New video created!

6/26/14

I want to take this time to thank everybody for their support thus far. All the messages/calls/tweets received have been really appreciated. Once again the fact that I am getting support is what makes me want to continue on.

I have nothing but good news for the brand. The wristbands are coming in any day now. The T+T basketball shirts are arriving later this week and i'm crazy excited about the design. Wish I could post a picture to share the design of both the wristbands and shirts. The next blog post I will be able to.

I recently posted a new video under my "About Me" tab on my website. I have a good feeling about it. Keep in mind i'm not a video editor but as I continue to make videos I know they will get better. The video lets everybody know of my struggle and what I have overcame. Check the video out under the tab or click the play button.The youtube channel is where you can visit to view all the videos I create for the future. Please subscribe!

One thing that I have learned thus far is "help" isnt't easy to find. I feel that everyone has a special talent. For this brand to be successful I know that I need a team. A team of determined individuals that bring their craft to the table. If I could do everything on my own I would! I firmly believe in the saying "If you want something done right, do it yourself." But, I am getting ahead of myself because I am still in the first month of this brand. Right now the brand is still a question mark. I believe in beyourowndad and I know it is going to flourish I just don't know exactly what it will become. Just have to wait and see.....

In the meantime stay up to date on the website (http://www.beyourowndad.com/) and the Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad). Also, follow on twitter and instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V

"I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man."-Jay Z

Numbers dont lie!

6/24/14

Before I begin I want to apologize to everyone that checked in for a new blog entry yesterday. I mentioned I would post a new entry every other day, but i realized that I don't have much to speak about to be posting every other day. So I plan on posting every Tuesday and Thursday now.

The T+T League registration went great this past weekend. We have 8 teams in and possibly more. This is going to be an exciting, competitive, and fun league. First games will be this Sunday June 29th, 2014 at the Boys and Girls Club. The schedule, time, and rosters will be announced on the website. Please check the website (beyourowndad.com) later in the week for an update.  

The process of creating a brand is very exciting. I want to share the statistics so far. The blog is at 948 views since I released it on 6/12/14. I didn't think I had much to say but it appears that people like reading my thoughts. I don't know if 948 views is normal in the blog world or not, but all the support is greatly appreciated. I noticed a trend in the amount of viewers per day. Since announcing the project the first few days I would get almost 100 page views per day. I would receive a lot of RTs on twitter about spreading the word and that truly helped. Now I feel like the hype is down and numbers are decreasing by the day. So to everyone that has been following my progress and looking to support it would really help if you RT tweets of the account every now and then. A simple RT can introduce the brand to your own followers and they can have a chance to be inspired and motivated.

The official twitter account is at 96 followers since releasing the account on 6/14/14. I had a goal to get 50 followers by 7/14/14 and I crush that within the first 5 days. Next goal is 100 followers by the same date and I think I should be able to reach that hopefully by the end of the day. There are prizes for every interval of 50 followers. The first 50 was entered into a contest for a free shirt and one lucky follower won! This time around the 100th follower is going to receive a free wristband. Spread the word and you may have a chance to win a prize! Once again please follow on twitter as well as instagram at @beyourowndad.

I'm very excited to announce the first testimony for the website is up. Hopefully after viewing the 1st story there will be more understanding for the website. Beyourowndad is all about sharing your story to inspire somebody else to make a change in their life. The story of Rashema Melson is the perfect example of what Beyourowndad is all about. Talk about inspiring!!!!

Lastly, the Facebook page has been getting some love too. The page is at 148 likes and growing each and everyday. Please share the page on your own facebook if you would like to support. Once again I want to Thank everybody for the support that I have received thus far and keep in mind this is only the beginning!!!

BTW: Beyourowndad wristbands are on the way! Once the wristbands come in my promotion team and I will be traveling around Mass to beaches and events to spread the word. If you know of any major events coming up this summer please let me know by leaving a comment!

Jimmy V

" I know I can, Be what I wanna be, If I work hard at it, I'll be where I wanna be"-Nas

"When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe"

6/21/14

Its crazy when you find something your really interested or passionate about. Your mind set changes. I wake up now excited about the day. I use my time wisely. I'm constantly thinking of new ideas that I can use for the brand.

Before starting this brand I was a college graduate fresh out of school. I remember May 2013 as if it was yesterday. I was too amp'd to graduate. Very anxious for those that don't use slang. I went to Fitchburg State University for four years. I started when the school's name was "Fitchburg State College". So you know I was there for too long. I was ready to graduate but worried because I kept hearing about the struggle of finding a job after school. But, not having to deal with school anymore was the perfect reason for me to get up out of there. Shout out to all my burg people!

First day back in Taunton and i'm focused. I'm searching everywhere for a J O B. It wasn't as hard as I thought because I landed a job selling cars a week out. Shout out my people over at Mastria Mazda I didn't forget you guys. Now selling cars isn't the dream job especially having a speech impediment, but on the other hand better then staying home all day. Salesman work an average of 40-50 hours a week so I was busy all day. In November 2013, six months later I finally find another full time job that relates to my degree in a way. More like a foot in the door to a better job down the road. This job was less hours so of course I wanted it. Except, it was overnight. So i'm talking close to 90 hours a week.....Damn, can I pull this off?

 "I rather be tired then broke"

Damn right I can. Get on my grind and make this paper. Eric Thomas once said "if your going to be successful you got to be willing to give up sleep." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTFnmsCnr6g) That's exactly what I did. Worked 90 hours a week and slept any chance I could which wasn't much. Got my vacation time up and used it first chance I could. Booked a trip to California for June 2014! 

While in California I attended Marki Costello's International Week. Her week long course helps you create a brand for yourself and covers the fundamentals of hosting. Since returning, I was able to share my brand beyourowndad. The support I have received has been crazy and just makes me want to work at it so much more.  The brand is sponsoring the T+T Mens Basketball League this summer and have plenty of ideas coming up for the summer. This is only the beginning......

T+T Mens Basketball League registration: Today Saturday 6/21/14 at the Boys and Girls Club 5-7

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V

"I swear if niggas put half of what they put in chasing ass into a craft, now you'd be famous and rich"'-J.Cole

Progression

The past few days have been extremely exciting for the brand. I was able to create not only the facebook page but also release the official website as well. I have received nothing but positive support since both dropped. The twitter account completely surprised me as to how the word is spreading. I have my own personal twitter account and i know first hand that gaining followers isn't the easiest thing. But, after five days of creating the twitter account it was able to grow over 50 followers. Now you major social media people are probably laughing but I had a goal of getting at least 50 followers by 7/12/14. I was able to crush that goal now on to the next. I heard that you can buy followers but I don't want to make this a popularity contest. Yea it would look great having 20k followers but if they don't support what I am trying to spread then they don't matter.

Yesterday, being that it was beautiful weather over here in New England I decided to hit Onset Beach located in Wareham, MA with my boys. After throwing around the football in the sun for sometime it just hit me. I asked myself "how did Diddy spread the word about Bad Boy in the 90s where social media was unheard of?" I already knew the answer! I started walking around and approaching everybody on the beach and just started to spread my brand. Word of mouth is always what started rumors in school. All I kept in mind was whats the worst they can say....no! Besides my team and I were walking around on the beach beach...shirtless..talking to females...I mean it genius!! why not lol. This gave me my idea for my summer promotion! I'll be ordering beyourowndad.com wrist bands and going to beaches, festivals, anywhere people are and passing them out. Be on the lookout!! I'll also be creating the official instagram page so anybody that receives a wristband can get a pic.

I hate typing too much but those college essays got the best of me. But, keep in mind the T+T Mens League registration is this Saturday located at the Boys and Girls Club in Taunton, Ma. We are starting at 5 sharp so bring your Ids and 40 dollars. This is the first event that I will be sponsoring and trust me Jimmy V got ya back! Pictures of the event will also be featured from the instagram account. By my next blog I will have the instagram account created so look out for it.

The brand is a week old and I couldn't ask for a better start. I'm grinding for what I believe in. Stay tuned and please comment showing some love.

#BTW I received this message yesterday and I couldn't have been any more thrilled. We overseas!!!! ahaha

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/
Twitter: @beyourowndad
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

-Jimmy V

"Like keep grinding boy, your life can change in one year"-J.Cole

First Sponsor

6/17/14

The beginning journey of the beyourowndad brand has been very interesting. Today marks a complete week since returning from my California trip where I first came up with the concept of the brand. I am very satisfied with what I have been able to get accomplished thus far. 

I'v been able to create the official blog and twitter for beyourowndad. The brand has been getting great feedback which excites me for the future. There is an ongoing issue of comments not appearing on blog posts but that is a problem that I hope to solve as soon as possible. The website is 80% complete and will be released later on this week. 

I'm very excited to announce that beyourowndad is sponsering it's first event! Beyourowndad has partnered up with the creator of the T+T Basketball League Apollos Wade. (Taunton,MA)  The T+T league was created in rememberence of Tigan Hollingsworth  and Thomas Trevor Harris. Two beloved Taunton natives that unfortunately passed away in 2010. Tigan Hollingsworth at the age of 17 and Thomas Trevor Harris at the age of 26. May both Rest in Peace. 

The league is entering it's second year and plans on being an annual summer basketball league for years to come.The registration will be held Saturday June 21, 2014 at the Boys and Girls Club of Taunton. Beginning at 5 P.M and ending at 7 P.M. Fee for registartion and uniform will be $40. This is a 17+ men's basketball league. Please bring identification for registration. 

Apollos Wade and beyourowndad are very excited for this year and hope all come out and participate. 

-Jimmy V

"The good die young"-Tupac

From the heart..

Before I begin I just want to say I wasn't planning on posting anything. I'm trying to stick to my every other day schedule but it is Father's Day......

Just another day in my book. But, I received a text asking me to speak about the day. Once again this brand/blog/twitter/website isn't just for me it's for everybody. So I will do what my audience requests as long as it's reasonable.

Why? Why am I deprived one less holiday per year? Why is my family portrait missing a person? Why didn't you give me the birds and bees talk when I was thinking about sex? Why didn't you teach me how to shave? Why didn't you teach me how to tie a tie? Why weren't you there when I crossed that stage to receive my diploma?  Why are you such a sucker! What type of man are you to leave a woman with 3 young boys? Why did you leave my mother and force her to work two full time jobs? Weren't you suppose to be her ride or die. She falls you catch her! Why was I forced to walk home after school because nobody could pick me up? Why did I have to ask for numerous rides home from people I barely know? You know how embarrassing that is! Especially being a young black man in a school thats mostly white. They already knew the black population struggles and you proved them right! What if they kidnapped me?

I do wanna thank you though! You turn me into the man I am today. In a way you helped me make this brand. You showed me what NOT to do! You showed me how to survive without having a father figure to look up to. You showed me that I can do whatever I put my mind too even though I don't have a father to support me. So shout out to you......for being you...

So how does every person out there that grew up without a father get thru this day?

By continuing to prove that "man" that you can achieve more then ever even though he is not here supporting you.

Comment as Anonymous from the drop down menu to publish a comment. You can then say who you are if you please to.

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V "No love from my daddy cause the coward wasn't there" 

"Everything happens for a reason"

6/14/14

As I'm working the graveyard shift (overnight) I can't help but think how I am going to get my brand #beyourowndad off the ground. My current thoughts are: nobody knows about it and is the concept going to be understood?

I want to explain this the easiest way to be understood. #beyourowndad is the story of individuals that have overcome their negative struggles and used that as motivation to better themselves. It's where negative becomes positive!

This brand is powerful! It's inspiring! Anybody that has gone through a struggle and continued moving forward can relate to #beyourowndad Anybody that didn't quit when times got rough can relate to #beyourowndad The best part about the brand is it's not only for me. Yea I created it but this is something that I can share with everyone! I hope one day people will claim that they are #beyourowndad (wishful thinking ah) 

I'm a firm believer of the saying "everything happens for a reason" Ironically as I was surfing the web I came across the first testimony that I will be featuring on the #beyourowndad website. (Coming very soon) 

I want everybody to meet Rashema Melson. She is one of the many stories that scream #beyourowndad From being homeless to receiving a full ride to Georgetown nothing is going stop her. Congratulations Rashema! I hope all the best for you. Keep it up! Please click the link! 

http://wapo.st/SttN4g

Comment as Anonymous from the drop down menu to publish a comment. You can then say who you are if you please to.

In the meantime please follow @beyourowndad on twitter for inspiring tweets and stories.

#BTW I will be attempting to post a new blog every other day. So please comment and come back!

-Jimmy V

"Who gon stop me huh!?!"-Kanye West

Starting something New

6/12/14

Today is the launch of my Blog for my brand. Do I know what i'm doing? Absoluteley Not! This is my first time ever doing a blog. But, i'm not going to let my unexperience stop me from doing this. What is my brand? The exact words towards the top of this page= Be Your Own Dad. Website is coming soon!

What is Be Your Own Dad? (which will now be referred to as #beyourowndad)
#BeYourOwnDad= represents the struggles that many deal with and we focus on overcoming them. I didn't create it on my own! I had help from the one and only Queen of Hosting Marki Costello. One thing you will learn about me is I am very appreciative. I give credit where its due. I'm not one to over compliment a person hoping to get on their good side. We all know in grade school that was a teachers' pet. Honestly that is called dick riding! in my book. Look up who Marki is and her work speaks for herself.

Yes that's right dick riding! Wanna know what is a on going struggle for me everyday? The use of slang aka how I would talk around my family and friends vs "my work voice"

Wanna hear what i really wanna say: Wassup everybody! Its ya boy Jimmy V. I have a idea that I believe in and I want everybody to know about! Right now i'm bumping Kanye West Through the Wire through my speakers. This particular song Kanye got into a life changing car accident and put his emotions into the song and talked about it. He put his struggle out there, overcame it and now look where he is now. That is gonna be the idea for my brand but i'll let the website educate yall about that.

This blog is about me. The shit I go thru. I'm a 22 year old black man living in America. I NEVER play the race card. That move is as old as a 100 yr old still kickin. Why did I mention that I'm black. Because I am lol its a motivator for me because the black man is held to a different standard. But, that's not the elephant in the room tho. I'll let you guys figure that out later on. I rock with Hip Hop and RnB any day of the week. Just last night I was watching the 2nd episode of  "The Message" on BET covering the transition Hip Hop has gone thru these past 20+ years. I don't rap which is the sad part lol but I have 90s lyrics embedded in my ears. So my slang or the way I talk around my family and friends is completely different then my work voice. I don't call it work voice i call it white voice. I can't come out the blue and say white voice because you guys would think i'm racist. There's a lot you all we learn about me as I continue this blogging thing.

Now tell me if I wrote this whole blog the way I normally speak (aka using my slang)....nobody would ever expect that I was my Class President in high school and a college graduate! Graduated in 4 years at the age of 21 and still doing my damn thing. Holla at me!
(Not even gonna use spell check lol this is me)

#beyourowndad coming soon

Comment as Anonymous from the drop down menu to publish a comment. You can then say who you are if you please to.