inspired you to write it?

A lot of people want to follow their dreams, but they don’t think that their dreams are practical. There seems to be a battle of head vs. heart, and for some reason the head always wins. People end up old and in regret that they didn’t follow their heart. No one lays on their deathbed wishing they were more productive or practical. They always wish they did the things that called to their heart.

I personally had the same issue. I had dreams of being self employed, being a writer, a martial artist and other things. But my mind told me that they weren’t practical. That I would fail, that I didn’t deserve it, and a whole host of other obsolete and unimportant reasons.

My goal was to create a road map out of that limiting pattern of living, and find a way not to dethrone the mind and crown the heart, but to integrate them and let them rule together. So that’s what Reclaim Your Dreams is. It’s a guide to helping you make peace between heart and mind and find a way to actually make your dreams a reality; to let them take root in the world.

How can someone get it right with self-education? I see a lot of people that read a lot of self help books that end up all confused.

Maybe it’s a lack of critical thinking. To be honest, I’m not sure. I think some people read self-help book after self-help book because they want to find that magical hidden answer that will make everything work automatically, with no effort on their part. They’re always looking for a better strategy. But the perfect strategy doesn’t exist. The perfect strategy is practice.

You went through a period of addiction; how were you able to come out of that?

I got tired of trying to find happiness somewhere outside of myself. I had to go through that in order to really understand that you can only find happiness within yourself. You can’t get in it a pill, a drug, material things, or passive entertainment. It has to be something you decide deliberately.

What areas of your life have most improved since you started this journey?

Every area, honestly. I no longer see the different areas of my life as separate or distinct. Any time one area of my life improves, so do the others. The more I move toward integration, the more this becomes true for me.

What Motivates You? What inspires you?

Being excellent and the desire to express my fullest potential motivates me the most. A lot of things inspire me, especially people that have followed their dreams and have reached their potential. That could be anyone from a great basketball player to an amazing drummer to an incredible martial artist.

Do you have a goal of how many books you must read in a month?

I used to have goals like that, but I found them to be very unmeaningful to me. The more I place quotas and quantify my goals, the less motivated I become. Instead, I try to focus on meaning before measurement.
I generally read at least two or three books a month, though, sometimes more.

How has networking online and offline helped you or your business? How essential do you think it is?

I’m not big on the word “networking;” I prefer to call it building relationships. And I think it’s absolutely essential. I know some people that have built their businesses simply on referrals and relationships. It’s huge, and something I think most beginners neglect.

Something that has been me bugging for a while is balance. How do you keep balance and maintain focus? It’s so easy to get carried away.

This is another one of those things that I used to find highly important, and now don’t pay much attention to it. I’ve made a conscious effort to create a life where balance is irrelevant.

Since my work, life, relationships, and interests are all interrelated, I don’t have to try to balance them. I think balance is overrated. Instead of trying to find balance, I say create a life where balance isn’t necessary. Create a life where no part of your life conflicts with the other.

What was that one thing that kept you going when things weren’t going your way?

Hunger. If you’re not consumed by a deep hunger or passion, it’s easy to let things that don’t go your way deter you. But if you’ve committed yourself 100% to your pursuit, nothing can get in your way.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’m not too sure. I tend not to plan more than six months in advance. Planning further than that adds a level of rigidity to my life that stifles me. I also don’t think it’s really possible to plan that far. Things will come up that you’re not able to predict. I’d rather be like water, flexible and ready to follow whatever course is presented to me.

Thanks for your time Jonathan

Thanks, it was my pleasure.

Make sure you check out His blog and leave a comment and don’t forget also to follow him on twitter.

It all started at age 13 for Samuel when he expressed his interest in arts, his interests was rewarded with appearance in UK soaps such as the bill and eastenders, he also had the opportunity to appearing in a short film called “Welcome to Britain”.

Deciding to further his education, he left his acting behind after being advised by his older sister to focus on university, Starting university, he became interested in journalism consequently resulting him in writing articles, which were featured in the local university newspaper and the “The Voice”.

In his third year, Sam became heavily involved in student politics, becoming the first and youngest candidate to receive over 1000 votes in Brunel University’s Student Union election for the post of Vice President. The only student on the university governing body (university council), Samuel was involved in the distribution of university budgets of nearly £165 million.

Now he concentrates most of his time building elevation networks which he runs with his fellow entrepreneur Arnold Sarfo-Kantanka.

Elevations Network is a student-led social enterprise that aims to bridge the gap between underrepresented groups within communities and industry. The group aims to create a belief system that provides a gateway for aspirations to become tangible goals. The underlying ideology behind
Elevation Networks is the concept of networking. EN targets young people within society where the opportunity to network is not being fully utilised and appreciated.

http://www.elevationnetworks.co.uk

They are also currently seeking 16 enthusiastic students who are interested in actively making a difference within their University.

The voluntary experience will last for the academic year 2009-2010 and the role will involve project and event management, promotion, research and other important responsibilities.

It is essential that you will be studying at a London based University during the 2009-2010 academic year and that you are aged between 18-24 years.

If you are interested and would like further information about this opportunity, email Nelson at:
nelson@elevationenterprise.com

Beyonce and Cheryl were the latest additions to the names of celebrities that are already wearing the talented fashion designer’s collection.

Beyonce was seen wearing the design at the MTV Europe Awards in Berlin, while as you remember Cheryl wearing the piece at the x-factor and capturing the eyes of Simon cowell with it.
Don’t forget the likes of Megan Fox, Lady Gaga.

Koma, who was born in Georgia and grew up in St Petersburg, moved to London several years ago to study at Central St Martins fashion college. He graduated in February this year with an MA prestigious Harrods Design Award, previously won by Christopher Kane, in 2006.

To his amazement “he said that beyonce loves his design and has agreed to meet him”.

He told vogue.com “I am honoured that my first collection has had such a phenomenal response and particularly that such dynamic performance artists, with a strong individual style, have chosen to wear my designs,” the Central Saint Martins graduate, Harrods Design Award winner and Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award winner told VOGUE.COM

Apparently the design worn by Cheryl was priced at £1,900, and is already sold out, welcome to the world of celebrity.

Oprah has over 2.3 million followers on social networking service Twitter. Steve Jobs? Zero. And yet, in a recent poll by youth organization Junior Achievement, the Apple CEO topped the talk show maven by a hefty margin as the entrepreneur that teens most admired.

It makes perfect sense, really. I mean, sure, Oprah once gave her entire studio audience free cars, but Steve Jobs has given the whole world the iPod and iPhone. I mean, granted, they have to pay for them, but come on–that’s what entrepreneurship is really about, right?

The survey, given to U.S. kids from ages 12 through 17, provided a list of entrepreneurs and asked the kids to pick which one they most admired. In addition to out-talking Oprah, Jobs also out-skateboarded Tony Hawk, out-socialized Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and out, uh, duoed both Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

To read the full story,click here

“Jesus Junkie…” the title that many youths of this generation claims to be. Miss Opia is the sole founder of the business clothing line, “Jesus Junkie….” This clothing line consists of many bright colours engraved with the title, “Jesus Junkie…” not only clothes are written upon; accessories like badges are also in the picture.

• Hey, how are you doing and Welcome to YHP.

Aloha!!! Thanks for having me, well interviewing me; it’s a my privilage!

• Give us some basic details about yourself.

Im a 21 year old Christian, recently graduated from university with a degree in Drama and Sociology( Bless God!), I happen to be the CEO of Jesus Junkie Clothing and I am an aspiring actress.

• How did you come up with the phrase, “Jesus Junkie….”?

There are actually two stories to how it came about. The initial ’surface’ of the phrase was in summer 2006, my church had a convention which lasted from Thursday/ Friday to Sunday and I remember going every day and attending almost every service. The following week I met up with a friend for lunch and was expressing to him how much I enjoyed the convention and how I didn’t want it to come to an end and how I would have loved to sleep in church! I couldn’t articulate how exactly i felt apart from feeling like I couldn’t get enough, as if i were addicted, and in this case my addiction was to Jesus…and then the penny dropped JESUS JUNKIE!! The phrase really stuck out for me, especially based on the fact that I was a cannabis user for a period of my life. It started off ‘harmless’ as most people tend to see it, until it came to stage where I couldn’t refuse it and then realised I had a problem. I tried to give up and would go for periods of time without but then have a relapses right until when I came to Christ . The addiction for the drug was replaced by Jesus and the joy of the Lord, which to me is the only high that will never give you a come down.

• What do you mean by the phrase “Jesus Junkie”?

The word ‘junkie’ is commonly used in a negative context, as it refers to a person living with an addiction, narcotics addiction to be exact. In this case however, it has been spun around using the word in a positive sense rather than the negative, as it used in reference to an individuals addiction and dependence on Jesus Christ rather any earthly/destructive substances.

• Do you solemnly aim to attract Christians?

No. The initial Jesus Junkie design can be seen as an individuals expression, as I found it the best way to express how I feel about my faith. I believe that this is also the case for other Christians who feel they can relate to this expression , hence them joining the movement and proudly proclaiming their faith buy wearing our merchandise. However, in the case of it appealing to non-beleivers, I see it as a form of evangelism; being addicted to something is a big deal, and most people recognise the use of the word ‘junkie’ and relate it to addiction, so to a non-believer , seeing the statement JESUS JUNKIE , I’d like to believe it would be thought provoking, making them think and try to understand it. The statement is a challenge, challenging people and encouraging them to try and swap their current addictions for something much greater. I see it as the way a person in a remote village in Cambodia may own a Coca-Cola tshirt, but may have never tasted it or know what it is, I would like Jesus Junkie to get to that stage and although the message behind may not be aparent straight away, I pray they will one day someone will get a tshirt or an item of our clothing and understand the message behind it and possibly be affceted by it.

Who do you model around?

The truth is no one in particular. I am inspired by other designers and business moguls, but no to the point of modeling around them. The vision was divine and given to me by God and He has taught me everything I know. The clothing line was started by me, but it would be no where near to where it is right now without the development,contribution and dedication of my team and those around me.

When should we be expecting your website?

In the next couple months by God’s grace. We’re in search of the perfect designer for the perfect website ..its under construction.

• What are your aims as the sole founder of “Jesus Junkie…?”
My main aims are to push the name of Jesus as far as it will go. The idea is to challenge people, that contrary to popular opinion, you dont have to be ‘clean’ to come to Christ ; as everyone has issues they constantly have to deal with, secretst in their past and other stuff, Jesus loves us all regardless of what you have done or gone through . The clothing line is the start of Jesus Junkie as a holding company, as the clothing line is only one part of the company, which by God’s grace will continue to grow and make way for other ventures. In the near future I intend for Jesus Junkie to branch into outreach and rehabilitation services, aimed at people who have lived hard lives especially those living with drug addictions or those affected by drug addiction.

• How do you vision “Jesus Junkie…” in the next five years…..?

In terms of the clothing line, God willing we will have longevity and continue to expand. I see the clothing line not being restricted to the gospel scene but being recognised in the mainstream, as well. Our Creative Team have been working on loads of different ideas and collections which we hope will appeal to a wider demographic on a much bigger scale; while still sending out our message. Im praying to have Jesus Junkie reach an international level also, where our products will be available in other countries other than the UK; and it terms of the other sides of the company I expect the outreach and rehabilitaion service to be up and running by God’s grace. We also plan to host our official launch next year, so look out for that!

• How did you start “Jesus Junkie….”?

Seems like a long time ago now..but it really isin’t! I got the idea in August 2007 but didn’t do anything with it till October 2007 when I had five tshirt s made for my self, my sister and three friends. We took pictures wearing them and wore them about and found that people would stop us and ask where we got the tshirts from. After getting a good response I went on to make a larger order and sold them at my church and to family and friends. We then put pictures up of us wearing them on social networking site Facebook to see if we would get a larger response, which it did. The tshirts happened to catch the attention of Gospel music producer Tosin ‘TP’ Peters (our Managing Director) who after seeing it got in contact with me and expressed his support for the movement, resulting in him joining the team. With his connections in the gospel scene we began to receive invites to events to either showcase our work in fashion shows or simply sell at the events; where at one of our earlier shows we the met our now Creative Director, poet Stephanie ‘Royaltie’ Poopola who also expressed her support for the movement and with her creative background and efforts, helped to push Jesus Junkie Clothing out even more. Since then things have kind of erupted, as we now have a strong team and things are continuing to expand!

• What kind of message are you trying present to the audience through your clothing line, accessorise…etc?

The main message is to encourage people to be bold about their beliefs. There was once a time when Christianity wasn’t seen as ‘cool’ if you know what I mean, but it has come to a stage where I am confident in my faith and really don’t care what the world has to say about it and I encourage people to that also.

• What were the drawbacks within your business, and how did you overcome it?

Wow, I think there have been and will always be drawbacks, but we have to get through them don’t we? The main drawback is the lack of understanding in the sense that some people see our logo and for some reason think we are saying something blasphemous or insulting Jesus. We get mixed emotions from people, non-beleivers and Christians alike, but although it can be seen as a set back based on their negative feedback, what we are are doing is more important than a couple’s people lack of understanding and ignorance. The only way we have been able to and continue to overcome come it is by standing on the faith that what we are doing is not for our glorification but for a greater purpose, for God; we basically have to continue to believe in oursleves and what we are doing and not be deterred by other people.

• How old is this business?

The first ever tees were printed in October 2007 and after that more t-shirts where sold, but we didn’t officially emerge until August 2008, the 9th of August to be exact, which is when we had our first fashion show. Based on that you could say Junkie Clothing has been running for about a year now.

• Roughly, how big is Jesus Junkie as a business?

I have no idea how to measure.We’re pretty big compared to when we first started, and we’re growing everyday! We’ve got 8 members of our team now and we’ve got people allover the UK wearing our garments, so I guess you could say we are nationwide, though there are still some places in the UK that are still untouched.

• Name four essential factors that one must obtained to run such a business?

1- Vision/ Mission statement- You have to know what your intenitons are and how you intend to execute them
2- The right team- The people around you have to share the same vision as you to avoid wasted time on trying to get ton the same page.
3- Good Judgement- You have to have the confidence to trust your own decisions and judgment.
4- Work ethic – You must be able and ready to give your all even when there is no financial reward.

• Is an educational degree essential for one to possess in order to run a business like this?
Not exactly, No. I have never studied business but I am learning a lot about it through research, advice and mistakes that I make. I intend to take business courses in the future and would strongly advise someone thinking about starting any kind of business to take a business course or something similar; it would save you having to make unnecessary mistakes.

• What is your advice for students and young adults who aim to start a business as your own based on their personal belief?

Before doing anything you have to know the reason for the business, is it really based on personal belief or is it simply a money making scheme? When you know what one it is, I think it will determine your approach and commitment towards it. Secondly, and extremely important is not to procrastinate, Don’t put it off!

Thanks for your time.

No problemo…I just hope I have been a blessing to someone reading this!!

For more info: Check out
Facebook
Myspace

Al-Karim Versi, inventor of the A-Kar electric vehicle, gives us some details about how to go about inventing a new product, the challenges, the marketing, funding and some past experiences.

The A-Kar is a 3 wheeled vehicle made out of fiberglass. The motor is powered electrically by lithium ion battery cells and does not emit any harmful gases into the environment.
The A-Kar has been designed for uses as either a delivery vehicle or passenger carrier.
The top speed is 35mph and a full charge of 5 hours will give you 70 miles.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for inventors of products and how can they
overcome it?

I think the greatest challenge is turning your idea, your vision, into reality, into something tangible that you can feel and touch. This will include various obstacles that come along the path to creating your product. However these can all be overcome by persistency and more importantly a clear focus on the end goal and what you want to achieve.

For example, before a 100 meter race, a sprinter will have looked down the track ahead and already have run the race in their head.

What are the necessary steps to take when developing a product for the public, how do
they market it?

One critical area is to know and understand your target market and establish exactly what it is
they want, or what it is that is already established and how your product is going to improve upon what is already out there.

This could mean walking around the streets and asking people on their views and thoughts
on your product or having a customer focus group or using media uploads on the internet and viewing the feedback you receive. However, I would not advise the last channel if you are seeking patent protection first.

It is also necessary to make sure you are knowledgeable and well read up on current government legislation as well as any relevant licensing or health and safety issues concerning the product you want to develop.

What were your challenges? And how did you go about it?

My challenges were pretty varied. To begin with it was the search for a cost effective
manufacturing partner who I could work with and who could understand my vision.

This search saw me travelling across both India and China. I eventually found one in the latter. Other challenges were more procedural, and needed patience on my part, for example
applying for design protection and trademarks.

What are the qualities that you feel makes a successful entrepreneur?

You have to first off be comfortable with yourself and what you are doing. If you cannot
look at yourself in the mirror and believe in yourself, and what you are doing then
forget it.

You have to live and breathe your idea. Secondly know and understand your
market, there is no point trying to create a football, it’s been done. Always look at
new ideas and businesses you come across daily and always question yourself what way can that idea or business be improved upon.

The key fuel needed is a tank full of passion, with common sense.

A business looking for funding? What is the best way to go about this?

Networking is the key here. Someone once told me that your network is your net worth. By
going out to functions related to your business and building up contacts you should be
able to find the investor you are looking for, or the person who can help you get
funding.

There are many Government and European backed funding out there for the right
products. Be wary of people who ask you to pay them a fee to help you raise funding – they
should be confidant in your product in the first place. Also ensure you have a water tight business plan before you talk to anyone, know your figures and know your product inside out.

Any last words you would like to add?

I would like to wish all you budding entrepreneurs and inventors the very best of luck and remember to never give up on your idea. You might feel alienated at times, but you are not the only one.

This is the price you need to pay to turn your vision into reality.

Thanks Al-Karim, I’m sure the readers will enjoy this quality piece of information.
Thanks once more for your time.

Charles is the founder of Umbrolly; Charles Ejogo pitched Umbrolly to the dragons on the first episode.

The Episode was aired on the 4th January 2005. The idea he presented to the Dragons was that of a number of vending machines for umbrellas, including an LCD screen to display advertising of a very high quality, to be placed on the streets of London.

YHP asks Charles Ejogo about his experience on dragon den and advices for entrepreneurs especially those thinking about pitching their ideas on dragon’s den

What do you think a programme like Dragon’s den gives an entrepreneur from your experience?

The programme is unique in the sense that it does not really portray the real cycle any entrepreneur goes through to secure investment for their business. I still enjoy watching the programme, but not for the reasons that I feel it should be so widely watched for. Its become car-crash TV in the sense that people (myself included) watch primarily to watch people have their dreams crushed, and be humiliated. To me it is a pity, as the programme has a large young following, and I think the focus should be on the business side, the entrepreneurial side, not so much the dog-eat-dog, ruthless aspect of the programme. It is a pity that the Dragons feel they need to put people down in such a sharp manner, as effectively they are crushing peoples dreams, however I respect James Caan as he is always polite, respectful and displays humility, which are great traits to have, no matter what your position is.

What are your advices for anyone looking to go to the dragons for investment? What are the fundamentals they should know or have?

I think that if you are REALLY looking for funding for your business there are a myriad of alternatives available rather than going into the Dragons Den. That said, I think that the majority of applicants now are not so much looking for the money (as the terms typically secured are frankly exorbitant), but the exposure, and more importantly the connections and leverage that working with Dragons such as Peter Jones or Theo Paphitis can bring. Regarding what you should know before you step up? In a nutshell, know your business inside out, and more importantly know your numbers! Any investor will want to be comfortable that you know your numbers inside out, as they will be relying on you to deliver them. I still cant believe every time I watch someone standing in front of the Dragons, getting their profit margins, or turnover figures wrong.

How do you prepare for a pitch for investors?

Well in advance! As in the Dragons Den, you only get one chance with ANY investor, so you have to be well-turned out, have an intimate grip on every facet of your business, and other than that need to be honest.

What do investors want to know?

A lot of investors are actually make their investments into the people behind the business, as you can predict how a business will be run, if you can read the person. I always notice that investors will look for the background story – the how did you get to where you are now? story – to understand the motivations and aspirations of the entrepreneur. A lot of the time parts of the story may mirror their own, or touch a nerve that can trigger empathy, and a connection which I think apart form revenue generation is what many investors look for.

How is it like having two geniuses in the names of Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne. On board?

I don’t actually work with Peter or Duncan, but I am sure that they would love being called geniuses! Our deal fell apart about 3-4 months after we filmed the segment for the programme. In some ways it was fortunate as the business was not ready for the investment or massive interest that followed, and it also allowed me time to realise what needed to change, and get rid of my previous partners who were having a negative effect on how the business was developing. After the deal fell apart I was crushed, but like any entrepreneur I pulled myself back up, reassessed my position, and started again. Fortunately for me, I am a quick learner, and very single-minded, so I was able to put the past in the past very quickly and start again.

What have you learnt about being an entrepreneur?

That it’s a state of mind, a way of life, and importantly, to never give up! If I had, I would have never achieved the success that I have to date. I often go out and see one of my vending machines being used, or someone carrying one of my umbrellas, and that makes me feel great.

What are the fundamentals that you feels make one a better entrepreneur?

Always being open to new opportunities, being quick to react to changing circumstances, or opportunities, and above all, to always be open to learn new things. I am still a young pup compared to Peter Jones, and Duncan Bannatyne for instance, and this inspires me. Peter went bankrupt in his early thirties and was forced to start again, which shows resilience. Duncan only found his feet in is thirties after receiving a discharge form the Navy, when he saw an opportunity to start an Ice-cream business. They epitomise turning a bad situation into a positive one, and I like to think that I am doing the same in my own way.

Thanks Charles

Umbrolly

Jeff Chavez gives advice to Christine Cunneen of Hire Image staffing service on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.

Entrepreneur Ryan Allis, co-founder of iContact, is interviewed on The Big Idea With Donny Deutsch

Who says community work ain’t got its benefits
Channel 4 Story on EAST Student Daniel Johnson