The definition of a jet setter is a person who travels frequently; often, it is used to describe someone in high society with a glamorous life. We ate Taste the dram have a small spin on the term Jet setter. We feel it’s used to describe someone who has worked hard for their wealth or opportunities. Nothing was handed to them. Everything was earned. They use the opportunities they have to share their lifestyle with others by welcoming them into the fold. Sure, it might seem like they are showing off, but in fact, they are a prime example of what hard work and determination can give you.
We spoke to William on many occasions previously about his love of spirits and cigars, but not nearly enough how he was able to afford such a lifestyle. We hope you take this interview with a grain of salt and use it to build your dreams into realities. Nothing is given, everything is earned. Go out and take it. No excuses just results.
Billy, so people know you mostly because of your extensive Cuban cigar collection and your interest in the finer spirits in life. But let’s dig a little deeper behind the person of the Instafamous BK23XXIII. Based on your posts there is a certain aura of style you seem to possess. How does your fashion style change between your day job and your regular-Joe everyday life?
WR: I enjoy fashion almost as much as I enjoy cigars. I’m in the office and with clients throughout the week and the feeling of putting on a beautiful, bespoke suit is hard to beat. It almost creates a sense of confidence and success as you start your day. I love the process of putting together an outfit.. a tailored suit and accessories, a great shirt, collar stay, tie, watch, socks shoes and a pocket square to finish off the look! I will definitely be that old gentleman that wakes up every day and puts on a suit even if it’s just to go out for breakfast, lol.
My casual attire is equally a reflection of my personality. I am not a huge fan of brands plastered all over my clothes, I prefer a crisp white or black v neck with a pair of good fitting Jean’s, Chelsea boots and a nice watch and necklace. Style is supposed to make you feel special, it’s a direct reflection of your personality and no two peoples should ever be the exact same.
What is the most important thing your followers should know about you? and what are you most proud of in your life?
WR: It’s important to me that they know how much I appreciate them following me and being engaged and involved on a daily basis. I am just a regular guy who likes his shit organized and happens to have a couple of nice cigars. I love meeting great people and being a resource to them, especially in regards to cigars and other things I enjoy talking about so much! (Shoes, fashion, whisky, watches, etc)
Your Instagram posts are clean and vibrant, it must take you a huge amount of time to setup. Why is it important to you to create such a comprehensive record of your work?
WR: Ha-ha, honestly it not a lot of work at all. No more than 2 or 3 minutes. Instagram is truly a glimpse into my daily life. I would set up my table and surround myself with my accessories and all the things I enjoy long before I started taking pictures of it. I think smoking a cigar is an experience…its an opportunity to reflect, re-evaluate and recharge. I take that hour to let the weight of the world drift away and enjoy a drink and a cigar before getting back on my grind! It wouldn’t matter if I had 45 followers or 45,000 followers, my page wouldn’t change. It’s just who I am.
Tell us about your man cave. From the photos and videos, it’s a pretty amazing design. When you first decided to set it up, what was the process from the initial design to what it looks like now?
WR: So I have always been a huge fan of interior design. I was raised by my Grandmother and we were very poor. I remember watching an old show called “lifestyles of the rich and famous” as a kid and falling in love with the architecture and design of their homes, the interior, and even their beautiful backyards.
My room was full of perfectly placed Michael Jordan posters at the time but it was all color coordinated and everything had its place. All my homes have always been like my man caves as I’ve gotten older in that I spent a lot of time planning out their design and aesthetic. I like to create a feeling or a vibe in a room to reflect its purpose. My man cave is for entertaining and relaxing and a reflection of my passions so that was the intention behind its design.
We know you’re big on travel and living that luxury lifestyle yet remaining approachable and humble. How do you find the balance walking that fine line so you don’t seem arrogant but at the same time exude confidence?
WR: Man, just because I have a lot of followers on social media and I’m a successful guy doesn’t make me any better than the guy down the street busting his ass at McDonald’s for $10 an hour. I came from VERY humble beginnings and I worked HARD to get where I am in life. I appreciate being instilled with a great work ethic by my Grandmother as I watched her go to work every morning and come home late in the evening to support her 3 grand-kids. That made me want to be SO successful to ensure I could provide for my family the way she provided for me! I’ve been working full time since 10th grade.
In regards to being perceived as arrogant, it can certainly be a fine line. I am very proud of my accomplishments and I’m so grateful for them but I’m also conscious of the fact that it’s easy to look like a douche-bag posting pictures of my “stuff” all the time… I hope people enjoy my pictures and appreciate them as a form of art, not someone showing off or being pretentious as that’s never my intention. There is always someone out there who has more than you, I’ve just learned to be satisfied and appreciative of what I do have and enjoy creating experiences as that’s what truly makes me happy.
Money is for buying stuff, what was the last purchase you made where it was more about the experience and not about the price tag.
WR: Hmmm.. I just bought 8 bottles of a very rare cognac. I spend a lot of time buying rare cigars but I have a pretty great collection of port, wine, whisky/scotch, rum, etc. Other than Louis XIII, cognac was always on the peripheral but David Yurman’s son discovered a 50+ year old barrel in France and bottled 458 bottles from it and that’s all that will ever be available. He said it was the best cognac he ever tasted and that certainly had my mouth watering. I cracked a bottle open the other day and I must admit, it was money well spent… paired with my favorite cigar, it was an amazing experience!
Tell us about your Goals for 2019:
WR: I set small goals daily and won’t stop working that day until I’ve accomplished them all. Monthly I’ll do the same. 1 big goal for the month that I work toward. This keeps me constantly motivated to succeed and checking those goals off the list creates a feeling of accomplishment. Nothing changes in 2019, I plan to stay on my grind and continue working towards my lifelong goal of being happy, creating amazing memories and living with no regrets.
You recently attended Art Basil in Miami, and I know you try to attend that every year. What is it about that event that really draws you in. Who is the best person you’ve ever been seated to on a plane?
WR: I lived in California for a long time and I love warm weather so Miami is a great way to escape the cold. Add Art, exotic cars, the beach and beautiful scenery to the equation and Art Basel becomes a no brainer for me every December, lol. I take 3 reoccurring trips a year, The Masters, Golf with Tiger in Vegas and Art Basel. Each satisfies a passion and gives me an excuse to get away from the office for a few days.
Golf, Great Weather and Art are the perfect reasons for me to hop on a plane. I am not a fan of flying so I need motivation to make the anxiety worthwhile. The best person to sit next to on the plane is the pilot, lol! I’ll sit and talk to him the whole trip to ease my worries and pilots tend to have great stories, believe it or not!
What’s your preference, city or beach
WR: A foreign city with a beautiful beach nearby!
