In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with April Showers to delve into the intricate world of licensing and brand partnerships. We discuss the business dynamics of the $98 billion licensing industry and how Kanye West leveraged his Yeezy brand to become a billionaire through a partnership with Adidas.
April shares the remarkable journey of Afro Unicorn, including its successful partnership with Walmart and the decision to turn down an animated TV show deal with Nickelodeon to retain IP control. Discover how Afro Unicorn generated $15 million last year and why April Showers stands as the only Black woman with a fully licensed character brand.
Key insights include the advantages of a licensing business model, the significant financial impact Kanye West faced by relinquishing creative control of Yeezy, and the necessity of building every business with the intent to sell. April also reveals her experience suing a company for brand likeness infringement, the essential systems for creating a sellable business, and the inspiration behind Afro Unicorn, motivated by the legacy of Nipsey Hussle.
Join us as we explore the profound statement, "It’s never a lack of talent, but a lack of information," and why you should "never worry about the how."
