Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilfredo Collazo.
Wilfredo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Geez, this part has so many layers to it. Where do I begin? Honestly, it all started with not really knowing WHERE to begin. I knew what I wanted to achieve but not completely how to even start that process and what resources were available. Social media wasn’t nearly as connected in the ways we are today so finding like minds, someone to talk to creatively, or even seek guidance from was a bit of a task in itself. Top all of that with being a shy, introverted extrovert; I wasn’t going anywhere fast.
Fast forward to the present, I’ve managed to learn so much by having to simply figure it out with LOTS of trial and error. It seemed like the sharing of knowledge was such a taboo topic but being a resource to someone else was important to me. I wanted to be the mentor, I couldn’t seem to find when I started. I believe in the idea of paying it forward. I’ve met so many creatives that are going through the same struggles for resources and knowledge that I went through; Why not be a helping hand if someone is willing to learn? With that in mind, Allswell Club was born. Allswell Club is a creative space, located in Liberty City, focusing on collaboration and positive forward motion. Its still crazy to me that before we even had an actual space to call home, our first collaboration was with a local Miami photographer, Aaron Jackson, to which the project was titled, “The Liberty City Project.” The full circle we’ve created for ourselves is trippy sometimes. With this space, we encourage and welcome creatives by offering our equipment and knowledge to the DIYer and anyone who like us, are just figuring it out.
We’re still growing and building a reputation for ourselves and this space but rest assured, we will be a fixture in the Miami Creative scene soon enough.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth road? Absolutely not, lol, but I think that’s what adds to the passion and makes those particular moments feel so good when they do turn out the way you envisioned. I think the biggest battle we fight is the amount of time in the day. My partner and I work 9-5 jobs to manage everyday life as well as keeping these doors open to be able to create when we need and want to as well as allowing others to accomplish what they need to. At the moment, were on an appointment basis with clients but as things fall more and more into place, the clubhouse is getting busier and developing more foot traffic. Even with social media, the word of mouth is definitely shining for us right now
We had a soft opening recently at the clubhouse and spent the first part of that day rushing around, putting the all the final touches in before people showed up. When we were able to finally take a step back and see what we had created and worked towards, it was surreal. We had worked so hard to build this idea, so hard to transform the space from the craziness that it looked like previously to what it is now. Prior to that, only a few close friends/creatives had seen the space but this time, we were inviting EVERYONE to come by so it meant a lot to us that the space looks inviting, welcoming, and ON POINT.
Any advice that I could give, I would give to anyone honestly, no matter what they identify with. If you have a vision, do it because you believe in it, love it, and are passionate about it. It shows in the work that you produce and put out into the world. It took me a long time to believe in what I was creating, second guessing myself constantly. Trust your gut! If it feels right to you, wholeheartedly, do it. Even with that being said, don’t disregard the advice or constructive criticism from the folks close to you. If they are real ones, they want you to succeed and are giving a different perspective that you may not be seeing. It’s funny, my Leo pride and passion forget that sometimes but fortunately, I have some really great folks on my side to reel me back in (shoutout Dylan/@dylan.shelton and Natalie/@le_poodle). For that, I can only be appreciative. There’s so much “me, myself, and I being thrown around in the scene right now, but know, it can’t be done alone. You may be able to start alone but if you succeed and grow, you will always need a team to continue that growth.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Well, I feel like I wear many hats, so to speak, but I’m a design consultant specializing in branding and apparel. I THINK, lol, most people know me for my personal brand, Cortez MFG and of course, my contribution to Allswell Club. Being a resource or a liaison to a resource is something I take a lot of pride in. It got back to me at one point that, Aaron (Jackson), had forwarded my name to another creative in need, deeming me, “resourceful” and that made me happy in a huge way. Nothing to hoot and holler over but made me feel good. It made me feel like I was positioning myself in the way that I would like to be seen: Positive, helpful, and resourceful. I didn’t think of myself as that just yet. I knew I WANTED to be that but I dunno, certain accolades have to be given to you because you’ve proven that of yourself.
I think what sets me apart from others is a genuine passion and desire to bring people together, enjoying life and creativity collectively. We have such an awesome scene here in Miami. I’ve been here in South Florida since 2005 and it’s not until now that folks are starting to work together to make this place what we’ve ALL envisioned as possible and give this scene the notoriety its capable of commanding. When we were just kids in school, no one liked to eat by themselves. So, now, as adults, why would that change? If we can all eat together, make money, thrive, and grow together; why would you think from a “me, myself, and I” mentality? Share information, share resources, pay it forward, and help the people around you thrive as you were able to, is the foundation I choose to build from. I feel like we’re all looking toward the same bigger picture: Building our paradise, brick by brick.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Mmmm, good question. Not necessarily apps or podcasts and my attention doesn’t do well with books right now. I think taking the wisdom that has been passed on to me by different OG’s, my parents, or other successful people and putting those things into play has helped me do my best. The questions, “What legacy do you want to leave?” “How do you want people to know you after you are gone?” has stuck with me for a long time. When I was younger, my pops would always hit me with, “Just do the right thing.” It took a long time for me to really wrap my head around that because of being young and immature, feeling like I knew everything already. Obviously, I knew right from wrong to keep myself out of trouble but I always took that statement with a deeper meaning that I couldn’t comprehend yet. Now, that I’ve grown mentally and personally, I feel like its an easy concept to grasp. Being a good person just isn’t a hard task honestly. Do right by the people around you whether it be a stranger, friend or family. Bring positivity and warm energy to the table and that will be what people will know you for among many other talents you may have.
I thrive off of the energy of other creatives and their passions. That is a genuine resource that helps me do my best work and gets my blood pumping to create.
Contact Info:
- Address: Allswell Club
4705 Nw 17th Ave
Miami, FL - Website: cortezmfg.com / allswellclub.co
- Email: info@cortezmfg.com / info@allswellclub.co
- Instagram: @cortez_mfg / @allswell_club
Image Credit:
Natalie Foucauld @le_poodle, William Beauplant @williambeauplant, Dylan Shelton @dylan.shelton
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