March 15, 2025

My initial idea for EnvyInk began in 2008 when I was a graphic designer. At the time, I was married and barely making ends meet with my salary. Despite these challenges, I had a deep passion for T-shirt art, which was the original business model I envisioned. I spent months brainstorming and trying to come up with an impactful name. Eventually, inspiration struck: EnvyInk. The name came to me while watching the 1995 movie “Seven,” featuring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. I took “Envy” from the seven deadly sins and combined it with “Ink,” referring to printing ink. I was confident that people would buy and envy my T-shirts—hence the name.

I purchased the domain and started researching the T-shirt business, but I soon realized how challenging it was to gain popularity in that industry. At the time, brands like “Affliction” were extremely popular, which made it difficult for a newcomer like me. Consequently, I abandoned that business model, and EnvyInk remained dormant until February 2021.

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March 4, 2025

Hi Charles, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. Hi, Voyage Houston Magazine and readers! I’d like to share my story about how I started in the creative industry and got to where I am today. I graduated from the Art Institute of Houston in 2000. Shortly after that, I began working in the oil and gas sector, where I compiled contracts for oil and gas listings that sold mineral rights. After that, I transitioned to a billboard company in Houston. I briefly ventured to Irvine, California, where I worked as an Art Director for an automotive group.

Over the years, I’ve held several roles, but today, I don’t have just one job; I have a few. I continue to work at Medlock Performance Livestock on a ranch and am the Social Media Manager for Samuel Yates Productions, Inc. In this role, I manage the social media for our client, The Search185 Podcast, which highlights the profound impact of faith in reconnecting listeners with God and Jesus, inspiring everyone to embrace life with courage and unwavering confidence.

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January 7, 2025

Charles, we appreciate you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Facing mental health challenges is a grievous personal journey of mine. For the better part of my life, I have struggled with mental health issues. It has often made me feel fraught with the obstacles and uncertainties I face. My ability to navigate this path with resilience demonstrates the strength of the human spirit. My story of resilience may offer hope and guidance for others facing similar challenges. That said, every mental health journey is unique, involving a complex interplay of emotions, experiences, and coping mechanisms. While the challenges can feel overwhelming, my story of how I have persevered offers a powerful reminder that healing and growth are possible. I thank God every day I’m here. The reason is that I shouldn’t be here today writing about anything, but I had a moment this year when a Guardian Angel came and saved me. I didn’t know her, but she saw I was struggling on the third-floor patio of my apartment, called for assistance from authorities, and intervened.

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December 12, 2024

Charles, thanks for joining us. We're excited to have you contribute your stories and insights. One of the most challenging things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems—issues you often can’t read about in advance, prepare for, etc. Have you had such an experience? If so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Today’s unexpected problem is a Trademark issue with my corporation name. An individual attempts to appropriate my corporation name, EnvyInk, Inc., through a Pending Trademark with the [USPTO]. I’m consulting with a legal firm to understand my options for resolving this matter. That said, I am appalled by how morally wrong individuals are, as I created the name in 2008 and incorporated EnvyInk, Inc. in April 2021. The feeling I have because of this scenario is unreal. I want the ambush on my corporation to stop so I can continue to earn a living with the corporation EnvyInk, Inc., which I labored diligently to create.

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October 2, 2024

Charles, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

My initial idea for EnvyInk started in 2008. I was a Graphic Designer, married, barely making ends with my salary. That said, I immensely enjoyed T-shirt art, which was the original business model. I painstakingly thought about a name for months, trying to develop something impactful. Then it came to me, EnvyInk, which originated from watching the 1995 movie “Seven” with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. I took “Envy” from the seven deadly sins and Ink for print ink. I was confident that people would buy and envy my T-shirts. Get it? I purchased the domain and started researching the business. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that the T-shirt industry is challenging to be popular. “Affliction” was a hot item at that time, along with a few others. 

Therefore, I completely abandoned the business model, and “EnvyInk” sat dormant until February 2021. In January 2021, I worked as an Art Director/Account Executive for a company out in California called “Car Media Group.” We were bombarded with creative for dealerships all across the USA. My close friend and boss, Haoie Luc, came to me and said we should capitalize on creative for Automobile Dealerships on demand. We quickly developed a business model to sell creative subscriptions, and as of April 26, 2021, EnvyInk, Inc. was born and filed with the state of Texas and the IRS. We quickly capitalized on the dealerships seeking quick, 24-7 turnaround time on their promotions to sell vehicles. 

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