Eboné Liggines, better known as her stage name Naye Songz, is an upcoming business owner, recording artist, and author. Naye bounces between multiple roles during the work week, managing her clothing brand Sizzle Szn, film production company, and career as an artist. The creative has been putting in work for some time now, starting her businesses completely by herself. We got the opportunity to sit down and chat with her after the release of Sizzle Szn’s spring and summer line, and while she is working on her new book “How to Maintain the Upgrade”.
Read the interview below:
CaliPost: “What was the process for you to find what you wanted to do?”
Naye Songz: “Definitely a lot of late nights and early mornings. I have always wanted to work in the entertainment industry on many different levels which is pretty much what I am doing now. It really just came down to me figuring out how did I want to start. I know sometimes when we have more than one gift, it is hard to just start. I had to find some willpower within myself to just take a leap of faith and make some things happen. The rest is history from there.”
CaliPost: “What is the most rewarding part of your job?”
Naye Songz: “I think the most rewarding part of my job is being able to inspire someone. Influence is one of the most powerful gifts you can have so it is important that you use it wisely.”
CaliPost: “Tell us more about Sizzle Szn”
Naye Songz: “Sizzle Szn is a lifestyle brand that empowers people to start strong, stay strong, and finish strong no matter where they are on their journey. We believe that every season has the potential to be your winning season, you just got to do the work.”
CaliPost: “What is your greatest success so far?”
Naye Songz: “That is a good question. This might be a weird answer, but I would have to say my greatest success so far is not giving up. I have had so many moments were I just wanted to stop but I just couldn’t find it in me. Some people just stop when the workload gets heavy but not me. I guess I am just built different because when the load gets heavier, for some reason it makes me go harder.”
CaliPost: “What are some of the challenges you faced along the way?”
Naye Songz: “As an entrepreneur, you are probably going to start off wearing majority of the hats in your company. You might have to be the graphic designer, content creator, photographer, and more. Or at least, that was my journey. I always felt like I didn’t have enough support from my family or my wife at the time. Had days and nights were it literally felt like I was running the businesses by myself. I had to recognize that although they had good intentions to help, it just seemed like it was never enough time in the day to help me and still have time to do everything that needed to do for themselves.”
CaliPost: “What is your next big move?”
Naye Songz: “We just launched the Spring and Summer collection for Sizzle Szn, so definitely be sure to check out our website, www.sizzleszn.com. I am so excited to be back in the studio working on some music projects. I have a few singles that we will dropping this year through my partnership with UED Music Group and Sony Orchard. I am also working on a book called “How to Maintain the Upgrade”.”
CaliPost: “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?”
Naye Songz: “I see myself still being a student of life but obtaining success on so many different levels. I see all businesses pulling in hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly, being able to pay off a few college student’s debts, and continuing to inspire people all over the world.”
CaliPost: “What is some advice you would give to a young entrepreneur?”
Naye Songz: “Always remember why you started. When you start a business, most of the time you aren’t going to make thousands of dollars in the beginning. Instead of focusing on the money and scaling the brand, focus on the mission statement of the brand. Build the foundation of the brand so it can withstand anything. If you build your brand from that angle, you are likely to have a better and longer success rate than most.”
CaliPost: “What is one milestone you want to hit before you retire?”
Naye Songz: “I want Sizzle Szn to become a household brand name similar to Nike and Under Armour. I think once we get to that level, then I will be able to switch my role in the company and shift my focus to creating the next thing.”
For more information on Naye Songz and her businesses, refer to the links below:
Listen to Naye Songz here
Follow Naye Songz here
