Quincy Lee’s imagination never stops working; thanks to a life-saving camera, neither does he

An introverted “creativepreneur,” Quincy Lee juggles video content creation, co-owning a digital marketing agency, designing his own apparel, and fatherhood — all while bringing bold ideas into focus.

“I’ve always been an entrepreneur all my life,” Lee said, reflecting on the early days of his journey. “It started small, but it planted the seed for what I do now.”

As a child, Lee sold skateboard parts and sneakers to his classmates, unknowingly laying the groundwork for his future ventures. Today, he channels that same resourcefulness into his apparel line, “Imagination at Work,” a collection designed to showcase his creative philosophy.

Click here to purchase Lee’s shirt design, then keep reading more about the path that inspired it.

“My imagination is always working,” he said. “Sometimes it drives me crazy, but it’s who I am.” 

He launched his apparel brand this year as a side project; his first priority remains with videography and advertising initiatives through Social Apex Media, a KC-based digital marketing agency, where he has collaborated with major brands such as Doordash, Starbucks, Quiktrip, and SportingKC. The company also is a longtime collaborator with Startland News.

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A storyteller at heart

Lee’s creativity extends beyond business and apparel into filmmaking, a medium he uses to share meaningful stories. His recent short film, “Break Free,” explores overcoming mental barriers and defeating analysis paralysis.

Meanwhile, another upcoming film project delves into his personal experiences with law enforcement. The idea was sparked by a perspective-shifting incident at a public restroom during a visit to Los Angeles, he explained.

“First time ever in LA, I went to the beach with my family, and I just heard, ‘Come out with your hands up,’” Lee recalled. “I turned around, and five police officers rushed into the bathroom, guns drawn. They cuffed me, checked my tattoos, and asked where I was from. It was traumatizing.”

Through film, Lee hopes to shift perceptions and showcase the voices of young Black men.

“I want to show young Black males positive role models,” he said. “We’re inventors, entrepreneurs, creators — and that’s not often reflected in today’s media.”

Social Apex Media’s Sam Kulikov, left, and Quincy Lee, right, are seen behind the scenes of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in video shoot in December 2022: Dr. Brandy Archie, AskSAMIE, and Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News reporter; photo courtesy of Social Apex Media

Grounded by purpose

Lee’s journey has been shaped by significant challenges. In late 2017, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after months of unexplained symptoms. The diagnosis, while daunting, led him to photography and videography, a creative outlet that became a turning point in his life.

“It was a scary time,” Lee said. “Around then, I had just gotten a camera, so I started taking photography and videography seriously. That creative outlet kept me going.”

The decision to embrace his creative passions changed the course of his career, he explained.

“I’d be scared if I never went for that camera,” Lee said. “It changed everything for me.”

Fatherhood has also played a key role in Lee’s life. His young child provides him with motivation and perspective, even as she challenges him.

“My daughter puts me through a lot — lots of emotions,” he said with a laugh. “But she keeps me grounded.”

His advice to aspiring minority entrepreneurs: stay focused on what drives you.

“Figure out what you love and build skills towards that. Don’t lose your core skill, because that’s when you start to lose yourself,” Lee said. “Keep your passion the main thing.”