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From Prison to Penthouse, The Explosive Rise of Wes Watson

La comitiva de coches que Wes Watson lleva a la entrega de su Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport de 4 millones

Motor16.com. (2023). Wes Watson with his Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://motor16.com

The end seemed imminent for Wes Watson. Busted, arrested, and incarcerated, this California man’s life could have been defined by one word: doomed. The story of Wes Watson is one of incredible transformation, the epitome of reinventing oneself. He took his life of crime and ten years of incarceration, reshaped his direction, and nearly instantaneously forged a multi-million-dollar business empire. A few years ago, he was an inmate; now, he lives atop the world in a Miami penthouse. This is the story of Wes Watson, a man who overcame all odds, turned imminent defeat into victory, and is now thriving at a level comparable to Fortune 500 CEOs.

A millionaire within 18 months, but his story doesn’t start there. Wes Watson was born and raised in San Diego, California, where he embodied the coastal California lifestyle of surfing and skateboarding. At 12 years old, Watson began his journey down what would eventually become disaster, experimenting with marijuana. By the time he turned 14, Wes transitioned from merely using marijuana to dealing drugs, which eventually inclined him towards other illegal activities. Throughout the years, Watson’s involvement in crime escalated, with him frequently partaking in violence. In the end, his lifestyle caught up with him. After a dispute with a customer, Watson was arrested and imprisoned for assault with a deadly weapon, battery with serious injury, among other charges, resulting in a 10-year sentence in California prison.

It could have all ended there. Instead, immediately upon entering jail, Watson resolved to reinvent himself. Confinement was the crucible for his self-transformation. Instead of sleeping in, Watson began waking up at 3 AM, a practice he continues to this day. He focused on generating a meticulous daily routine involving physical fitness, discipline, and mindset development. Programming was also huge for Wes Watson. A topic he talks about frequently in his content, programming the mind is one of his keys to producing meaningful results in life. Watson’s strict adherence to programming while in prison earned him the admiration of fellow inmates.

Ten years later, in 2018, Watson was released and was miles away from financial freedom; he had hardly $200 to his name. However, he had something much more valuable: a deeply ingrained sense of discipline and an entrepreneurial plan for domination. In an age when people are pursuing fitness more than ever before, the former Californian prisoner launched Watson Fit, an online coaching business geared beyond just fitness but also to the entirety of life. The market differentiation of Watson Fit was this: it revolved around mindset, rather than a by-the-book workout plan. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Do the things you hate like you love them.” This saying of his is basically a proverb when applied to entrepreneurship. Much of his advice resembles the teachings of David Goggins, the American ultramarathoner whose bestseller Can’t Hurt Me is a commonly recommended book for modern entrepreneurs. Watson Fit takes individuals to the next level when implemented. His mission is to make clients the best version of themselves by making self-development a lifestyle. When one reaches the highest levels of self-development, Watson believes that money will automatically flow to them. The company quickly became a hit, attracting clients who not only sought gains in the gym but a complete overhaul of their lives.

One successful entrepreneurial endeavor was insufficient for the high ambitions of Wes Watson. His next income stream was personal branding, in the launch of his YouTube channel, GP Penitentiary Life, where he diffuses raw, unfiltered stories from his time in the prison system, in addition to motivational and gym content. His channel, which caters to the fitness and self-development communities, is a massive hit, with over a half-million subscribers. This led to a surge on Instagram as well, with him boasting nearly one million followers at the time of this article. Having such a large presence on social media allows Watson to monetize not only his posts but also serves as free marketing for his coaching program. What sets Watson apart from influencers in the way he markets his personal brand is his street-level intensity and raw advice on how to better oneself. Sugarcoating life is not something Watson specializes in, and this rawness appeals to his target demographic.

Ultimately, his core philosophy is extreme discipline in the face of competition. He is a strong defender of the belief that in order to achieve a high level of success, one must do what they hate, stepping outside their comfort zone. Suffering is not an option; it is mandatory for people to arrive at the destinations they desire since it yields mental resilience and opens the mind to higher levels of wisdom. In an age when the majority of people take the path of least resistance, his message stands out as bold. His daily routine is a testament to his beliefs; waking up at 3 AM consistently is something most Americans do not want to do. He understands getting up early as gaining a foothold on the competition. But waking earlier than others alone will not get high-aspiration individuals across the finish line. Suffering ought to be encountered in every area of life, according to his philosophy. Rigorous physical fitness, such as performing hundreds of burpees before other prisoners woke up, earned him respect in the penitentiary then and as an entrepreneur now. Lastly, Watson believes that self-love is essential, and that self-investment—in all forms, physical, mental, and spiritual—will forge a foundation of self-respect necessary to accomplishing a flourishing life.

Today, the entrepreneur Wes Watson expands his empire further. He owns mansions in Rancho Santa Fe, California, and Miami, Florida, living an extravagant bi-coastal lifestyle fueled by his profits. The other day he moved into a penthouse in Miami, his third luxury residence. He wears a half-million-dollar watch to the gym, and his supercar collection is highlighted by a bright-orange Bugatti Chiron. His net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. Fortune 500 CEOs get paid as much as the value he has personally created through his mindset. Despite his outward success, he remains committed to his core principles. He still wakes up at 3 AM, constantly seeks self-improvement, and posts loads of daily social media content. To maximize self-development, Watson now brings together groups of like-minded individuals and entrepreneurs who are dedicated to making money and achieving freedom. His success story is not merely one of entrepreneurial triumph but one characterized by breaking free from limitations and creating a lifestyle that incorporates growth in all spheres.

Wes Watson got out of jail just six years ago. Instead of letting his ten-year incarceration define him, Watson is the epitome of an entrepreneur. He creates value and impact through an innovative mindset. His net worth was $200 upon release from California prison, but now he lives a wealthy lifestyle in the beautiful towns of Rancho Santa Fe and Miami, pulling up to the gym in a Bugatti Chiron. He went from prison to helping millions break out of their own prisons by teaching people to do the things they hate. The story of Wes Watson shows that no matter where you start, you can achieve greatness in entrepreneurship if you’re willing to embrace discipline and work relentlessly.

 

Written by Carson Batzel, 9/23/2024

Chris Bumstead: Bodybuilding Redefined

(LEFT SIDE – Arnold Schwarzenegger, RIGHT SIDE – Chris Bumstead)

Born in 1995, Chris Bumstead, better known as “CBum,” is a Canadian bodybuilder and social media influencer who has quickly become one of the most recognized figures in the fitness world. Best known for winning the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title four consecutive times (2019–2023), Bumstead has solidified his position at the top of the bodybuilding elite. Starting his competitive journey at just 19, his natural talent and relentless dedication quickly set him apart, earning him comparisons to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Like Arnold, however, CBum’s influence extends far beyond the bodybuilding stage.

Fitness is a notoriously difficult industry to breakthrough. The competition is high with established and professional athletes with pre-existing followings. Specialized diets, supplements, training programs, and competition fees can create financial barriers for aspiring bodybuilders. Slow physical progress, hormonal fluctuations, and mental barriers can all hinder one’s success. Bumstead has overcome all this and more. Not only has he attained a physique to be desired by sedentary and active people alike, but he’s also successfully translated his fame into multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He launched Bum Energy, a sports and energy drink company, and co-founded Raw Nutrition, a supplement brand focused on high-quality performance and recovery products. His partnerships with popular brands like Gymshark, Vaughn’s Treats, and Revive MD reflect his hands-on approach, ensuring that the products he endorses align with his values of transparency and quality in fitness.

In addition to his business endeavors, CBum is also a massive force on social media. With nearly 5 million followers on TikTok and over 24 million on Instagram, he’s one of the most influential fitness personalities online. He connects with his audience by sharing workout routines, nutrition advice, and personal insights into his life. Bumstead has been open about his struggles with mental health and his battle with IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease, further endearing him to fans for his vulnerability and authenticity. Bumstead’s combination of physical achievements, business ventures, and online transparency has made him a fitness icon. By redefining what it means to be a bodybuilder in today’s world, Chris Bumstead has inspired millions to pursue fitness.

Audrey McAlister: Sunrise Hill Boutique

SunriseHillBoutique Etsy Header

Audrey McAlister is eighteen years old and started a polymer clay jewelry business when she was sixteen.  When she was ten, she would make food for her dolls out of clay.  When she was sixteen, she found some old polymer clay and wanted to express that same joy, passion, and creativity she had when she was younger.  When she looked on Etsy, she found people were making food out of clay and into jewelry pieces.  I met Audrey over the summer at a camp.  She has so many skills and is always trying to improve her business and connect with customers.

Audrey uses Instagram to promote and advertise her Etsy store.  She offers unique deals and offers.  For example, around her birthday she offers a “Birthday Sale,” where she offered eighteen percent off the week of her eighteenth birthday.  Audrey also works to connect to her customers.  Most of her demographic are Christians, so she would post a Bible verse on Sundays.

She is not driven by the profits, but rather the joy of making something beautiful and reliving the fun she had doing this once at ten years old.  Audrey’s efforts demonstrate her ability to empathize with her customers and the ability to adapt.  Her advertising is appealing to her demographic and helps to draw in sales.  

Her creativity is inspiring.  Each of her designs are unique and handcrafted; she pays attention to even the minuteness of details, and ensures her customers are receiving the best product she can produce.  I am not artistically talented like Audrey is, but I can empathize with my customers like she does.  I learned that the work can be primarily for the joy of it.  She loves making this jewelry and continues to do it because of this love.

Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight

Twins Brooklyn and Bailey started their famous YouTube channel in 2013, when they were just 13 years old. Since then, the 23-year-old duo has taken off in the world of influencers and now have 7.06 million subscribers on YouTube and 9.3 million on Instagram. They post all kinds of lifestyle content from beauty tips to road trips. They make sure to keep both of these accounts well-maintained by posting YouTube videos once weekly and keeping their Instagram stories full on all days of the week.  Followers of Brooklyn and Bailey are always well-informed on what is going on in the lives of the twins, whether it’s that they’re getting married, buying their first homes, or launching a new line of clothing.

Brooklyn and Bailey have a well-established online persona of cute, fun girls who live their lives by going on adventures and maintaining their relationships with each other, their husbands (they were both married within the last year), and their families; and of course, by maintaining all their entrepreneurial ventures.

On top of their online presence, Brooklyn and Bailey maintain their own online fashion line, LashNextDoor; their skincare line, stayitk; and their recently opened drink shack, Sip City.

LashNextDoor features fashions of all types (dresses, shirts, skirts, pants, jewelry, etc.) designed by Brooklyn and Bailey that reflect their fun personalities in a trendy and cute way.

Stayitk (standing for “stay in the know”) is a vegan and cruelty free skincare line that promotes the idea of its users to “stay in the know” on what they are putting in their skin.

Sip City is a drink and snack shack that sells fruity beverages and sodas as well as a few different cookie options.

I have followed Brooklyn and Bailey for a while now, and I always feel very inspired by their ability to run all of their entrepreneurial undertakings as well as show their love for each other and their family; and their drive to not let anything get in the way of their dreams and goals. It’s very uplifting for me to view their content and see their positivity on my Instagram every day.

Go Out with a Bang

In 2014, 22-year-old Hannah Davis sat at a table in Charlestown, North Carolina at a pop-up shop. Surrounded by small business owners, Davis hardly felt at home. She had only ever held two jobs–waitress, and English teacher and didn’t know the first thing about starting a business. What’s more, she hardly had any expertise in her product—shoes. 

Today, BANGS shoes have lighted up Instagram with aesthetic pictures of one-of-a-kind footwear. In a culture where many Gen-Zers wear one of three shoe brands (Vans, Converse, Nike), Davis saw a market for uniqueness and self-expression. With their wide variety of colors, cute embroidered patterns, and a style reminiscent of the 70s, BANGS shoes stand out from the crowd. 

BANGS shoes aren’t all about style. They strive to remain sustainable towards an increasingly environmentally conscious generation with 100% vegan materials. In addition, BANGS invests 20% of its net profits toward entrepreneurs through a non-profit platform called Kiva. They have invested in over 5,000 entrepreneurs across 74 countries including the United States. Unlike larger brands, BANGS’ small nature allows them to plug in with their customers through social media and events. Through social media contests, tags, and scavenger hunts BANGS reaches its audience in unique ways. BANGS ambassadors also host regional get-togethers for fellow brand enthusiasts to come together for crafts, games, and meet and greets. 

Hannah Davis was first inspired to start BANGS when she was teaching English in China. After seeing the green, army-style shoes worn by Chinese migrant workers and farmers, she wanted to create a shoe that represented a community. The name BANGS is from the Mandarin character 帮: bāng, or “to help”. Davis is driven by making the world a better place by nurturing a positive community and being kind towards others. Her innovation through the unique style and mission of BANGS as well as her perseverance in breaking into a market she had little knowledge of demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit. Davis’ uncommon and expressive approach to both her product and her marketing strategy is an inspiration to entrepreneurs.

 

Read more about BANGS shoes and see their products at: https://www.bangsshoes.com/

 

Modern Plantsman – Shop for plants!

Rihana Barlage is the owner of a plant shop called “Modern Plantsman” that is a blooming business in downtown Wapakoneta, Ohio and had a grand opening in early April. Since her opening, people have come in and enjoyed looking at everything she has in her shop. Barlage has so many different things, beside any pot and plant you could image, like shirts, notebooks, stickers, signs, wall decor, plates, and so many more other things. I had gone to the Modern Plantsman over my Thanksgiving break, and it was so much fun walking through the shop and looking and finding so many different things, also not to mention the air was so refreshing in there because of all the plants. She also has an amazing and easily accessible online website where you can buy plants or anything online and then go and pick it up in the store. What makes her business unique is that she has a tab on her website called “The Makeover” is she can come to a place, like your work or a room in your home, that you want to liven up with plants and bring many options for you to choose that you can mix and match in your space and there is easy on the spot purchasing. It is so interesting that she mainly sells plants, but has so many other things in her shop and online. Her shop and website in innovating because there aren’t many places where you can get live indoor plants and be able to order them online.

Destiny Snow

Destiny Snow is a very successful young entrepreneur who owns the business called SnowGlam collection. This is an online company that sells beauty products to women. One thing that stood out to me was how she handled the COVID situation regarding her business. Constantly being stuck at home made her realize that she needed to focus on growing her company. She did this by the help of a social media influencer named Ari Fletcher. She tagged her on her Instagram story, and Destiny instantly saw how big of an impact that had on her business. She said her phone started blowing up with orders as soon as Ari posted on her story and that was the spark her business needed. I thought this was a very clever of way of getting exposure. It was pretty much genius as it immediately reached her target marker which are primarily teenage girls who love to shop. Another thing that I found really impressive was the number of sales she had for her online business. It was an astounding amount of over one million dollars over the course of two years. If Destiny keeps working the way she is and utilizing social media, I think she still has more room for growth and expansion. The most inspiring part of this story was how she used COVID to help strive her business to where she is at today. Instead of letting the pandemic hold her business back, she optimized this as an opportunity to really focus on social media as her main way of connecting to her customers.

How Success Happened for Destiny Snow, CEO of SnowGlam Collection

Dustin Williams – Photography to Fabrics

Dustin Williams, a Mississippi boy with love for cars, moved with all he had to Southern California after graduating high school. He moved into a friend’s house; all he had was a Subaru WRX and a camera. He began making money through photography by working at a high-end car dealership and doing weddings. He also had a YouTube channel that began seeing some success. As he grew his photography business, Legends Media, he made his own shirts and wore them in his YouTube videos. His audience enjoyed his sense of style and his brand and encouraged him to begin selling apparel, which he then did. His brand, Legends Media, saw very early success among his fans and quickly grew. Today, he does monthly drops based on his life and YouTube channel as well as a subscription for monthly t-shirts and other benefits. He now has 675k subscribers on YouTube and continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Dustin has been an entrepreneur from the start! He began making money by doing photography for people and then reinvested that money into what he loved, cars. He then used his cars to provide content for YouTube, and the rest is history. He has inspired me and many others to do what they love and to go the extra step. The motto he carries in his life and shares with others is “Do More.” He encourages his audience to always go the extra mile, because it may pay off in the future. His entrepreneurial mind has inspired so many, including me. His ability to make a living doing what he loves is very inspiring and makes me want to do the same!

Stephanie Conway

Stephanie Conway made a career in brand marketing and events once she graduated from University of Los Angeles. Stephanie worked in public relations for awhile until she quit and started her own marketing virtual assistant business. Circumstances happen in everyone’s life that potentially change the trajectory of their life. Same goes for Stephanie. Stephanie moved back to the UK after a death in the family. She realized later that she thrived much more in the United States. She moved back to the states and continued to thrive. Stephanie had created an impressive resume while working on campaigns with the top influencers and celebrities of the world. Stephanie’s business allows her to life the exact lifestyle that she needs in order to continue to thrive and be successful. I find her lifestyle remarkably interesting. I think that her values of something as simple as the sunrise has made her travel the world more than I can fathom. Stephanie is truly inspiring because of her story as well as how enthusiastic she is about her work. Stephanie is a big advocate for people wanting to become entrepreneurs but who may be too afraid to do so, because of the competition within a space. Stephine believes that people can be innovative and succeed in what they are enthusiastic about. I wonder if Stephanie utilizes her travel to meet new people, network, and build relationships with people or if she purely travels for her enjoyment. I feel like her lifestyle puts her in such a unique position to meet all sorts of influencers and celebrities from around the world.

Keto Cracker

A popular diet these days is the Keto diet. The Keto diet is a low carb and high fat diet which limits many tasty options like bread, pasta, and crackers. Crackers are a wonderful food because you can do so much with it like eating it with dips or toppings or by itself as a snack or just getting that satisfying crunch. A young girl named Nyah Kshatriya was made aware of this dilemma of not having tasty Keto friendly crackers and so she set out to create the perfect keto cracker.

Over the summer of her senior year in high school, Nyah decided that she wanted to get a job to Phoenix teen entrepreneur finds success with her 'Keto Cracker'earn some money. Her parents approved but said that she should consider an employment where she could learn skills that could benefit her later in life rather than learning the skills necessary for the minimum wage jobs. During that time, Nyah’s mother was on the Keto diet and challenged her daughter to create something similar to the beloved cracker but still have the healthy low carb Keto element. Nyah opted to create a cracker instead of a minimum wage employment. After many attempts, Nyah produced the perfect cracker. The cracker only consists of three ingredients and unlike the other Keto crackers that are in the market, this cracker does not contain the unknown ingredients. Once she completed the cracker, Nyah wanted to test whether her cracker would be liked among the Keto population. Using Instagram, Nyah sent her cracker to Keto people to taste test. The Keto people loved it and so started Keto Cracker.

See the source image              Although Keto Cracker has been a success, Nyah still has challenges to face. Like many otherSee the source image young business entrepreneurs, many people do not take her seriously because of her age. Also, since her was still in high school during the start of her business, she had the SATs, ACTs, AP exams and applying to colleges to balance with her business. But through it all, Nyah has excellent mentors to guide her with her business.