A Contrepreneur is a title I use for those incarcerated that don’t spend their time sitting around. Instead, they take their rehabilitation and future into their own hands through chasing and accomplishing their entrepreneurial goals.
Whether that’s establishing a hustle within prison, starting and/or maintaining their own business(es), and putting their cash to work through acquiring assets.
Today I want to introduce such a person. Somebody who’s more than what’s seen on paper and is not detoured to carve out an entrepreneurial life and hopeful future for himself by starting a business. Meet Diante Pellum.
PB (PrisonBaes): “How about you let the audience know a little about yourself.”
Lash: “My government is Diante Pellum, the closes people to me call me DP, but I am mostly known as Lash. I’m 22, I been locked up since I was 14, and I’m in the 8th year of my 16.7-year sentence for murder. I would be 28 if I get out on my good time. I’m the CEO and founder of General Purpose Clothing.”
PB: “Why did you decide to start a business while incarcerated? and what inspired you to develop your idea?”
Lash: “I decided to start a business because I was laying in my bunk reflecting on my life. I came to the conclusion that if I built my personal empire then I am the one in control of my own destiny. My success in life is at my own mercy. Morals inspired General Purpose Clothing, the brand stands on integrity, good ethics, and standing on what you believe in. I feel like my brand speaks for those who don’t have a voice.”
PB: “What challenges have you faced or continue to face being a convicted entrepreneur?”
Lash: “The biggest challenge I faced was people believing in the vision. If someone don’t believe something a 100%, they’re not going to push for it with everything they have. Inconsistency was an issue and funding was an issue sometimes.”
PB: “What is your favorite part of being a Contrepreneur?”
Lash: “Knowing that I already beat a lot of odds.”
PB: “What qualities do you think every Contrepreneur should possess?”
Lash: “You got to have resilience and a lot of patience first and foremost or you won’t get past the basics.”
PB: “What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in starting their own business while incarcerated?”
Lash: “Be patient with whoever you’re starting the business with. More times than not we do most of the research and just tell them what to do. They don’t know too much and probably just doing it because they love you and want to see you win. TRUST the person a 100% or don’t put your visions in their hands.”
PB: “Who is your biggest role model?”
Lash: “Honestly, I don’t have no more role models. However, I do take bits and pieces from other Contrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs alike. Such as Jay Z, Meek Mill, Nipsey Hussle, etc. We all come from similar backgrounds, we’re all human and I know if they did it I fasho could. We all share the same 23.8 hours a day and they give the blueprint in their books as well in different books they’ve read and in the music.”
PB: “How do you define success?”
Lash: “Success is accomplishing your end game, being in and living in whatever your comfortable in. Success can come in various forms. Some want to be rich, some famous, and others just want to be comfortable or out of living check to check. Whatever your happy with is success.”
PB: “What routines do you follow each day?”
Lash: “No matter what I do every day, manifest. I might not do no business, nothing, but I manifest all the good things I want for myself, business, and others.”
PB: “How have you grown personally from becoming an Contrepreneur?”
Lash: “I was ignorant to the world before I started learning about business. Especially from inside the 4 walls. Everything makes sense and no sense at all. Naturally, I want to put people in position especially my people now that I have the opportunity to. I’ve grown from being a problem to a problem solver thanks to being a Contrepreneur.”
PB: “What’s the ETA on the launch of your clothing line? and where will customers know to look for it?”
Lash: The first launch will be on 1/3/24!!! You can find the clothes on www.GeneralPurposeClothing.com you can also contact us on IG: @GeneralPurposeClothing__ and on FB: General Purpose Clothing LLC
That concludes my interview with Lash. You can contact Lash directly by downloading the Securus app, setting up an account and using his info – name, number, and facility – listed below to find/message him or send him a written letter:
Diante Pellum #415256
Stafford Creek Corrections Center
191 Constantine Way
Aberdeen, WA, 98527
You can also follow Lash on Instagram: @Lash_Hussle21 and @GeneralPurposeClothing__
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
When you feel you’re at rock bottom it’s crucial to get moving. It doesn’t matter where you’re going, just go, because the only place left to go is up. All that matters is that you take that first step and follow it up with another.
Doing a little bit every day is all it takes. Don’t give up and don’t become defeated before you begin. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or the circumstances you may find yourself in understand it’s not over. It never has to be over.
Find the inner strength and mental fortitude to say yes to your life, goals, and dreams. The biggest second chance and opportunities you can ever have, are that in which you give to yourself.
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