Its Upshot was founded by young entrepreneur Sebastian Thiel in 2007 after he became increasingly concerned about the deteriorating state of youth culture in the UK. With the help of Tunde Okewale, Mikel Ameen and Claudio Simao , 17-year-old Thiel used the popular channels of fashion and entertainment to reach out and communicate with his young peers and in turn has created a powerhouse brand that has gone from strength to strength.
Although Its Upshot is reference to Sebastian’s former career as a promising star basketball player, the name also carries dual meaning. Its Upshot is about aiming high and standing tall despite hurdles and obstacles placed in front of you. The target symbol within the logo is illustrative of this notion. Aiming for a positive outcome.
The Its Upshot clothing line is responsible for launching the brand within the youth marketplace. With mixture of thought-provoking and humorous phrases emblazoned across them, the series of t-shirts were an instant hit with young people who snapped them up within weeks of Sebastian and his team posting them online. Described as “conversation clothing” the aim for the popular t-shirts was to start communication between the wearer and various members of the community who came into contact with it – in Sebastian’s own words they were ‘to get young people, wherever they were from, to start talking again.’ The clothing line, although forever expanding, is made up of three series:
The JOKER series: Purely aimed at making people laugh. It is hoped that when a member of the community reads the phrase on the wearer, they will pass a comment and begin the basis of a conversation.
The HERITAGE series: This series was created to create cultural awareness and unity within the community and the wearer. Sebastian who was born in Zambia is very proud of his country of origin and would like others who may not have been born in the UK, or those with families from across the world, to wear t-shirts from this series with pride and a sense of belonging.
The REAL TALK series: This series does exactly what it says on the tin. The Real Talk series are t-shirts inscribed with conscious statements to make both the community and the wearer think outside the box.
Its Upshot entertainment brand was created for one thing: to give young people the opportunity to showcase their talent to a worldwide audience with the support of the Its Upshot team. This division is two-pronged, with Upshot TV, an online-based TV channel, is the poster child for this section of the company.
Upshot TV: The popular online TV channel was initially used as a promotional tool to deliver serious messages to young people using its trademark, palatable and humorous way. However, the channel has since expanded, now offering aspiring musicians and presenters the chance to promote their skills using Its Upshot’s platform within the youth community.
Upshot Circle: The Upshot Circle is a new venture with the entertainment division of Its Upshot, but is one that has been very popular since its conception. This is a competitive booking agency for the best UK talent. It offers those interested in booking the listed acts a professional and hassle-free experience in doing so.
Here at Its Upshot, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to interact with young people and bring them together. Please keep checking the site for our new campaigns and projects coming very soon.
In the meantime, please take a look at the community section of the website to see some charities we support and are working with.
Upshot’s first event entitled “The Upshot launch – Knowledge is power” took place on September 13 2009 at the Lyric theatre in Hammersmith. Featuring performances from the UK’s finest including Mobo-awarding winning act, Sway, popular magician, Dynamo, appearance from award-winning actor, Aml Ameen, a dance set from former world champions and BGT finalists, Flawless, Plus performances from over 20 young actors, comedians and poets. The event was definitely one to remember.
Sebastian, who had made it his personal mission to combat the rise in gun and knife related crimes, created this variety performance, not only to launch his brand, but to also unite disenfranchised young people through positive performances from some of their favourite acts.
Born in Zambia, south central Africa, Sebastian knows all to well the struggles that many people living in certain parts of Africa face and is committed to supporting the Keep A Child Alive charity.
The Keep a Child Alive foundation, co founded by American R&B singer, Alicia Keys, provides AIDS care and support, care for orphans and healthy dose of love and respect to the Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Sons, Daughters, Husbands, Wives, Friends, Neighbors, and Lovers affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.
Its Upshot offers its continued support to this charity and will promote its cause through its numerous events and projects
The hard work undertaken at Its Upshot hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2008, Sebastian was awarded with the ‘Mini Mogul’ title at the annual competition aimed at young entrepreneurs. Sebastian won the company £1,500 within the competition where entrants are made to pitch their business ideas to panel of established and well-respected entrepreneurs.
In 2009, Sebastian and his team followed this feat by winning the handsome sum of £8,000 in the Big Challenge competition. The contest was aimed at 16-25 year-olds who believed they could change the world through innovative business models. Sebastian saw off competition from over 1000 hopefuls to secure the prize fund.
Its Upshot is a popular brand within the youth community and has duly received additional support from a host of celebrities happy to support the strides that the Its Upshot team are making within the business world and disenfranchised youth. You will find a list of celebrities who endorse the Its Upshot brand below:
Sway, Method Man (Wu Tang Clan), Chipmunk, Aml Ameen, Dynamo, Bashy, Wretch 32, Richard Blackwood, Gina Yashere, Ghetts, Kojo, Eddie Kadi, Kevin J, Dotstar, Adot Comedian, Faith SFX, S.O.S, Michaela, May, Dionne Reid, Mikel Ameen, Imhotep, Nabil Abdul Rashid.
This is only the beginning. Its Upshot B.A.B.Y (Believing, Achieving, Beginning Young)
Secured by Super-CAPTCHA.