We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmy Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jimmy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me starting my own business was built off of a need to find a solution to a problem. The problem was the lack of leadership development opportunities for Black and Brown students. The solution was to create pathways that allowed them to be themselves, explore their historical power, and develop soft skills that built their confidence and overall resilience so they can withstand any situation, systemic barrier, and institutional barrier.

Another motivating factor in me starting my own business was the opportunity to truly be innovative. Sometimes it takes you to create your own platform to realize the change you want to see.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
For me my business is my motivator for the change I want to see for all youth in traditional k-12 educational institutions. I want to see empowered communities becoming the voices that institutional and systemic leaders listen to when they think about inclusion and making sure EVERYONE is served according to their individual wants and needs. This not only applies to the school leaders, but the community and civic leaders that influence how Black and Brown communities receive resources.

What set’s my businesses Build 2 Lead and Ambition Is priceless Consulting apart from others is the amount of hours we put into getting the opinions of those we serve to frame how we do our work. Both businesses worked to gather the voices of youth, educators, and community through 150+ listening sessions that asked them about how they are experiencing their environments, their solution focused ideas, and strategizing around how their schools and communities can best serve them. This is exactly how Build 2 Lead was created!

The challenges come from being a 1st-generation business owner and having the passion to stand tall through adversity. Sometimes it can become overwhelming to launch businesses and realize success. Thankfully, both of my businesses have done well since I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2016. Being strong-willed, having the discipline to sacrifice the things you want to do for the things you have to do and establishing a strong “WHY” is what has kept me afloat through a Pandemic, systemic racism, and to be honest bad partnerships at times. It all comes with the territory so be prepared to go through it, to get to it!

My brand is my life, and my story is still being written. Evolving is necessary, so who I was 6-years ago when I started my business, isn’t who I am now. I embrace my changes, seek knowledge, and continue to look for ways I can become better so I don’t get stagnant.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend came to Washington, I would first take them to Taco City in Columbia City in Seattle, WA. Best margaritas and tacos in town! Next, I would take them to Pike Place Market for the historical aspect of it all. From there we would see the scenery at Alki Beach in Seattle, WA and have dinner at Toulouse which is a dope restaurant that takes traditional Louisiana Cajun cuisine up a notch. After that I would have them go south to Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar in Tacoma, WA and chill with my family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my wife Sade Brown for her continued support Shoutout to my Mother Jan Brown for giving me the gift of humility and understanding
Shoutout my Brother Omari Brown for his continued unconditional support
Shoutout my late Father Jimmy Edward Brown for giving me the passion to fight systemic barriers and the spirit of innovation.

Shoutout to countless number of youth I have mentored during my time in education and community work!

Website: www.build2lead.org

Instagram: @build2lead

Linkedin: @build2lead

Facebook: @build2lead

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