.

"Shark Tank" star Daymond John has offered blunt advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of passion for a business venture over the pursuit of financial gain. John stated that building a business around something you genuinely love is fundamental, asserting that if you're doing it solely for money, you will ultimately "be screwed."

During an interview with Fox News Digital at Fanatics Fest, the 57-year-old businessman elaborated on his philosophy. "If you're starting something that you love, you have to want to do it for free," John explained. "I always say to kids, you know, you got to get paid for what you'd do for free, you'd be able to sell whatever you would buy. So, any business is a great business. Emptying garbage is a great business if you really love it. If you're doing it just for money though, you'll be screwed."

John, who co-founded the global fashion brand FUBU in 1992 with childhood friends, began his entrepreneurial journey at a young age. He recalled being motivated by a desire to create clothing for African Americans, a market he felt was underserved by existing brands. "First of all, I was frustrated by Timberland, and a couple of other people and brands that didn't make clothes for African Americans," he told The Source Magazine. "That was why I initially created FUBU. It was my love of fashion as well and my love for music. And I felt that no longer did we have to have the 'make it and they will come theory' like other designers."

He described his early days of sewing hats and T-shirts in his mother's home and the excitement of creating a brand that resonated with the community. "I was a designer who actually respected the community I was selling to, and it was fun. It was an exciting time. Hip-hop was young and fresh, and I was just happy to wear the clothes that I was making as well as seeing artists and other people wear the clothes that I was making for them."

John joined the original cast of "Shark Tank" in 2009, where he has since invested in various businesses. His investment strategy often prioritizes the entrepreneur's character. "I always look for the person first — before the idea," he told Inc. "I need to know that they are going to get the right information, and not go off and make mistakes without at least trying to educate themselves. I value an entrepreneur I can get behind and trust because I know they are attempting to move forward in life."

John was attending Fanatics Fest, a sports festival, where he expressed his enthusiasm for experiencing the event as a fan, noting the diverse attractions ranging from WWE and UFC to celebrity and sports appearances. ![Daymond John at Fanatics Fest]( "Daymond John on set of "Shark Tank" ")