By Nick Cerofeci
Staff Writer
Freshman Beck Cherry uses his creativity, inspiration, and out of the ordinary talent to sell his product. Beck sells hand-printed, self-designed t-shirts which help him express his creativity and artistic ability.
Cherry sells his hand-crafted t-shirts to the local Spyder Surf shop in Hermosa Beach. His shirts clearly express his creativity while he earns money at the same time.
“It’s pretty cool to do something like making and selling my own t-shirts because it doesn’t feel like I’m working,” Cherry said. “I just get to be creative with it and have fun.”
According to Cherry, the process for making his shirts is not easy. Between designing them, getting their screen and printing them, he has a lot of work on his hands.
“First, I think of multiple designs and draw them out. Whichever ones I like the best, I send in to be made into a screen,” Beck said. “And finally, I choose the colors for the shirts and print them myself.”
Spyder Surf manager, Chris Broman said that the coolest thing about Beck is that he is a local grom with an out of the ordinary talent that adds a personal touch to Spyder.
“We are very grateful for Beck’s help, especially because he chose us to sell his shirts to rather than any other surf shop in the South Bay,” Broman said. “It is very special, and we are happy that he did that.”
According to Richard O’Riley, another Spyder manager, Beck’s t-shirts sell very well because of his unique style of art. Spyder is glad that Beck can implement his creativity into his designs and make business for them.
“Beck’s shirts are unique and have such a personal touch to them,” O’Riley said. “If he is already successful and doing well at this age I think he has a very bright future.”
Even though Cherry makes a profit off of his t-shirts, he has not claimed to be a full business. However, the young artist has plans for the future in this industry.
“In the future, I plan to get more elaborate with my shirt designs and hopefully start making different clothing,” Cherry said. “But for now, t-shirts are a good start and I’m happy with what I’m doing. ”
According to Cherry’s father, William Cherry, he impressed with Beck’s business decisions as an entrepreneur. Beck learns about marketing, manufacturing, and accounting in a hands on way. He claims that Beck is learning more from his business than he ever could in a school classroom.
“I am excited for Beck because his shirt making is more than just a hobby,” William Cherry said. “He is learning how to be an entrepreneur. As a small business owner myself, I am very proud of Beck and what he is doing.”
According to Cherry, most of his inspiration comes from the beach. Since he lives so close to the ocean he says it’s hard not to grab inspiration and a creative vibe from it.
“Creativity is thinking of things in your own way. You can make something completely new, or change it so its unique to you,” Cherry said. “Creativity is like a muscle, the more you use it, the easier it is. As long as you keep working, you will improve.”
According to Cherry, he continues his shirt making not just for the money, but because he loves art. He takes pride in being someone who is different, and not afraid to put themselves out there.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if people might not like it,” Cherry said. “If I hadn’t been willing put myself out there, I wouldn’t even be making shirts, let alone selling them in Spyder. Good and unexpected things can happen when you put yourself out there.”
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