By Hakeemah Jihad

HJ: What is IT’S ON U and why did you choose this for the name of your sportswear?

 MJ: “We are a logo driven authentic signature statement, ‘IT’S ON U.” We are the new era of entrepreneurs that produce products that are driven by a positive message. Our subliminal message is "Everything you do is on you", a cliché people use everyday. You put it on, then it's on, it's now ON U. We believe that the message can cause a ripple effect of dreams realized, goals achieved, and families centered in faith and positivity. ON U is your armor of responsibility, commitment, and unity."

 HJ: What is the inspiration behind the sports line?

 MJ: We want to encourage everyone, regardless of gender, age, social status, or affiliation, to embrace responsibility for your dreams, goals, family, and community.  Our God, our faith, and our family, is the inspiration behind our signature brand and our team. We are about more than just financial profits, we are about the spirit of mankind, and we hold steadfast to the ideas set forth in the Holy Bible, Romans 2:6, choose this day whom you will serve and when you stand before God, he will say it was on you. Financial gains are also core to our survival in this $300 billion dollar industry, the bills have to be paid, so you can say that the bills are an inspiration also.

  HJ: Describe your fashions and what makes them unique and different from other sports lines?

 MJ: "IT’S ON U" is being original, different, a team player, a soloist, outspoken, or shy. Remember the choices you make, everything you do is On U! We are about a universal concept for the new millennium and accepting responsibility for our dreams and actions. People embrace the meaning behind our message and feel good about wearing IT’S ON U merchandise! I quote UpScale Magazine when I say "TODAY'S FASHION IS ON U!"

 HJ: IT’S ON U is now worldwide. In what countries are the product sold?

 MJ: "Hallelujah! We are certainly blessed! We have a strong team of Account Executives that are fearless and hungry and receive great support from our investors! I have a vision that deliberately focuses on challenging fresh new ideas and expansion opportunities resulting in our sales tentacles reaching throughout Germany, Indonesia, & Africa.

  HJ: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are trying to break into the sports fashion industry?

 MJ: They must be serious, have faith, and fierce salesmanship. They must also be able to take rejection and criticism without taking it personal. Don't be afraid to fail...lessons learned are the keys...then press on."

START EARLY: Develop integrity in character early. The younger you start, the better chance you have to take a stronger position in the marketplace. Build strategic relationships before starting a growing family and adding other responsibilities.  Don't wait until you have kids, cars, mortgage payments, insurance payments, property taxes, etc. It would be extremely tough to lose it all in the process of building your vision.

COST OF YOUR DREAM: There is a price to pay! Do your homework, be willing to write a plan, save money, do the research, and crunch the numbers.  We've learned that without the cost factors and plan, even some of the best ideas don't make it to the cash register, because we don't know if we are making money or losing the game.

TRENDSETTER: Provide an idea, product, or service that sets the standard that gives the consumer a perceived benefit. Do a FOCUS GROUP to see if you are headed in a good direction. We constantly use Focus Groups to help us evolve to a new level. THINK BEYOND U!

MENTOR/COACH/CHEERLEADER/COUNSELOR: Find yourself 4 people that can be in your immediate circle. Find a Mentor in your industry that has achieved great wisdom & success, a Coach to teach and help you to execute your game plan in the basic fundamentals of your business, a  Cheerleader who will lift you up during the dry seasons of despair, and a person of sound Faith as you.

 HJ: Where can our readers or buyers contact you to purchase or sell IT’S ON U sportswear?

 MJ: Readers & buyers can go to www.onu2000.webs.com to purchase or sell our merchandise, or support any of our sports-education outreach initiatives. They can visit our showroom @ 201 W. 144TH ST, RIVERDALE, IL 60827, contact me at 708-969-1794 or on FB @ Mike On U Jennings. Make an appointment and we will come to you also.

It's all about responsibility commitment and unity, because everything that you do is ON U! Thank you for a great opportunity to share the authentic signature message of on u and my journey through such wonderfully insightful questions. This interview has also been inspiring, because every conversation teaches us more about ourselves and/or others. Peace & Blessings!