Our guest: Nazim Ahmed, Co-founder & CEO of DNA11
What is DNA11? Personalized digital/bio-metric art company.
They literally photograph your personal DNA & turn it into abstract artwork.
How I did it come to be? Adrian & Nazim, best friends since 4 years old, founded the company. It began as just a creative project and was never meant to be a business. Eventually, it took over their lives.
Launched in 2005; clients in over 50 countries.
They've added more products since the DNA portraits got popular. EX: Fingerprint art, Kiss art
Canvas Pop: Can have any personal, digital photograph printed on canvas. They launched this sister company of DNA 11 a couple years ago and have been growing both ever since.
How is DNA11 staying ahead of the game? Internet has been integral part of success because it is a niche concept. They are constantly coming up with new concepts and ideas- always trying to stay ahead of the curve.
They are an on-demand business, so they don't have to invest in inventory. That definitely helps from a cost perspective.
What does DNA11's competitive landscape look like? 6 years ago nobody was making art from DNA, but today they are. Flattery in the form of imitation. The key is to keep innovating.
What are the emerging trends? DNA11 is very much in the personalization market. There is a trend toward personalization everywhere. They see lots of companies offering these personalized products. DNA 11 also trends toward consumer genomics. Introduced genomics into the mainstream.
Future? Focused on creating new products with great design and applying their art to different mediums.
They are very excited about a new launch around October.
They've had a number of celebrity clients, like Elijah Wood. (DNA11.com/elijah.) He auctioned his DNA portrait off for charity.
What has been the biggest personal challenge? Only launch something that you are in love with and passionate about. You have to believe in the vision. Stay focused and learn to say no to projects you aren't passionate about.
The Art Factory= their studio. It is an energized environment where all can work together to create ideas.
If you love what you do and have a strong vision and great passion then that is one of the most important things. When that goes away, it's time to find something new.
Personally in next 10-15 years: Nazim wants to "inspire as many people as I can around me and set an example for them."
When asked if his entrepreneurial spirit was fostered at home, Nazim said that education and minimizing risk was pushed heavily in his family.
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