2020 has filled more than its fair share of pages on history books. Apart from the horrible COVID-19 health crisis, the year is marked by many celebrations and beginnings. Among these historic starts is the launch of brilliant entrepreneur Akil “A.K.” Kurji’s print company “Swagify.com.”
Established just this year, Swagify.com has grown to impressive heights with its virtual towers brushing past the entrepreneurial Cloud Nine. Already a celebrity favorite, the on-demand print company is Akil “A.K.” Kurji’s much-awaited return to the business world.
As a child, A.K. had already possessed the talent and passion for making any venture succeed. His interest in planting seeds of the money tree and impacting the outside world led him to develop customized silicone wristbands in his garage. The young entrepreneur operated under his company PMGOA and launched his business with only a single laser engraver and some blank wristbands.
To say that the project was a success would be an understatement. With business taking off, Akil “A.K.” Kurji became the face of the silicone wristband trend back in 2012. Unfortunately, the slimy shadows of the industry managed to coil around the young, naive entrepreneur.
Slowly realizing he was wholly unequipped to deal with the business world’s legal aspects, A.K. found himself in trouble. Through some shady practices, he ran afoul of the federal government and found himself on the chair, pleading guilty to charges of conspiring to fix prices on promotional products.
This guilty plea on antitrust violations in 2019 sealed the doors, and “A.K” was serving eight months in what he described as a “federal camp.”
“Prison was an eye-opener,” the innovative entrepreneur shares. “Being treated like an animal in a cage with the bare necessities really humbles you as a human. I was grateful for 3 meals a day, a shower, a bed, and some people I could talk and vent to every day.”
Seeing the world through different eyes after his release, A.K. reveals that his stint in the “camp” has become a lesson of gratitude and humility. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my past because my experience in prison was the most transformational I have ever experienced.”
Learning the hard way not to take things for granted and suddenly finding himself surrounded by blessings, A.K. decided to share as much as he can by doing what he does best. He started a business.
After getting out earlier this year, and as the COVID-19 pandemic raged, A.K. led PMGOA’s rapid pivot to sell masks and print-on-demand apparel. Through the venture he named “Swagify.com,” the entrepreneur helped fuel employment rates and generated income throughout the country.
Applying his business acumen, A.K. deftly executed PMGOA’s business shift and added 150 jobs in just three months. However, the entrepreneur’s will was tested once again when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Although taking medication to reduce its size, Akil “A.K.” Kurji knows it is something he has to live with forever. So, he stepped down. Not letting the diagnosis dampen his spirits; however, A.K. decided to launch an on-demand print company called “Swagify.com” from the comfort of his home.
Through Swagify.com, he has created a unique platform for celebrities, athletes, and companies worldwide to get their merchandise and items printed quickly, at the highest quality.
Not just marking A.K’s return but also leading the industry, Swagify.com is the only medium that allows users to choose their vendors after an order is placed. This eliminates the customer service nightmare of inventory shortage. A client’s dream, Swagify users can choose a secondary or tertiary vendor in case prices will increase, items are out of stock, or the product’s location is a little out of the way for their customers.
While making waves with Swagify.com, A.K. still has a lot of projects waiting in the wings. Eager to provide at least a thousand jobs next year, the inspirational entrepreneur continues to work hard and stay optimistic.
Follow Akil “A.K.” Kurji’s journey and future ventures by visiting Swagify.com’s official website.
