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

Hi Joseph, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking is an important part of life for a fella like me Without some type of risk there is no kind of rewards, In owning your own business there are many risks that you need to account for such as a financial risk, day to day operations and creative challenges. There are so many challenges that you will face owning your own business, but you have to take risks in order to succeed not only business but life in general. How you face risk is vital to your life and owning a business it shows your leadership skills, maturity and personal and professional values. It will Definity take a check and balance approach to manage the risk that you take in owning/running a business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of and excited about our Space Kadetz thrifting journey. From start to finish by taking vintage clothes and bringing them back to life and repurposing them into new fashion. I like to take the old and make it new again, when I pick up a vintage item, I see all the possibilities of what it could be.

It has not been an easy journey to get to where I am at today, there has been many sleepless nights, bumps in the road and obstacles to say the least. I believe every obstacle was set in my path to make me better and push me to get to where I am at now. I overcame these setbacks by always keeping a positive mind set and remembering the bigger picture. I have also had a great support system behind me reminding me why I do this when times get tough.

There are so many lessons that I have learned along the way. This is a business of trial and error. When I first started, I would pick up just about anything that was considered vintage, I ended up with a lot of dead stock items that were not moving for me. You have to take the good with the bad, learn and grow from your past mistakes to make sure you are running a successful and profitable business.

It all started from a childhood dream. As a child the possibilities of our imaginations are endless. You dream and believe that all things are possible. Some of us wanted to be power rangers, a professional athlete, or maybe even a wizard, if we believed it then we could achieve it. I was one of those kids who dared to dream, and still dreams today!!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When in Denver it’s a must to eat at Chubby’s on Abilene from their friendly staff and food so delicious it will leave you wanting more. I would definitely recommend the Carne Asada fries with an ice-cold strawberry soda. If it is basketball or football season you should check out a game the atmosphere is one that will take you to your competitive spirit. Let’s go Bronco’s and Nuggets. Take the time out to visit Chattfield park and reservoir have a BBQ and soak the rays of sun. You really can’t go wrong with anything you find to do in Denver the people are friendly, helpful and full of life.

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’d like to give a huge thank you to all that have uplifted me in this journey, without those that have encouraged me I may not be who I am today. To all those that have supported me, challenged me, and pushed me to continue even when I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel, I appreciate and cherish. Most of all, My children Mikkylah, TreJhon, Isaiah, Destiny, Lanayah & Adonis. And last but definitely not least the love of my life, my homie, my lover, my friend, my EVERYTHING Krissy.

Website: https://spacekadetz.com

Instagram: don_mikkelle & spacekadetz_thrifting

Facebook: Don Mikkelle

Youtube: Space Kadetz

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