We had the good fortune of connecting with James (Ameen) Dixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James (Ameen), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was working in retail for about 12 years, but the most constant thing in my life was always art. Eventually, the passions kind of took over, and the regular job didn’t seem as appealing. If I can make money by just throwing my time and energy into myself, my work/life is through the roof! The idea of owning some thing, being my own boss, that was the most appealing thing about starting my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m one of those guys I can draw anytime of the day, or all through the night. It was an easy to get to the point I’m at, there’s been a lot of self educating. You need to be disciplined, especially in those earlier years of college when your friends are going out drinking and partying, you still need to have an outlet, and who knows? Maybe that outlet can feed you one day!

Aside from just being an artist, I’m a single business owner of a skating brand, and I work with two different associates that have the same passion and clothing. That’s the challenging part for this year, creating passive income outside of drawing for clients. Goldie Crew was started in 2016, but officially recognized as an LLC in Washington state in 2021. After solidifying my business, and laying my ducks in a row, I quit my job in February 2022 to pursue my lifelong passion. So although this is relatively new, I’ve been a freelance artist for the last 12 years , and I’m an extremely hard working and confident individual. It’s hard to tell me I can’t do something, without me not wanting to prove you wrong!

The only advice I can give somebody that is a specific to my field, stop letting your friends dictate your actions and your passions. You’ll never be happy if you don’t follow your own lead, trust your gut, and make the decisions that will put you in a better position tomorrow, next month, or even next year. Do the ugly work, party hard, enjoy what you do. That’s how you stay happy in the long run!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not sure if my best friend can tolerate me for more than a week, but if I had to guess, I think they would be tequila involved, maybe some sun, and definitely a lot of food! Me and my best friend used to walk Around downtown Kirkland back in 2010, and we still do it today with the bottle of wine. Maybe a week in Miami so I can play wingman for her!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Always going to give MAD LOVE to my best friend Nitika (Tika) Ahmed! She’s a ray of light on the cloudiest of days, and she’s always keeping me upbeat and hungry for my own success, but also rooting for hers!

Website: GoldieCrew.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/anime_ameen

Other: TikTok.com/anime_ameen

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.