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

Hi Jesus, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, I fostered a deep aspiration to become a business owner, and my unwavering passion for entrepreneurship has remained constant throughout my life. Even during my middle school years, I would eagerly come home from school and immerse myself in episodes of Shark Tank, igniting my entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, circumstances took an unexpected turn when the modeling industry, came to an abrupt halt. As the world faced widespread lockdowns, I found myself with an abundance of free time at my disposal. It was during this pivotal moment that a groundbreaking idea materialized within me—an innovation that would redefine the way people capture selfies. Freshly graduated from college, the timing felt serendipitous, presenting an ideal juncture to embark on a transformative journey. Thus, the conception of Selfie Band, my brainchild, came to fruition—a testament to my entrepreneurial drive and the belief in the untapped potential of my invention.
 What should our readers know about your business?
The genesis of the Selfie Band stemmed from my inability to find an apparatus that seamlessly integrated the functionalities of a tripod while having the unique ability to stick to glass surfaces. Moreover, I sought an unparalleled level of portability, enabling me to effortlessly carry it without the constraints of pockets or bags. This led me through an exhaustive search both online and numerous brick-and-mortar stores, only to realize a surprising truth: no such product existed. Enlightenment struck me, igniting the profound idea to create this product, the only problem was I was a fashion twink that could barely read. Also, I had absolutely no manufacturing or engineering experience. However, I knew I had stumbled upon a unique opportunity and unlike previous instances where I thought of great ideas, did absolutely nothing and then saw them in stores a few years later. This time it felt different, the circumstances aligned perfectly. Recognizing the need to invest in my entrepreneurial pursuit, I made the bold decision to sell my house, utilizing the proceeds as seed capital to fund the development of the Selfie Band. My foray into the world of entrepreneurship was driven by a conspicuous market gap – the absence of products that possessed the coveted blend of functionality and portability embodied by the Selfie Band. Pioneering the concept of a water bottle tripod, the Selfie Band offered an innovative solution. No longer burdened by carrying a traditional tripod in a bag, users could effortlessly affix the Selfie Band to a water bottle or conveniently wear it on their arm. After two years of arduous work and countless challenges, I ultimately achieved a significant milestone—the intellectual property acquisition of both the Selfie Band trademark and the patents that protect its ingenuity.

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.
-Morning: I’d start the day off strong with an intense workout at Muscle Beach in Sobe. It’s one of my favorite places to workout and definitely worth checking out.
After pumping iron, I’d head to the beach! Spend a few hours swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on the sandy shores of South Beach.
-Afternoon:
Do some retail therapy in Lincoln Road, home to some of my favorite local boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Visit the renowned Art Deco Historic District. Take a guided tour or simply stroll around to appreciate the stunning architecture and learn about the area’s rich history.
-Evening:
I’d end the day with a romantic dinner at the at the iconic Versace Mansion to indulge in some delicious fresh food and snap a few pics for Insta.

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?
I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my favorite sister Patricia for her support and invaluable help in starting Selfie Band. Her guidance and assistance have been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey, and I am incredibly grateful for her contributions. From the very beginning, my sister believed in my vision and encouraged me to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. She has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation, always pushing me to reach higher and strive for success. I owe a significant portion of my business’s early success to her selfless assistance. She has been there to celebrate every milestone and provide comfort during challenging times. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for my sister’s belief in me and her selfless contributions to my entrepreneurial journey. I am truly blessed to have her by my side as a guiding light and an unwavering source of support.

Website: https://selfieband.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfiebands/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusDobbins

Other: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Selfie-Band-Flexible-Bendable-Suction/dp/B0C8F915Z1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KYF18FJ6Z1TZ&keywords=Selfie+Band&qid=1688538125&sprefix=selfie+band+%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1 Tick Tock: https://www.tiktok.com/@selfieband https://youtu.be/PB22zyojoVI https://youtu.be/viHF8-7J3Tw

Image Credits
Courtesy of Selfie Band LLC Courtesy of Carlos Rodriguez Courtesy of Federacion De Disenadores De Latinoamerica Courtesy of Erick Malone

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