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.

Read the full article here.

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.

Read the full article here.

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. 

Read the full article here.