Meet Josue Velez | Josue Velez aka Man-u-iLL

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

Hi Josue, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have had many jobs, been working since 16. I started at Kentucky Fried chicken. I lasted about a week haha, They said I was rude and they suspected that I was taking money from the registers… From there I did everything from collecting shopping carts and bagging groceries to carpentry, landscaping, painting, hvac & so much more. I never minded hard work, but I didn’t like being told what to do, especially if it was from some asshole boss on a power trip. About 15 years or so years ago me & a couple friends tried starting a business called 5 Star general Graphics, I didn’t know anything about graphics at the time but I knew how to hustle. That didn’t quite work out, so a year or so after I got the idea to start iLL ink. I walked into an already established business looking to make shirts for a show I had coming up. The owner said jokingly or so I thought, “You want to buy this place” I then began plotting on how exactly I could take advantage of the opportunity. I told my boys about it and started talking about a name & what the logo would look like. I explained to my boy, Angelo; “I like the name iLL ink, (since my artist name is Man-u-iLL & the ink represents not only the artistic aspect of it but its like inc., incorporated…) & the logo could be a simple ink splat.” He literally created the logo right then and there in 5 about minutes. I then began a business plan and looked into getting investors. The rest is history, we’ve been in business about 12 years now and we are only getting better and better.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Struggle is Necessary, are the words I have lived by up until recently. Now I feel like struggle is avoidable if I am smart. but sometimes it can’t be avoided & it just has to be dealt with. Got to then use it to make yourself stronger and better. It was far from easy & scary at times. My business and art go hand in hand. I love to create. I rather the music of course but it is fulfilling knowing I did it my way. We all have self doubt & I am currently trying to do away with that self doubt as a whole. My business is my backbone, my music is my heart,.. it runs through the veins, but these last few years I have not been chasing my dream of “making it in the music biz.” Is it too late? NEVER! I am better in so many ways in my older years & still have it in me to turn dreams into reality. The thing is, I don’t think I want it like I used to. I see all these “Artist” out there and they all seem the same. Self promotion is key but how can I stand out when EVERYTHING is so oversaturated. I don’t want to look, sound, promote, beg for attention like so many do these days. Do I really want to be a part of an industry that is so fickle, so controlled, & fake?
So my approach as of lately is to do it at my leisure, when it feels right, I try not to be influenced by the cookie cutter way of making music and trying to put out so many projects back to back hoping to catch a wave. I have not put a project out for years, mainly because life is busy. Being a business owner is hard, being a dad is demanding, being a good husband is challenging, keeping up with friends & family, my mother, father, sisters, nieces and nephews feels almost impossible when I am so wrapped up in my own day to day life. I love it all though and my music reflects my thoughts, feelings, hopes, & I know I am lucky to be so blessed.

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.
I love Danbury CT. I was born and raised here but its not the most exciting place to be at least not for me. I could make a good time in hell though… If I had to keep it the city, I have a ton of favorite spots to eat, We have breweries, bars, clubs, shopping, movies, etc, Theres always different events we could check out, depends the time of year really. NYC is about an hour away, the casinos around 2 hours. So the possibilities are limitless. All in all just spending time with a friend is enough, we’ll make the most out of anywhere we are at.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have came across so many people that have inspired me in life & that have helped me along the way. The main person I would like to thank is my father. He has always believed in & supported me through life despite the fact that I have let him down on a number of occasions. I was a really troublesome teen and he never gave up on me. I would not be where I am today without him. My mother as well of course but as far as the business my father gave me the stepping stones I needed to excel. I also would like to thank my bro Angelo “Pause” for showing me the ropes as far as designing. The idea of starting a graphic company was born from the skills he built throughout the years and later shared with me.
My uncle Angel was also a vital part of this business for lending his expertise & negotiating skills. My late friend Anthony (Spesh) RiP was a big influence on me and my business sense. He helped me gain the confidence I needed to go for it. My boy slash producer for LIFE, Jason (Firzt Born) has always believed in & helped me anyway he could. Lastly but not least my wife Marissa for putting up with me & my struggles. She has always been a source of support & motivation… I could go on and on but these individuals were there from the beginning of this journey and all have played a major part in my success. Thank you to them.

Website: http://www.manuillmusic.com/

Instagram: ManuiLL

Twitter: ManuiLL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManuiLL/?modal=focused_switcher_dialog

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ill-ink-graphic-printing-studio-danbury

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaReaLManUiLL