Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Gurley.
Hi Austin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started at six years old when my biological father gave me my first drum set. What began as a childhood hobby quickly became a passion. I wrote my first song in sixth grade and by sixteen, I was recording music and building with my childhood best friend, chasing the same dream together. When addiction took him down a different path, I was forced to continue the journey on my own.
Instead of letting the pain, setbacks, and challenges stop me, I turned them into fuel. Music became my outlet, my therapy, and eventually my career. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to perform alongside some of the most respected names in the industry, and I’m still pushing to take it further.
But music opened another door for me: entrepreneurship. I became the CEO and founder of Broke & Dreamin’, a brand inspired by the struggles I’ve faced, the lessons I’ve learned, and the ambition that kept me moving forward.
Today, I help artists and businesses turn ideas into real brands—from artist representation and branding to merchandise, websites, logos, flyers, marketing, and more. I’ve found just as much purpose in helping other people build their dreams as I have in building my own.
I know what it feels like to have the vision but not have all the resources, connections, or answers. I know what it means to lose people, start over, and keep believing anyway.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My story hasn’t been easy, but I believe God used every struggle to prepare me for who I’m becoming.
From ages four to eight, I experienced physical abuse from my stepfather, and school became my escape. My biological father wasn’t fully present in my life until I was around twelve, largely because of the toxicity and difficult circumstances surrounding his relationship with my mother. My mother was doing her best to raise four children while dealing with struggles of her own. We didn’t have much, and growing up in poverty forced me to face struggles and emotions far earlier than most kids.
Through it all, my grandmother was my safe place. Whenever we were evicted, needed somewhere to stay, or simply needed someone to talk to, she was there. Her love and guidance gave me strength when I needed it most.
At twenty-two, I reached the darkest point of my life and nearly took my own life. That moment became a turning point. I found Jesus Christ, and through Him, I found hope, purpose, and a reason to keep going.
I’ve experienced poverty, absent parents, loss, loneliness, and feeling like I had to fight for everything on my own. Eventually, I made the decision to move to Florida and completely change my environment—and my life began to change with it.
Today, I don’t look at my past as something that broke me. I look at it as my testimony. Everything I’ve survived, everything I’ve overcome, and everything I’m becoming—I give all glory to God.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a recording artist known professionally as 618AMG, with experience performing alongside established artists including Polo G, Skilla Baby, VonOff1700, Bloodhound Q50, Skrilla, MAF Teeski, BabyChiefDoIt, Queen Key, Star Bandz, Lil M.U, Glizzy Glow, and many others.
I recently expanded my reach through a radio performance, creating new opportunities for exposure, collaboration, and continued growth within the music industry. Building my career as an artist while developing my personal brand, Broke & Dreamin’, has become one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life.
Beyond music, I’m passionate about entrepreneurship, creative development, and helping others build their own brands. I take pride in using my experience, creativity, and resources to help others turn their ideas into something tangible.
To me, success is measured not only by what I achieve, but by the impact I can make along the way. I believe that when you help others grow, you grow with them.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the foundation of meaningful success is kindness, humility, and the ability to genuinely understand where others are coming from.
I truly started from the bottom and had to develop the skills, relationships, and experience necessary to build and elevate my own brand. Because of that journey, I understand that everyone is at a different stage in their career, and I use what I’ve learned to help others move forward from wherever they are.
I’m still learning and growing every day, but I’ve built a strong network and developed skills that allow me to provide value across many areas of music, branding, and business.
Above all, my faith has been the foundation behind my growth and the driving force that has carried me to where I am today. I believe the opportunities, relationships, and abilities I’ve gained are ultimately a reflection of God’s guidance and grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/618AMG
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/618amg?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/618AMG?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/618amg
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@618AMG
