Moziah Bridges - Mos Bows: A Young Persons Guide to Startup Success: Measure, Cut, Stitch Your Way to a Great Business

Dedicated to my parents, Tramica Morris and Clete Bridges, who have gifted me with my creative style and entrepreneurial spirit. Also, to Granny Galloway, Granny Cleasant, my aunts, uncles, cousins, brother, and sister: thanks for keeping me grounded.

In loving memory of Granny Gladys and Sonia Faylene Bryant, who always reminded me to shine bright like the star that I am.

T he first time I met Mo Bridges, he was eleven years old. It was 2013, and from the second he walked onto Shark Tank to pitch his company, Mos Bows, I knew Mo was unique. Mo was smart and well spoken; I could tell he had a purpose. Even at eleven, he understood his business better than adults who have pitched me for years. (Just dont let them know that.) I saw the passion he had for his work and was impressed by his commitment. In the Tank, Mo was offered a deal by none other than Kevin OLeary, a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful (and for anyone who has seen the show, you know Kevins offers arent always wonderful). I advised Mo not to take the deal. I could see he was on the brink of growing Mos Bows into something huge. If he accepted the money from Kevin, hed also have to pay him a royalty from every bow tie sold (typical OLeary offer!). I wanted to help Mo grow his business in a way that kept him in control of the company and its profits. I wanted to offer him guidance I didnt have when I was starting out. As I told him right then on Shark Tank: the mentoring I could offer was more valuable than just taking the money.

Mo reminds me of myself in many ways, with his innovation, his determination, and, gotta say it, his style. But Im most impressed by Mos hustle. He got himself on Shark Tank at a young age and didnt let surprises stop him from achieving his dream. Mos success proves that you can find the resources to start a company at any age, even as a kid. You just have to know where to look. For Mo, that meant reaching out to his mom and grandmother. His mom helped promote Mos Bows on Facebook and drove Mo to trunk shows in the early days of his business. His grandmother helped him make his first two thousand ties by hand, right in their kitchen. Making it a family effort didnt make it any less Mos business. Asking for help when he needed itand, better still, recognizing a smart collaboration when it was in front of himwas another necessary step.

It takes time for most to realize theres more to building a business than being a friendly person or a sharp dresser. You need the drive to succeed. I always say that entrepreneurs arent visionaries, but at the same time they dont hesitate to do whatever it takes to make their idea a reality. That is exactly what Mo did, and today he is running his own company. Being an entrepreneur isnt like any other job because youre never really done. The moment you complete a project, its on to the next thing. Great CEOs can think about multiple steps at the same time. The best CEOs are always growing, always finding new ways to create and reach new consumers. Thats why when youre young, its important to get yourself moving early.

Even today, I see more of myself in Mo. Hes hardworking, hes dedicated, and he loves the work that he does. His success is no accident. Young entrepreneurs can learn from Mos experiences, and Im pleased to say that I have as well. Hes an inspiration for the next generation of creatorsa true force for change. Mo sets goals for himself that he finds ways to exceed. I cant think of any other entrepreneur his age that has been honored by the White House, has deals in place with the National Basketball Association (NBA), and whose book is in your hands right now. From his earliest days in business, Mo understood his customers, and he continues inventing ways to keep them coming back to Mos Bows. He has a knack for sales , and plenty of flair, and he has the product to back it up.

Listen to Mos story. Learn his experiences. If youre an aspiring entrepreneur, dont let your age make you feel like your dreams are out of reach. As youre about to read, Mo was lucky to find success at a young age, but he worked hard for it, too. Its never too early to find confidence in yourself and to start building your empire. Start out early like Mo did, and soon youll develop your own strategies for success.

Im honored Ive had the opportunity to mentor such a bright, skilled, and creative young man, and I cant wait to see what Mo does next.

Daymond John

New York City

2018

CHAPTER

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS THE PURSUIT OF OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT REGARD TO RESOURCES CURRENTLY CONTROLLED.

PROFESSOR HOWARD STEVENSON, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

H ello there, young entrepreneur ! Im going to call you that a lot because thats how I see you, and soon you will see yourself as that, too. What I need to tell you right now will change your future and put you on a path that everyone wants but few are willing to work for. We all come from different places and different backgrounds. But if you look at successful inventors and entrepreneurs, whats the only thing they have in common? They were all kids once, just like us. And they all had a dream, just like we do.