Today we’d like to introduce you to Quashingm Smith-Pugh.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from the East Side of Saint Paul, a place that shaped both my hustle and my heart. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, I went on to earn a Master’s in Education. My early career focused on education and youth development—but I always had a deep entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2015, that spirit led me to launch my own clothing line called The Money Is The Movement. It started with a hoodie and a vision: to represent hustle, ambition, and culture. By 2017, the brand evolved into The Movement Lifestyle Brand, expanding into nightlife promotions, artist management, and community events. It was no longer just about fashion—it became a full cultural experience. We started bringing big-name artists and celebrities to Minnesota and built a platform that connects people through music, entertainment, and community vibes.
Then in 2020, during the pandemic, I took another leap—this time into real estate. I bought my first investment property, driven by a desire to build generational wealth and give back to my community in tangible ways. I’m now on my third property, with a long-term goal of creating affordable, quality housing in neighborhoods that matter to me.
Everything I do—whether it’s through The Movement Promotions or property investment—is about creating opportunity, building community, and turning vision into impact. I’ve learned that success is about more than just business—it’s about staying true to your roots and lifting others up along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course it hasn’t been a smooth road. Nothing worth building ever is. Every day brings a new challenge to overcome, and I’ve had to face obstacles from an early age. I’ve always had a hustler’s mentality, because I had to. Nothing was ever handed to me; everything I’ve achieved has been earned through grinding and consistency.
Even as a kid, I found ways to create opportunity for myself. I started by selling lemonade on the corner, but what really set me apart was when I launched my own bike repair business. I took a pile of used bikes, some parts, and a toolbox, and turned it into something. I made flyers with pricing for things like tightening chains, fixing handlebars, or changing tires, and passed them out around the neighborhood. When I got into middle school I started selling candy with the help of my basketball coach at the time. At one point I was making 100-200 dollars a day before the principal caught on & made me shut my operation down. These were my first experiences of entrepreneurship—and I loved it.
I’ve also always been drawn to things being built. I remember walking home from school and seeing construction crews working on houses. I didn’t know exactly how, but I knew I wanted to be involved in something like that—building something that lasts, that serves people.
The road hasn’t been easy. Balancing my businesses, a career in education, and personal growth all at once takes real discipline. There were times I doubted myself, didn’t have the resources, or had to start from scratch. But I never stopped moving. That’s why I called it The Movement. Because no matter what, I keep going and navigate throw obstacles to continue to build and push forward to better myself.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Movement Promotions is more than just an entertainment company—it’s a cultural force. We started in 2015 with a single hoodie and a bold vision: to represent ambition, hustle, and community through streetwear. Since then, we’ve evolved into a lifestyle brand and promotions company that specializes in events, nightlife, and artist management.
What sets us apart is our ability to bridge the gap between entertainment and community. We’ve brought some of the hottest celebrities and talent in the game to Minnesota—creating unforgettable live experiences that leave an impact. At the same time, we stay grounded in where we come from. We host community events, support local artists, and provide platforms that elevate culture and connection.
We’re known for putting on top-tier events that feel authentic—whether it’s a packed concert, a pop-up shop, or a neighborhood block party. We understand how to move with the culture, because we are the culture.
What I’m most proud of is how The Movement has remained true to its roots. From selling t-shirts out the trunk to managing full-scale productions, we’ve built something that represents where we’re from while opening doors for others to shine.
For readers who are just getting to know us: we offer event production, artist management, and brand collaborations.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
One of the most important qualities that has contributed to my success is resilience. Growing up, I learned early that nothing is handed to you—you have to work for it. That mindset shaped how I approach everything I do, from launching my first business to building The Movement Promotions into what it is today.
Whether it’s navigating setbacks, learning from failures, or adapting to unexpected challenges, my ability to stay focused, push forward, and keep creating—even when things get tough—has been the driving force behind every milestone. Resilience keeps me grounded, hungry, and constantly evolving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themovementpromotions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themovement.pro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMovementLSB
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quashingm-smith-pugh-68a8bb122/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noletupmusic
