About The Ground Up Academy

 You don’t have to go at it alone.

That’s not just a tagline’ it’s a promise., 

The Ground Up Academywas built for creatives who are serious about building sustainable e-commerce brands in fashion, streetwear, and jewelry. Whether you’re just sketching out your idea or trying to get out of the loop of launching and stalling, this space is for you.

After over a decade in the game, I’ve learned the hard way, through trial, error, missed steps, and money lost, that building a brand takes more than hustle. It takes structure. Strategy. And someone to walk with you through it.

From Coaching One-on-One to Building a Movement

For years, I coached entrepreneurs one-on-one, helping them with brand clarity, product development, and business strategy. And I noticed something: people learn better together. That’s what sparked the idea for The Ground Up Academy. A place where you don’t just get information, but you see how others apply it. You get community. You get clarity.

I still offer private coaching, but now I’m creating something deeper, The Inner Circle, a premium group mentorship experience inside the Academy where we tackle your exact starting point. Because everyone’s journey is different.

Why This Academy Exists

I started this journey selling t-shirts out of a closet in 2011. I had no roadmap. Just a dream, a screen printer, and a whole lot of mistakes waiting for me.

I didn’t understand brand identity.

I didn’t know when to file a trademark or how to set up my business bank account.

I didn’t grasp the importance of average order value, lifetime value, retention, or email flows.

I lost time, money, and energy trying to “figure it out” while pretending I had it figured out.

Eventually, I did figure it out, and the knowledge I gained didn’t just work for me. It worked for the people I coached. That’s how I knew this wasn’t just experience, it was a blueprint.

Who This Is For

 • Creatives building fashion, streetwear, or jewelry e-commerce brands

 • Entrepreneurs struggling with structure, clarity, or brand identity

 • People who want trusted resources, vetted contacts, and real community

 • Builders who are tired of going it alone and want support that understands the culture

What Makes The Ground Up Academy Different

This isn’t about getting rich quick. This is about building a real bran, brick by brick, with the systems, mindset, and foundation you’ll need for long-term growth.

We focus on:

 • Proper foundation (trademark, brand identity, business setup)

 • Creative clarity (knowing what you’re building and why)

 • Execution strategy (design, marketing, email flows, ads, and more)

 • Trusted resources (lawyers, CPAs, designers, etc.)

 • Community and accountability

And yeah, I bring something to the table a lot of people don’t. I’ve been on 19 tours with 5 to 20 stops each. I’ve moved product in real time, built brands that last, and learned how to build trust and proof of concept from strangers.

This is more than business. This is about becoming the kind of entrepreneur who can handle the vision God gave you.

You don’t have to go at it alone.

Join a community that knows what it’s like to build from the ground up.

Henry C. Murphy

Our Mission 

The Ground Up Academy exists to help creative entrepreneurs build sustainable e-commerce brands—from the idea stage to execution, so they never have to go at it alone

Our Values

Foundation

We teach the right order—structure, systems, and brand identity before marketing.

Community

We grow better together, celebrating accountability, collaboration, and shared wins.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, remain transparent in our approach, and share both wins and lessons learned.

Purpose

We help creatives turn passion into profit, with vision, stewardship, and impact.

Authenticity

We remain rooted in real experiences and proven strategies, no shortcuts, just substance.