P R O F I L E grandmother) was the “soul”, Tina (Beyoncé’s mother/stylist) was the “couture” and Beyoncé was the “kick” of the brand. I headed up all marketing efforts. We were able to sell the brand for a sizeable profit.” Mathew’s empire’s also expanded into real estate with Music World Properties, which includes investment holdings from high rises to luxury homes across the US, and Skybar, Houston’s largest night club. “Well, I can tell you the Skybar investment turned out to be a mistake, and we just recently sold the entire city block I owned in mid-town to BMW.” ALL IN THE DNA... Throughout his career, Mathew’s encountered individuals who have motivated, encouraged and contributed to his success, inspiring his modern blueprint for success in any industry, as detailed in his best-selling book The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals, in which he explores the challenges of creating a global brand for one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. Focusing on common characteristics among successful people from all walks of life, it features illustrative true-life experiences and numerous essays by luminaries in every area of entrepreneurship, music, entertainment, sports and philanthropy. “I began to see common characteristics in some professional associates, as well as in myself. As an educator, I saw it as an opportunity to write my first book and share what I had observed from many successful professionals.” “First and foremost, it advises you to live your passion, in coexistence with work ethics. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Failure is an opportunity to grow, not a reason to quit. Always think outside the box with a great team. You are the visionary!” MAXING EVERY OPP & BUSINESS BOOT CAMPS Mathew says the first challenge of running your own business, regardless of the industry, is identifying and understanding the needs of your customers. “Exceed their expectations and give them a superior product.” Another challenge is putting together the right team. “I’m somewhat ‘hands-on’ with my businesses. I’ve learned the importance of developing my staff’s skill set.” The music biz innovator advises maximising every opportunity. “Keep overheads low; that’s money that could be going into your pocket. Life doesn’t give us the opportunity to change what has happened… we can only be positive, learning from our mistakes and moving forward. Let your business be one that you are passionate
about. When you live your passion, you never work a day in your life!” Mathew speaks at conferences worldwide and holds a professorship at Texas Southern University, where he has taught Entertainment, Recording and Management courses for nine years. “I’m inspired by my students. When I see their potential to impact the world, I’m motivated to be an even better teacher.” His hot new online enterprise, The Knowles Institute for Entrepreneurship, Entertainment & Music Business, will teach essential skills on everything from marketing and communications to e-commerce management and kickstarting a business with crowdsourcing. “It’s an e-learning platform which will have 900-plus courses,” he explains. “More to come!” BUSINESS GROWTH & TRAVELS “Early on in my career, I grew too fast, causing logistical, cashflow and growth problems and losing focus on my core business. Now, however, I’m in the business of downsizing as I’m 66.”
a reality show.” Since the show will be from Bunim/Murray Productions, the Emmy award-winning production company behind Keeping Up With The Kardashians, the Blushhh girls look set for sensational international stardom! How will the music industry evolve? “The digital evolution’s impacted the way we purchase and experience music. The industry evolution, in my opinion, means we will SEE music rather than just hear it. Video will change the way we experience music in the future.” STILL TO COME… Mathew has starred in TV reality shows including MTV International’s Breaking From Above, while his movie credits include executive producing the No.1 box office hit, Obsessed and there are plenty more projects in the pipeline for this legendary superstar-maker and prolific philanthropist. “More teaching, public speaking, TV and film projects... Destiny’s Child projects…”
So, he’s kicking back a little, but up until recently, 50% of his travels were international. The challenges to running a global business? “Travel and time zones for telephone calls. When I travel domestic or international, I take only a carry-on bag. It’s important to have airline club memberships, TSA and Global access, to get through security check lines. I always travel with my wife now, which makes it more fun, except when she is shopping!”
“Dreams and passions are synonymous to me. Never give up!”
How does he keep fit and healthy? “Age doesn’t matter to me. I ride an exercise bike 4-5 times a week, eat lots of fish, fruit and veggies, and have reduced meat consumption. I try to reduce stress as much as possible.”
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CHILLIN’ IN CABO… When it’s time to switch off from A&R for welldeserved R&R, the music magnate heads for his vacation home in Cabo, where he owns a timeshare. “We love the weather, the people and the food! I’ve owned a timeshare for years but my wife and I love staying at Las Ventana’s and recently shared our four-year anniversary there. I also love Italy, Greece and Barbados. It’s very hard for me to switch off unless I go somewhere where my ‘phone doesn’t work, though!” MUSICAL MUSINGS… BLUSHHH! The next big thing in music? “Blushhh Music, the first-ever rap female trio with two rappers and a vocalist.” The latest girl group to sizzle off Music World Entertainment’s hotplate is doing well. “We hope, in the next month, to make a major announcement regarding them in
Where does he see himself, and his businesses, in five years’ time? “At the top!”
MATHEW’S TOP TIPS FOR READERS LOOKING TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY:
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First and foremost, it has to be your passion. Focus on one area of the business or artistry and become great at that. Then you can branch out. Build a team. Practice, practice, practice. Realize this is not microwave success. It takes a minimum 5-6 years to get traction. Dreams and passions are synonymous to me. Be prepared for mistakes, failures and rejection, but never give up. Follow me on social media!
For further information about Mathew’s book, The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals, visit his website at http://mathewknowles.com, where you can also find a free article about his Walmart Strategic Partnership. Follow Mathew on Twitter: @MathewKnowles.
67 Upscale Living Magazine |
DECEMBER 2017 www.upscalelivingmag.com