Meet Eddie Gunter | Entrepreneur & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eddie Gunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eddie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I don’t think outsiders are aware of how lucrative the music industry is as long as you think outside the box.

I used to think the only way to make money in music was through the whole record label/artist route or being a music teacher if things didn’t work out.

But there’s so many different avenues and lanes said you can take in this industry that is beyond the usual scope.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well, you can say that I’m a jack of all trades however, when it comes to my business, it’s particularly in the industry of education in the arts and sports field.

My business is called Eddiefied Music LLC, and we offer afterschool programs that teach music and sports.

We also contract teachers that teach specials, such as Art, Music and PE for schools in the surrounding area.

I must say that the journey to get where I am today wasn’t easy or smooth, but it was definitely worth it!

I started my LLC in 2018 and primarily it was so that I could use it for my music career as an artist.

However, when the pandemic of 2020 happened, it forced me to shift and open my eyes to another opportunity than just my personal music career.

When us teachers started teaching back in the classrooms, I noticed that my school did not have afterschool clubs like they did before the pandemic. So I reached out to my principal and asked her if she would give my business a chance by contracting a PE teacher, and also establish some afterschool clubs.

I would be lying to you if I said that I even knew what I was doing…especially when it came to writing a business proposal, but with the help of YouTube and Dr. Sharpe’s guidance, I was able to get it done!

Nevertheless, I’ve always been that guy who knows somebody that knows somebody, so me getting the right talent of people to teach my clubs wasn’t too hard.

The challenging thing that I’m getting a hand of is creating systems so that it will flow like a well oiled machine without me doing too much “heavy lifting”.

The lessons I learned in this journey is to ask a lot of questions and fall quick, because failure is inevitable; But if you get up quick, you can bounce back and be successful.

I’m a very passionate and unique person, so I want everything that represents me to have that vibe and feeling about me!

If you ask anyone associated with me, they’d tell you that I’m always saying that I’m about my Father‘s (God) business. I live by the scripture that says, “to much is given much is required”(Luke 12:48), and I just want to shine as bright as possible so that others will glorify God who is the giver of all talents and gifts.

I want people to know from my story, that if you keep your integrity and are true to yourself, God will open doors that will exceed what you even asked or wanted!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, if we’re going to go to food spots, I definitely got to take them to the Philly Cheesesteak Sub spot in the corner of Miramar Pkwy and 441.

Then I would take them to Lorna’s Restaurant across the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday night for live music and amazing Caribbean food.

After that, the next stop would be dolphin, mall to get some great deals and then go to eat at the various restaurants that they have there, which includes the theaters, bowling and Dave & Buster’s that’s already onsite.

Then we would have to visit the hard rock hotel, and what happens there stays there!👀 lol

The pool hall at red rooster in overtown would be the next stop to Afrobeat mixes from the DJ.

We then can drive down to check out the Brickell area.

Of course, coming to South Florida is not complete. If you don’t go to the beaches or rent a yacht, so however the budget is at that time we can do one or the other or both lol.

To be honest, there’s so much spots like The Rooftop @WLO, and Wynwood for example that a wee might not be suffice.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, there are so many people that have impacted and inspired me to be where I am, but if I had to choose one person it would be my late mother Yvonne Gunter.

She always knew and told me that working a 9-5 wasn’t my thing. She would say that I’m too much of a free spirit, and me clocking into someone’s job will always eventually make me feel frustrated and clustered.

If I could name a few honorable mentions it would be my father Neville Gunter; my 11th Grade Psychology Teacher Mrs. Cole, my PenTab & Gospel Light church family, Dr Sharpe from PenTab Academy (who gave me the opportunity for me to get my first contract with a school to offer afterschool programs.) and me working at a business to business sales company that made me the type of go getter I am today.

Website: www.eddiegunter.com

Instagram: @eddiefied_music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddie.gunter.39?mibextid=uzlsIk

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@eddiegunter1453?si=yfDaxzmqL8-c0nZb

Image Credits
Jevaughn Smith