Chapter 190: Isn't This a Bit Much?

[Chapter 190: Isn't This a Bit Much?]

"Ryan, the design samples for the Beats collaboration are in. Want to take a look?" Jimmy quickly connected the call, the first thing on his mind being the joint project with Taylor.

"Sure, but there's something else," Ryan replied, switching the phone to the other ear.

"I'm looking for a female singer to collaborate with."

"Fergie or Madonna?" Jimmy responded with a laugh, sounding as if no one else was worthy to work with Ryan.

"Let's not go there." Ryan immediately shook his head.

Those two were top-tier female artists, and he wasn't ready for the drama, especially with Madonna, who was known for her diva behavior.

"Those would fit you just perfectly, don't you think?" Jimmy said dismissively.

"I think others would suit better. How about Lady Gaga?" Ryan considered who he really wanted to work with -- Lady Gaga was at the top of that list. But he knew Jimmy wouldn't budge easily.

"Sorry, she's booked up until 2010. You'll have to pick someone else," Jimmy said. He didn't want Ryan tied to Lady Gaga because it could dilute her fan base.

"Then let's go with someone else; I'm open to newcomers." Ryan relaxed his criteria, focusing strictly on vocal talent.

"I get it, you like newcomers, right? No experience, which gives it a bit of mentorship flair? White or Black? Or both?" If someone didn't know they were discussing potential collaboration partners, they might think Jimmy was helping Ryan scout for dates.

The key was that these two matters seemed like one and the same.

Ryan couldn't be bothered to explain: "Do as you wish, but I just need solid vocal skills."

"All of these have solid skills, someone will reach out to you shortly." Jimmy ended the call.

"Oh, one more thing, I hope Lady Gaga could wear the sTray collection during performances," Ryan suddenly suggested.

He had teamed up with Jimmy's brand for the headphones, so it felt fair for Jimmy to let his female artist wear Ryan's clothes in return.

Lady Gaga's outrageous style could perfectly fit the runway.

"That's already set," Jimmy wasn't budging easily.

"Come on, this is a piece of cake for you, swapping headphones for outfits," Ryan persisted.

"...Alright, I'll have her stylist get in touch with you." After some back and forth, Jimmy ultimately relented.

...

A moment later, Ryan received the design samples from Beats. The headphones featured a sleek platinum finish, and on the ear cushions, was a stylized "R&T" logo.

Instead of reading "Beats," the headband read "Ryan & Taylor."

Would anyone buy this? Ryan felt a bit uneasy.

This was a couples' edition, a set that came together -- one large and one small, not sold separately.

There were also two versions; one in white for Ryan and the other in gold for Taylor, matching her hair color perfectly. Essentially, it was a revamped version of the Beats Studio, identical internally and featuring active noise-cancellation, which was a huge selling point at the time. Sold at $349, the R&T collaboration went for an even higher price -- $399 for a single set and $749 for the duo.

In contrast, the no-contract basic iPhone sold for $599, clearly making those headphones quite pricey.

Having looked it over and not spotting any issues, Ryan quickly replied, indicating he was good to go. They stated it would hit the market soon and hoped Ryan and Taylor would provide some promotional backing. Of course, they didn't forget to send over samples -- three boxes worth.

"By the way, if I want to buy a few extra pairs, what's the wholesale price?" Ryan inquired.

After a brief wait, they replied, stating the factory price was around $250, but they would need to check for specifics.

"What if I order a larger quantity?" Ryan thought back to the fan forum donations, which summed up to about $100,000. It wasn't a problem to hold that amount temporarily, but over time, there would be complaints -- perhaps he could use this as a way to give back to fans.

"Then I'll have to check on that."

"I'm looking for quite a few," Ryan clarified.

Ultimately, he assigned the publicity work to Teresa, making sure she liaised directly with Taylor. After handling that, Ryan compiled a list, gathering names of every available female celebrity he could think of, including famous figures like the Hilton sisters.

Next, he called Teresa into the room.

...

"Contact everyone on this list for their addresses, and inform Elizabeth to send out sTray's ready-to-wear items. Don't be stingy; send plenty," Ryan instructed.

The first batch of sTray promotional photos had already come in, and he had seen them yesterday; they looked promising. At the very least, the designs on these models appeared much more wearable, fitting for public outings while maintaining the initial layering and plus-size style elements.

And as for the models, Ryan wasn't just taking advantage; he had sent them quite a bit of clothing, effectively compensating them, considering they could also help promote his brand.

Celebrity endorsement -- that was Ryan's plan. Even years later, this strategy would still be effective. However, not many were doing it at that time, but Beats had pioneered the approach to celebrity fashion influencing sales.

"Alright, Ryan. By the way, someone applied to be your personal assistant today. You've met her before, and you're quite satisfied," Teresa mentioned.

"Who?" Ryan asked.

...

A moment later, a woman walked in. Ryan recognized her as Jenny, the cheerleader who had come from the University of Florida to perform.

She wasn't in school and was here applying as an assistant?

"Ryan, I can work part-time! I can help you practice dance routines, and I can do anything you want me to do!" Jenny said eagerly.

She was just a typical college student, and although she had her share of admirers, the word "star" felt a million miles away. To her, Ryan represented the fast track to fame; securing a role with him would mean stepping onto the threshold of success.

In reality, many people in the entertainment industry climbed their way up like this. Some girls would sleep with producers just for a glimpse inside the recording studio; Jenny was certainly not an anomaly.

"I can offer you a part-time position, but it's at a nightclub downstairs. You'd handle choreography and lead dancing, and if possible, continue to recruit dancers from your school," Ryan contemplated.

Recruiting dancers for nightclubs had always been a challenge; having someone responsible for that would ease the load.

The Dazzlers from the University of Florida had left a good impression last time; they were all highly professional.

"Sure, Ryan... Boss," Jenny nodded eagerly and corrected herself.

"Also, can you help me connect with your school's sororities?" Ryan inquired.

"I think I can."

"I'd like to meet with some sorority leaders from your school -- the more, the merrier." Ryan issued a new order.

Large sorority chapters were spread throughout universities across the nation, and Ryan sought to partner with one or more of them.

"Alright, when do you want to meet them?"

"As soon as possible."

...

Just two days after a brief call with Jimmy Iovine, dozens of female singers were gathered downstairs at the Bad Room.

"Isn't this a bit much?" Ryan mused as he looked down through the window.

At that moment, Teresa was leaning against the window, her breath fogging the glass.

She let out a dramatic sigh and sank to the ground, leaving a pattern of condensation on the glass.

"Clean that up," Ryan pointed at the puddle on the floor.

"And let them in."

*****

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