Meet Mac Rivera | Artist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mac Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mac, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Life shrinks or expands in proportions to one’s courage” by Anais Nin is the quote that has influenced me a lot for a decade now. It’s one thing to know that we always have something to learn but we won’t really learn anything new unless we expand our experiences by going out there and taking risks, go beyond our comfort zones, make mistakes, and be willing to take hits instead of just playing it safe.

I like the quote also for it sub communicates a person’s maturity that it’s not always about protecting yourself or your feelings. It’s not all about “winning” or about looking cool but making things happen and knowing there are more important things than “rejection” or “failure” which are just simply part of life. The rest takes care of itself when you focus on the true meaning or value of what you’re doing.

The quote somehow expresses that it’s more than just a game, it’s your life.

To me, having the courage to take risks is part of growth. It expands your belief system. It’s also learning and knowing how to trust yourself if in case things don’t work out that you’ll be fine, stronger and be wiser for it. You develop instincts that you’ve never had before. It makes you more resilient. What follows then I guess is vulnerability. Vulnerability is power. It doesn’t mean you blindly trust but it means getting “it.”

I guess this is where we can tell ourselves to finally start that business that you’ve always wanted. Reciprocate a gesture. Saying or expressing to someone that you appreciate him or her. Expressing yourself more. Admitting or owning up to your mistakes and so on.

I learned that we grow and we’re powerful when we truly connect with others, and connect with how truly this world works. This is the power of vulnerability: you can’t connect with others or to this world unless you open yourself. And you can’t open yourself unless you’re willing to risk exposing your self.

There’s more to it but it’s pretty much applicable be it in business or in your personal life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Forever Drift is a clothing brand that grew out of my photography business and it represents our need to explore and expand our life experiences. In doing so, you may as well do it in style. It’s more than just a motorsports lifestyle brand. I think we are designed to always explore. I know it’s easier said than done but in some little way, I hope that the brand inspires many to explore the world more around themselves.

I think what sets this brand apart from others is that it’s a niche based brand that can go mainstream like many big brands out there. The business is still in its start up stage. Right now I’m very happy that it’s now an officially trademarked brand. I’m excited for its future because things are just falling into place. Many get the concept or theme instantly. Happy to say that the business was awarded not too long ago with a grant as well. I hope to have a physical store too which is what I’m working on right now.

It wasn’t easy getting here. A lot of it involves growth and maturity. After failed ventures in the past, I now question and discern my motivations more often and my values too. It’s also about trusting your instincts and letting things come to you as well.

Another thing I want for people to take away from this brand is to just relax as well. Being a photographer myself, one thing I learned is that it’s not just about just simply doing what you have to do like composition, the angles, the lighting and all that many photographers will do to capture photos. In others words, many of us tend to get stuck in a linear manner when it comes to accomplishing things without knowing it can dampen our creative energies.

It’s also about letting things come to you. I’ve learn something big about synchronicities lately and I know it sounds cheesy but it’s there and I think if you look at many great photos to different business ventures or having a championship basketball team, you’ll see it. It’s there. I mean you do what you can but sometimes you just have to sit back a little and let things take their natural course. If it’s not working, try again until your feelings or creative energies follow your behavior.

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.
There are just too many for me to think of but LA tends to never run out of new places to explore. One of the most fun, interesting places that never gets old for me is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Everyone wants a new profile pic update and the concert hall never fails to deliver awesome portraits. Being known as a photographer, it’s part of the deal when my close friends come over to visit me.

As many of my friends are car people, you can never go wrong with the Petersen Automotive Museum. When it comes to food, the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles is best for that street food vibe. The Grove in Los Angeles is another one.

If they want to head over to the beach, Laguna Beach by the Montage Hotel is awesome.

I love road trips so I wouldn’t just stick around the LA-OC area. I’d likely take my friends out for a road trip to Solvang, San Diego, or San Francisco.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t be more thankful to the many creatives who worked with me and friends who keep supporting me with whatever I do. So many to name. If you’re reading this, you know who you are.

Website: https://foreverdriftapparel.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/foreverdriftapparel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foreverdriftapparel/

Other: https://instagram.com/iammacrivera

Image Credits
All photos taken by Mac himself. Models: Jeri (in retro-neon pink), Kodi (in black hoodie), Kristina (in retro-neon orange), Evan (in gray hoodie), Kimberly (in yellow hoodie).