Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Mason
Hi Cameron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When it comes to my story, I was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Salt Lake when I was about 10 years old. As a young child I was very troubled teen and in and out of youth programs from 13-17. From ages 18-24 I was known for my drive in the graffiti world and my street art, I was very involved in the culture here in Salt Lake City. At 24 years old I was charged in state of Utah and US federal courts with over 4o Felony counts for Graffiti, and this tore my life apart. I couldn’t get jobs, I couldn’t rent apartments, I was dead broke from lawyers and Fines/Jailtime and when I realized the new obstacles in my life, I then knew I would have to create my own work from here on out, and really turn everything around, this was the wake up call I needed. Over the next few years I worked for myself doing Art Jobs and different odd’s and ends, and when the opportunity to take over Uprok came up, I jumped on it! Fast forward to to today and I’m a business man plain and simple, Ill do whatever it takes to get the job done. I have worked in every type of industry almost, from Food to Mechanical Engineering. I took the drive and ambition that I had in the graffiti world and applied it to other aspects of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When you own your business it will always be a rough road with ups and downs and the pressure of not succeeding, but when you’re doing what you love, you will never work a day in your life. Sure its stressful, sure its expensive, sure I lose money sometimes, but time and time again I would make the same choice to chase my dreams! The biggest struggle currently is the way the world is economically changing and the advancements of the internet and online convenience shopping.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Uprok Shop has been around since 1998 and we have always had the same vision and that is to keep the Hip-Hop culture alive here in Salt Lake City. We sell Urban Art Supplies as well as create in house Clothing projects and collaborations with other local businesses and Local sport teams, we specialize in our Custom Fitted Hats from New Era. Uprok also has other services available in our building, we are a bit of a collective over here and do it all! We have an Uprok Barbershop, A Sneaker/Streetwear shop, Custom Sticker Printing services and much more! Uprok has had several owners over the years but we have always kept it in the family/friend group. I acquired the company in 2021 during the pandemic. I grew up going to Uprok as a kid and it was my safe place to practice my art form and make some of the greatest friends and connections over the years. During the pandemic I stopped by Uprok to get some supplies and the shop was completely empty and about to close up for good, with this being one of my favorite places as a kid I just couldn’t see it go, So I took my life savings and created a plan to bring Uprok back to life and restore it to its former glory! Here we are in 2025 and things are going great! I have turned things around and there is a very bright Future for the Uprok Shop!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice would be to find the person you look up to the most in the industry you want to be in and express that you want to know more about what they do, offer to work for them for free for 30 days and at the end of that 30 days you want to be hired on permanently and continue working for them. During this 30 day period you need to work the hardest you have ever worked, listen the hardest you have ever listened, make connections and ask questions and show this person you’re working for that they cannot afford to lose you. Your ambition and drive will be your greatest tool in networking and being in the field you want to be in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uprokslc.com
- Instagram: @uprokshop
