Meet Robert R. Greer Sr. | Story Teller & Creative Designer, Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert R. Greer Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert R., do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Habits are a funny thing. They can propel you to success, or be the catalyst in your unfinished business. Either way, habits are inevitable. For me, a good habit provides the confidence to face new challenges head on. When I first started my business, I was overwhelmed by the daunting requirements as an owner. Most of it, I had no idea where to start. The first habit I adopted was prioritizing a list from most to least important. A sidekick of this is determining what is the easiest task to complete, and steps necessary to make it happen immediately. I’ve also found success at night, recapping the day I’ve had, and visualizing exactly what I would like to see happen in the next. Our ability to identify business needs, plan, then execute is a foundation of growth, and progress. Habits play a huge role in creating the type of best practices every business needs, and building the confident arrogance required to impact the consumers in your industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a storyteller, art is a reflection of who I am, my point of view, the intention to encourage people, and the impression I leave with all who cross my path; in one way or another. This is my brand: To be the bright light in the presence of darkness, the optimism in a room full of doubt, and the courage to face whatever is ahead. We are not alone.

I am a writer of poetry, short stories, and currently creating my first inspirational greeting card line. I am a photographer, who has retired from wedding and personal portraits to more of a personal base shooting. This past summer, I wrapped up a series entitled, “Civil Unrest,” which focused on social justice and the impact of systematic racism in our country. The series has been in multiple exhibitions over the last 6 months. The graphic designer part of my skill set is exclusive to our Christian apparel line with ZaBre Inspire, the business I own and operate with my wife Bre. I created ZaBre Inspire with the intentions of providing myself and others a brand of clothing that embodies the essence of our faith. We are located on the 3rd floor of Summit ArtSpace in Akron, Ohio.

Today, I can confidently say that success in our business, coupled with the impact my voice has as an artist, is exactly what I envisioned 3 years ago when this journey began. The future is bright, but it was not an easy road getting started. As a business owner, I’m not only responsible for the day to day operations, but also the creative development and execution of our brand direction. Mix in my own personal aspirations as an artist, and the requirements of me became overwhelming.

Two things, sparked my ability to turn turmoil into productivity. The first, was admitting to myself that I didn’t have all the answers, and I needed council. Opening myself up to critique, led to understanding the blind spots, that I needed to put eyes on. Now that the big picture was in plain site, I created a vision board to clearly identify the actions necessary to bring everything together. That was a year ago. Now I’m clicking on all cylinders, organized, creative, and have a clear vision for the future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a foodie, and Akron has no shortage of great places in the city to eat. The Boiling House, hands down is my favorite restaurants downtown. Fresh seafood and sushi is their calling card, but me personally, I love the fried sweet potatoes, paired with a basket of lemon pepper wings. Around the corner is Street Craftery, Akron’s premiere destination for crafting and creative expression for people of all ages. Akron, also has multiple places to view art and meet local artist. The Akron art museum, Akron Soul Train, and Summit ArtSpace are only blocks away from each other. Akron has so much more to offer the unsuspecting visitor from out of town, and those are a few places that reveal the heart of our city the best to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shoutout goes to Summit ArtSpace. Summit ArtSpace is an organization in Akron, Ohio who believes in connecting artists and artist-serving organizations to the community and to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially. One of the best decisions I’ve made as an artist, and business owner is aligning myself with people and organizations like Summit ArtSpace, who truly want to be part of my success.

Website: www.zabreinspire.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saved_life/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-reza-greer/

Twitter: @zabreinspire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R.Reza.Greer/