We now take a break from our regularly scheduled programming for some product placement.
Typically, the only energy drinks I consume are coffee and Hennessy. However, I gave XS Energy Drink after entrepreneur Sean Felder (pictured above) hooked me up with a can. Not bad. XS gave me a lil’ boost; if I’d drank it before Mayweather/Pacquiao, I might’ve stayed awake throughout that snoozer of a fight.
Felder is pushing his product hard and XS has gone from a mere energy drink to a budding movement under his watch. He’s got lovely models endorsing his brand (because everyone listens to hot chicks), up-and-coming rappers freestyling about his energy drink and he sponsors events under the XS banner, among other creative means of promotion.
I’m all for entrepreneurship as long as its something legal and positive, so I presented Mr. Felder with the 10 questions below.
What inspired you to start XS? Why make an energy drink?
My buddy Aaron Brown took me to an Amway seminar and we wanted to be black entrepreneurs. Some black Amway dude was showing off a XS sample so we decided to become entrepreneurs.
What separates XS from the competition & sets it apart from other energy drinks?
XS has zero sugar, zero carbohydrates. This product doesn’t pose a threat to urban communities health-wise like Red Bull and Monster.
Did you have any experience with energy drinks or beverages before starting XS?
Not really. Heard of Red Bull. Once I was former IBO (Independent Business Owner) of Amway promoting XS Energy Drinks, I did my research.
Why did you split from Amway?
I split from Amway because management ran slave labor; hostile environment. I was part of class action lawsuit because Amway was exposed doing illegal pyramid scams, not paying IBO’s proper money, cheating them out of compensation money. I got back a $1,000 settlement last year. Go to YouTube and see “Arlene Brown Presents Entrepreneur Sean Felder.” I called out Amway, talked about why IBO’s like me were discriminated (against), rights were violated.
What are some of the trials & tribulations you’ve gone through since starting your company?
Being second guessed when promoting XS at industry talent shows, proving to newspapers and magazines that XS should be advertised to the public. I put in my money paying 20 magazines, models and internet radio… TV shows to help give me exposure. When I won an Explosive Grind Award this past January 24th at Club Pyramid from Elegant Hoodness, it silenced my critics and haters. The respect as entrepreneur was there.
What has running your own business taught you? What lessons have you learned?
Read 32 Ways To Become Champion by Magic Johnson, Fortune, Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur, Money, Success. These magazines gives me advice how to succeed, stay focused. For 5 years I see major progress. Also learned to be persistence, patient and have a plan. Success doesn’t happen overnight. (It taught me to) experience failure, have a thick skin. You be criticized, talked about and not everyone will support your brand. Enjoy what you do, have a passion. Keep the negative haters away from you if they don’t support what you do.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve heard?
The best piece of advice I heard is doing what I enjoy, period. Only you can stop yourself.
What are some of the projects you’ve got in the works with XS? What should we be looking out for?
Hopefully soon, franchises like Quix Trip, Travel Guide Stores, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar will be looking to invest in XS Energy Drinks. Black Colleges like Howard, FAMU, Spellman College putting XS in vending machines for students to drink the product to increase their stamina. I’ll be on front cover of 4 magazines; can’t tell you who. More events with Non Stop Entertainment as vendor, sponsor promoting XS Energy Drinks.
Where can people get more info on XS and buy your product?
Folks can go my website Amp Up Your LifeStyle or call 1-800-235-6500 to order cases of XS Energy Drinks. Just mention Sean Felder distributor and 12 comes in a case.
Final thoughts & parting words for our viewers?
Amway can kiss my ass… don’t let no one stop you from achieving your dreams, vision and plans. I’m a example, even the NAACP supports me and my network. Shout out to my fans worldwide, Non Stop Entertainment, LiveLink Entertainment, Elegant Hoodness, Rock Out Celebrities and Unsyned Heatt DVD for supporting the XS Movement.