Get Vip'd Out

Twenty-seven year old James Church was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Like any ordinary teen, Church needed a hobby and soon turned to the car scene.  He attended his very first car show when he was 16. Amazed by the "suped-up" (modified) vehicles, Church purchased his very first car, a 1989 Honda Accord and quickly began modifying the vehicle.  

Something about the car scene kept Church intrigued and after 11 years Church has slowly transformed from being simply interested in the car scene to the CEO of his very own business, Vip'd Out Another Level.

Church started his business in January of this year and is satisfied with the direction the business is taking.  Church designs all of the styles in his clothing line, he designs car decals and also make customized tables to fit in the interior of the vehicle. Church also has the ability to request certain vehicle parts for customers that competitors are not able to attain.

I had the opportunity to step into Church's world and see how this local banker manages his own business while still working a regular 40-hour work week.

Q. What makes Vip'd Out unique?

A. It's the representation of the VIP scene and the style that I put into it that makes it stand out.  I consider myself an extremist in the VIP scene and having this business allows me to create things for people to enjoy that will set them apart from everyone else.

Q. Why did you get into this line of business?

A. Not to sound arrogant, but people have made a lot of money off of me and what I've done with my car. I feel like I have enough skill to create things for other people and make my own profit.  I never had any sponsors when I was modifying my car. Everything came out of my own pocket. I see a lot of people going into the scene, but in the wrong direction and I don't mind helping out or providing my services. With Vip'd Out I fill in the gap that other companies can't provide.

Q. What does Vip'd Out offer?

A. I can be a vendor and set up at an event. I design and sell clothes including car decals. I can customize tables for your car with a variety of finishes, suede or even leather. I also have the ability to get parts for cars that other people have a harder time finding.

Q. What are some of the struggles of having your own business?

A. One of the hardest parts was starting the business before actually creating it. Trying to find all of the right people continues to be a struggle. I've gone through two or three web designers before finding the right one. I've actually been waiting on an order of t-shirts that I purchased over five months ago, but still haven't received a single shirt. You know it's hard, but you have to go through it to learn and find out who is good and who is not. The overall introduction and approach was hard just because you don't know how people are going to perceive you. There were plenty of things that I tried that failed and it's disappointing, but I do see my hard work starting to pay off.

Q. What is it about the modified car scene that keeps you so intrigued?

A. It's really fun meeting new people and networking.  It's the best way to get my name out there and let people know about the services I can offer. For me it's about inspiring people.

Q. What is your ultimate goal for Vip'd Out?

A. I just want Vip'd Out to become a regular household name in the auto industry. It's not about money for me. I just want to get my name out there and earn the respect from people who are in the field. My clothing line is probably my main focus because I have tons of styles that I'd like to put out. I shop all the time and I'd like to start buying my own clothes you know? And it'd be nice to have a gas sponsor ha ha.

For more information, please visit Vip'd Out Another Level.