Today we’d like to introduce you to FlyGuy D.
Hi FlyGuy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
MudMade Material was built from real-life adversity, perseverance, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can create something greater for yourself.
Growing up, football was my first passion. I played my entire life and earned an opportunity to continue my career at the collegiate level. After losing an offer from New Mexico State, I found myself at a crossroads. Alongside football, I was pursuing music and entertainment, but I knew I still had bigger goals. What I didn’t realize at the time was that there were different paths to success.
To keep my dream alive, I took the junior college route before I got to my university. During my freshman and sophomore years, I spent countless hours commuting to school. I would take a bus from Stockton to Dublin, California, then a train from Dublin to San Francisco—a three-hour journey each way. Every day required sacrifice, discipline, and determination. It was during those long rides that I truly learned what it meant to “get it out the mud.”
That phrase eventually became the foundation of MudMade Material.
The meaning behind the brand is simple: no matter what background you come from—rich, poor, or somewhere in between—you have to get it out the mud each and every day to reach higher levels in life. Success isn’t given; it’s earned through hard work, consistency, and resilience.
The inspiration for creating clothing came from my own upbringing. I’m the youngest of six children, and when I was eight years old, my mother suffered a heart attack that left her unable to work. Our family lived primarily on disability income, and while my mom did everything she could to provide for us, getting the latest clothing brands was often out of reach.
Like many kids, I admired brands such as Supreme and Obey, but I understood the reality of what things cost. As I got older and learned more about business, I began to see the gap between what it cost to produce clothing and what many brands were charging consumers. I wanted to create something different.
MudMade Material was founded to bridge that gap.
My goal was to build a brand that represented hard work and perseverance while remaining accessible to everyday people. I wanted to create quality products without the excessive price tags and use the brand as a platform to give back to the communities that shaped me. The people who support MudMade aren’t just buying clothing—they’re buying into a mindset.
Today, MudMade Material stands for those who refuse to let circumstances define them. It’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, the athletes, the artists, the entrepreneurs, and anyone working to turn something into nothing.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all trying to reach higher levels in life—and the only way to get there is to get it out the mud.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any entrepreneurial journey, it’s been filled with ups and downs, lessons, setbacks, and obstacles that have tested my patience and determination.
One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with manufacturers. There have been times when I’ve invested over $2,000 into a clothing release, only for the products to arrive far below expectations. When that happens, you have a choice: sell a product you don’t believe in or take the loss and protect your brand’s reputation. I’ve always chosen the latter, even if that meant giving products away or starting over from scratch.
Another challenge has been the cost of growth. As the brand expanded and I began attending more vendor markets, pop-up shops, and community events, I realized I needed better equipment and transportation. Something as simple as fitting tables, tents, and inventory into my vehicle became a business expense I hadn’t originally planned for. Every step forward seemed to bring a new investment.
The clothing industry itself is also highly competitive. When I first started, it felt like everyone was launching a brand. Standing out in an oversaturated market wasn’t easy. There were moments when it seemed like others were moving faster or getting more attention, but I learned that success isn’t about who starts first or who gets the quickest recognition—it’s about who stays consistent.
What has carried MudMade Material through every challenge is perseverance. I’ve always believed that if you keep showing up, keep learning, and keep working, you’ll find a way through any obstacle. The struggles have actually strengthened the brand because they’ve forced me to grow as a businessman, a creative, and a leader.
The road has been bumpy, but that’s exactly what MudMade Material represents. The brand was built on the idea of getting it out the mud—finding a way forward regardless of the circumstances. Every setback has become part of the story, and every challenge has made the journey more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear many hats. I’m an artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, creative, and community builder. At my core, I specialize in creating platforms, brands, and opportunities that bring people together and showcase talent that deserves to be seen.
Through MudMade Material, I use fashion as a way to inspire people and tell stories of perseverance. Through music and media, I create content that reflects real-life experiences and authentic culture. I’m also heavily involved in building opportunities for others. One of the projects I’m most passionate about is our artist distribution and media platform, which highlights emerging talent throughout Arizona and gives artists a space to be seen, heard, and discovered. There is so much raw, authentic talent in the state, and I take pride in helping shine a light on it.
More than anything, I’m proud of the impact my work has on people. Whether it’s through clothing, music, events, or community initiatives, my goal has always been to connect with others on a genuine level. I want people to understand who I am as a person, just as I strive to understand people from all walks of life and different backgrounds.
Being a leader in my community means more to me than any business accomplishment. I’m proud of being someone who stands for hard work, integrity, and uplifting others. If my work can inspire even one person to keep pushing through adversity and believe in themselves, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful.
At the end of the day, everything I create is about bridging the gap, bringing people together, and proving that with consistency, faith, and determination, anything is possible
What sets me apart is my grit, determination, and authenticity. No matter what challenge is in front of me, I’ve always found a way to keep pushing forward. I’ve faced setbacks, failures, and obstacles just like anyone else, but I’ve never allowed those moments to define me. My mindset has always been to stay consistent, stay hungry, and keep working until I reach the next level.
I also pride myself on being genuine. In today’s world, a lot of people try to be something they’re not, but I’ve always believed in staying true to myself. The same person you see on social media is the same person you’ll meet in real life.
Another thing that sets me apart is how I treat people. I believe in treating the janitor the same way I would treat a CEO. Every person deserves respect regardless of their title, background, or status. Building real relationships and connecting with people from all walks of life has always been important to me.
I’m confident in who I am and what I bring to the table, but there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence comes from putting in the work, learning from your experiences, and believing in yourself even when things get difficult.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities most important to my success are genuineness, determination, honesty, confidence, knowledge, approachability, and marketability.
Being genuine has always been at the core of everything I do. People connect with authenticity, and I’ve built my brand and relationships on staying true to myself in every space I step into.
Determination and consistency are what keep me going through obstacles. Success doesn’t come without setbacks, but staying locked in and continuing to push forward is what makes the difference.
Honesty and integrity are also key. Your word and reputation mean everything in business and life, and I’ve always made it a priority to move with respect and transparency.
Confidence plays a major role, but it’s balanced with humility. I believe in myself and my vision, while also staying open to learning and growth. Being knowledgeable and approachable allows me to keep evolving and building real connections with people.
Lastly, being marketable is important in today’s world. It’s not just about talent, but how well you can communicate your story and value to others.
All of these qualities together have helped shape who I am and the path I’m on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mudmadematerial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyguyd__?utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@flyguyd1?si=dkkWKIhuWLDASiTb
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/6OD9fPtUF9OEwDjebL
