Winning the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a defining moment for any young entrepreneur. For Lucio Hightower-Rojas, it was more than just $10,000 in seed capital—it was an opportunity to learn from one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world.
As part of his prize, Lucio had the opportunity to meet with Daymond John, The People’s Shark and the founder and CEO of FUBU, a $6 billion hip-hop apparel company, for an exclusive Game Changer mentorship session. Their conversation focused on branding, business strategy, and scaling Lucio’s business endeavors.
During his mentorship session, Daymond shared practical insights to help Lucio refine his business model and scale effectively. Key takeaways included:
- Stand out with strong branding – A recognizable identity builds trust and attracts users.
- Deliver real value before scaling – Prioritize impact before expansion.
- Test, refine, and improve – Gather user feedback and adjust before making big moves.
- Leverage mentorship and expertise – Surround yourself with people who can accelerate growth.
Daymond also spoke about his own journey—reminding Lucio that success doesn’t happen overnight. FUBU faced multiple challenges before it became a global brand. Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are the keys to long-term success.
What’s Next for Lucio?
With fresh insights from The People’s Shark, Lucio is fine-tuning his newest business venture and setting a strong foundation for growth.
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