Creative Talk With Calvin Merci

The concept of “stealing ideas” has always and still is a crazy debate. But with guys like Picasso saying: “good artists copy, while great artists steal” OR Steve Jobs saying: “we have always been shameless about stealing ideas” .. it makes you wonder, is stealing ideas Good or Bad? ... let’s talk about it 🔴⚡️

What is your definition of a creative? I think being a creative has more to do with how you think and your perspective on things, then your occupation or what you do.... let’s talk about it 🔴⚡️

The Birthday Edition 🔥🔴⚡️

The concept of respecting time, especially other people’s time, is so taboo for most. And I wondered if people understand the lasting impression it has when you forever take it lightly how important it is to keep to time and to Communicate in the case anything changes. Showing that you respect someone else’s time can make all the difference. 🔴⚡️

I believe as Africans we need to learn the lesson of Self-Love / Self-Validation for who we are and all that we are capable of doing. We are not the starving children with fleas on us, we are not the black people with no hope and no future and most definitely we are not the “dark continent” We are: - Black coffee - Laduma of Maxhosa - Siya Beyile - Nomzamo Mbatha - Mme Esther Mahlangu - Lebohang Masango - Trevor Stuurman and many more These are just a few examples of individuals who have understood being in a place of self-validation and self -love to have enough confidence and courage to go out and tell the true and real African stories. 🔴⚡️

Laduma has really pushed the boundary in fashion and level of creation, and has become an example of what can happen when we as africans see ourselves greater then the picture that is painted of us. Basically to play part in repainting this image! And that is why I think he is one of the highest level of creatives in South Africa 🇿🇦 Lets Talk About It 🔴⚡️

Depending on what you doing and where you are trying to go or ultimately trying to take it, consistency is working on that 5000 piece puzzle every moment you get and being effective with the time you put in… because when you look again the bigger picture will soon be complete. And that is why consistency always wins! Let’s Talk About It 🔴⚡️

Life is a game of Snakes and Ladders. I found it interesting how the game we all played for some many years, is so accurate to how we live life. Many of us have probably encountered more snakes then ladders.. and THATS OKAY because the truth is the game is only over when YOU say it’s over. Life is a game of Snakes and Ladders? Let’s Talk About It 🔴⚡️

Everybody is looking for shortcuts to success, not realizing that one mans definition of success is not the same as the next. And ultimately reaching your great destination.. is a journey and until you learn to appreciate the journey.. you may not enjoy the destination as much as you thought. Let’s talk about it 🔴⚡️

One of the biggest excuses most people use is: lack of resources... and even though that may be true, that most people do lack resources... at the end of the day it is just that: an Excuse. The key is to learn to WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE! Stop complaining about the 6/10 things you don’t have and learn to work with the 4 things you do have.... Let’s talk about it 🔴⚡️

Self-Motivation is one of the most important and hardest thing an individual needs to have. I’v had many conversations on this and the most recent helped me with a more practical direction to it... Tell Yourself! Tell Yourself everyday! Let’s talk about it 🔴⚡️

Fact: Your not the target market ... and it’s okay! Because all products and services have target markets, and we not always included in that market selection. People’s business set ups should not be bashed because it doesn’t fall under our personal standards. Let’s talk about it! 🔴⚡️

Stop Asking People For Permission ... just go for it! I believe that social dynamics have changed, most people don’t want to see you win.. facts. So while you busy asking if people would support you if you started a certain project or started selling a certain product or service.. truth is, 9/10 they not going to support you. Which is okay! Just don’t play yourself by looking for their permission ... Just go for it and if you make a mistake or mistakes, learn from your mistakes... it’s part of the journey. Stop Asking People For Permission! 🔴⚡️

Being an entrepreneur is high-key not as glamorous as people may think it is. Entrepreneurs are some of the bravest individuals in our communities and circles. Starting your own business is hard but growing and maintaining it, is even harder. If you don’t have the passion, drive and build for it ... don’t try this at home! 🔴⚡️

Relationships are key! Cultivating good relationships in life is one important factor that most people don’t see the importance of ... a lot of us think we are 1 man shows or follow the notorious “self-made” concept. In this episode I touch on the importance of growing healthy relationships, no matter how big you may be. 🔴⚡️

Learning and Sharing is so key! Most of the time people want to keep things to themselves and not share it with the next person because they fear the next person will win more or take it further than they have ... to me that’s signs of major insecurities! Learning and Sharing adds to the big picture of the conversation.. think about it?!