In this episode of Taking off the Mask, host Ashanti Branch welcomes Wesley Spence. Wesley is a 19-year-old entrepreneur, barber, and owner/operator of a clothing brand called iconicc22. Is comparison truly the thief of joy? Wesley and Ashanti delve into topics such as self-awareness, personal growth, and the journey to becoming the best version of oneself while finding common ground as entrepreneurs and fans of the book “The Alchemist.” (0:00) Intro (9:40) Front of Ashanti’s Mask. What he lets people see (12:40) Front of Wesley’s Mask. What he lets people see. (18:00) Back of Ashanti’s Mask. What he doesn’t let people see. (21:30) Back of Wesley’s Mask. What he doesn’t let people see. (23:20) Comparison being the thief of joy, while building a business (24:30) Talking about the book “The Alchemist” (29:05) Stoicism and how Wesley embraces it (33:54) What’s happening with young men in Wesley’s community? (46:00) Wrapping up and Wesley’s message to young people --- Connect with Wesley Spence: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww3sleyy Get a Haircut!: https://www.instagram.com/yeswescutss/ Clothing: https://www.instagram.com/iconicc22/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@userarchive22 Join our 5k Challenge: https://charity.pledgeit.org/20thAnnualEF5KChallenge  Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/  Email us questions and comments at [email protected]  --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ --- Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support  --- Connect with Ever Forward Club: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support