How to go from idea to implementation

When 24-year-old Khyrie Alleyne was easy messaging her friend, the legendary Serena Williams, he had no idea that the impromptu conversation would turn into the aha moment that launched his business, SelfieFaze.

“Serena asked how I was feeling and I sent her a photo of me with a sickly sad face. She replied: “Disgusting, ugh… yuck.” At first I used to be a little bit irritated by her response. I didn’t feel bad and naturally she definitely made me laugh while I used to be hurting. Secondly, she didn’t realize that I used to be telling her I used to be sick using a personalised emoji as an alternative of the round yellow sick emoji. But before I could begin to explain my intentions, I began jumping up and down, screaming, “Oh my god, oh my god, I have to create an emoticon of anything…”

This thought led Alleyne on his entrepreneurial journey.

BLACK ENTERPRISES caught up with the Brooklyn, New York native to learn more about his journey as an entrepreneur and success coach.

Many people dream of making their very own mobile application. How did you go from idea to implementation?

I went through several phases; from concept, to layout design and name change. In fact, it was created just a couple of days before its launch on the iOS market. Here’s an outline of my design process:

1. I wrote down every possible thought related to my idea (including protecting my rights) and examined it rigorously.
2. I had to concentrate on one concept.
3. I hired staff to create my idea. This was the toughest because I used to be scammed 3 times out of cash and services that I paid for.

Which skill was crucial to achieving your goal?

Persistence. When hope was hidden and each time failure whispered so sweetly, I believed anyway. As the clouds of darkness (negativity, hearing NO) began to form and the sunshine began to fade, I still had to look inside to shine! Finally, as an alternative of looking for revenge on those that laughed at me, doubted me, and stole from me, I knew I had to love anyway!

Did you employ investors or your personal money?

I used the cash from the waiting room as a waiter in a restaurant; postgraduate scholarship funds and was able to secure financial investments from close relations and friends.

Can you share any suggestions or lessons learned from marketing your app, working with developers, and/or encouraging people to endorse your service?

Clearly define your vision. Write it down and make certain it sticks in your mind. Finally, imagine, act, and tell yourself until it becomes second nature: “No, ‘NO’ can stop my ‘yes.’

How did you retain users engaged?

• Social Media – Use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and hashtags all around the cyber world.
• Personal and skilled relationships – sharing with my contacts and shut family and friends via text, email, calls and meetings.
• Public Relations and Marketing – To spread awareness of my business, I even have created business cards, pop-up banners, posters, T-shirts, edibles akin to cupcakes and drinks, stickers and hats. I also used press releases and media kits to get press releases. Additionally, I even have provided speaking engagements at schools, business forums, meeting groups, churches, and other events.