SERIES 2:

UNFILTERED INTERVIEW WITH FABIAN

You’ve built your brands while navigating life at a young age. Do you feel like success has changed your relationships or how people see you?

"In some ways, yes. People's perception shifts when they see your work gaining attention, but I've stayed consistent. The people who know me know that side of me hasn't changed."

The F.E. Foundation has seen consistent growth and impact, what's been the most rewarding moment since you launched it?

"It's seeing the foundation create real opportunities. Watching our members grow, seeing the impact in the community, that's what I'm most proud of."

People often talk about motivation, but discipline is harder to sustain, how do you stay disciplined when no one's watching?

"Discipline for me comes down to being honest with myself. Some days, I need to step back to regroup, but the expectations I set for myself always bring me back to work."

From scholarships to entrepreneurship, you've helped open doors for others, how do you handle moments when it feels like your own path is more challenging than expected?

"I remind myself that nothing meaningful comes easy. There are setbacks, but I focus on why I started in the first place. That keeps me going even when it's difficult."

Your brands are known for having a refined, intentional image, how do you approach building an identity that feels authentic but still strategic?

"I don't force anything. Every project reflects what I believe in and the values behind it. It has to feel authentic for me to consider pursuing it, but I always think through the long-term strategy. That balance is what builds something lasting."

Many people only see the polished side of your work; can you share a moment behind the scenes where things didn't go as planned?

"There have been plenty. I missed deadlines I set for myself, and I encountered unexpected setbacks, especially in the early stages. But those moments taught me how to improve and stay resilient and not get discouraged when things don't go as planned."

You balance business, academics, and leadership. What daily habits or mindset shifts help you keep your momentum without leading to burnout?

"I stay focused on the bigger picture. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but I take time to reset when needed and remind myself of what keeps me going. That long-term mindset helps me stay consistent and on track without burning out."

Your leadership style has evolved as your team and influence grow, what's one leadership lesson you've learned the hard way?

"Direction matters. You can have a strong team, but without clear leadership, things fall apart. I've had to step up, make tough decisions, and guide people, even when it's uncomfortable; that is the strongest lesson I've learned."

Not every opportunity is the right opportunity, how do you decide what aligns with your long-term vision versus what's just noise?

"I take my time and do my research. If something doesn't align with the bigger vision, I won't force it. I've learned to be patient and not be quick when it comes to every opportunity. Every decision to me has to benefit long-term and not just short-term hype."

Building a presence both online and offline takes strategy. What advice would you give someone trying to build credibility at a young age?

"Stay consistent, stay grounded, and always humble. You can't fake credibility, your work, your results, and how you carry yourself over time are what build real trust and respect."

What inspires you both in life and in the work ethic you bring to everything you do?

"Music, philosophy, and art have always inspired me. They challenge the way people think and show there's never just one perspective, which is something I apply to how I work. In terms of what drives my work ethic, my team at The F.E. Foundation motivates me daily. Watching a group of driven, ambitious people help build something for the future, as their leader, that pushes me to stay sharp."

What inspired you to apply to over 120 colleges during your last year of high school, and how did that experience shape the creation of your organization?

"That decision at the time was never random or excessive, it was calculated specifically with the vision I had in mind. I had already mapped out the foundation months before, but what I needed was undeniable credibility, proof that I could navigate the college and scholarship process at the highest level. Gaining acceptances and scholarships wasn't just a personal achievement, but a strategic start that would allow me to build The F.E. Foundation not just from passion but from experience and results."