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

Hi Omar, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Becoming an entrepreneur was a path that was always destined for me; it was just a matter of finding my interests and pursuing them. It initially happened spur of the moment due to an unfortunate event; starting my business was unplanned. One of my friends, J Whit, who happens to be a musical artist, was looking for coverage on his debut mixtape set to drop, and it was my job to make that happen. In 2015, an up-and-coming blog in Denver that I will not name focused on music and fashion, and at the time, they were looking for new material and content for the site and people to help contribute to it. I asked if we could get my friend’s music covered and got a response from someone telling me they did not have any journalists yet and that if we wanted a post, I would have to be the author. After taking the challenge, I was named editor-in-chief of the site and held that position for up to two years. One day, I went to log in and realized I had been removed from the site, and all my posts were taken down without explanation. I was distraught, but the passion I gained for journalism was still there. After a few months of accepting what happened, I remember telling myself I didn’t ever want to feel pain like this again. I was back to the drawing board, and that’s how Dope At Its Finest came into play because I wanted something nobody could take away from me: my own. 

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Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a distinctive style and confidence about myself; I always liked the stuff everyone else didn’t, and I have never been afraid to be myself and explore my interests, which always made me stand out. I do not have children yet, but thanks to my nephew Izyaah, I have been an uncle since I was 12; I am 27 now, so being a role model for my nephews and niece is something I pride myself on. Becoming an entrepreneur and a journalist was a path that was always destined for me; it was just a matter of finding my interest and pursuing it. In elementary and middle school, I used to sell mixtapes, movies, and even candy to my classmates. In middle and high school, I had a computer teacher named Ms. Morten, and she always saw my ability with technology long before I did, so she pushed me to learn as much as possible. She taught me how to design graphic design, design clothing, build websites, code, and much more. As I mentioned before, after graduating, I started journalism after writing for a publication that used me strictly for my following. Right then, I promised myself that I wouldn’t depend on anyone else for my success but myself, and that’s how Dope At Its Finest and Dream World Studios came about. Over the past few years, I have penned articles for hundreds of musicians, artists, and creatives worldwide. Since last year, I have worked closely with Universal Music Group and their PR team, interviewing and covering artists releasing new music. Within this past year alone, I have interviewed Leon Thomas, Big Boss Vette, Skilla Baby, and many more. I have also written pieces exclusively for Universal Music Group, Def Jam Records, Capitol Records, Interscope Records, and more. Getting to this position was challenging, but seeing my writing published in multiple magazines or people wearing clothing I designed makes each step of the process worth it. 

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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?

Colorado is truly a remarkable place, and as a local, I have had the privilege of enjoying its stunning mountains, water bodies, and breathtaking views. If you want a unique experience, I highly recommend Meow Wolf, an interactive art museum featuring countless paintings, murals, sculptures, musical instruments, and more. You can pose with these exhibits to create memorable photos that stand out. When it comes to dining, Dave’s Hot Chicken is my go-to spot. Their Nashville hot-style chicken is trendy for a good reason. Downtown is a must-visit spot as it has something for everyone, from dancing to catching live sports events or enjoying bowling, shopping, and various eateries. If you’re interested in trying something new, you should visit one of the many dispensaries, as weed is legal in Colorado. I recommend 4Play, a black-owned restaurant, bar, and lounge in Denver owned by Kevin Kain and Squizzy Taylor. Squizzy is the official DJ for the Denver Broncos, making 4Play stand out. I encourage you to check it out.

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Man, that’s a great question. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by my surroundings, which consisted of a hardworking family. My father and mother owned a business when I was younger, and my uncle and aunt owned a restaurant. Rob Tz, my big brother who happens to be a professional musician, was always a big inspiration for me because he was always open-minded about following his dreams. Therefore, becoming an entrepreneur was a path that was always destined for me; it was just a matter of finding my interest and pursuing it. In elementary and middle school, I used to sell mixtapes, movies, and even candy to my classmates. My friend Dae-Jha and I used to blog a lot back in middle school about music, clothing, and video games, so journalism was something I naturally had a talent for; I didn’t know it at the time. Many of my teachers in school throughout my life have played a significant role in my following my dreams. That list includes William Anderson, Katie Morten, Rachel Jacobs, Janet Damon, CJ Smith, Brian Clayson, and many more! Two people who always encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone were my good friends, Tiana Cunningham and Alex Johnson; they always told me that reaching the mountaintop was possible as long as I was willing to work for it. James Baker, my in-house photographer, better known as BJ or Skuba The Shoota, and Jalen Belaire, who also did lots of work for me. I have many friends and family I could name, but I want to thank and shout out to my village of people who hold it down for me, personally and business. Lastly, I want to thank my mentor, Lizzie Brodie, who has taken me under her wing and provided countless advice and opportunities since I met her. 

Website: https://www.DopeAtItsFinest.com

Instagram: https;//www.Instagram.com/ImJustOmar

Linkedin: https://www.Linkedin.com/In/ImJustOmar/

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/ImJustOmar

Facebook: https://www.FaceBook.com/OmarSekouMitchell

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZfRZGBP824xscuEf1nw8bQ

Other: https://www.LizzieBrodie.com
https:/www. https://ampl.ink/DreamWorldRadio

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Image Credits
James Baker (Skuba Vision)
Jalen Belaire

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