Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Blackmon.
Hi Brian, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
The hospital that I worked for in St Louis, Missouri, began to cut back work hours for sum and lay people off for others do to the spread of Covid-19 in March of 2020. Fortunately, I was given the option to use my vacation time instead of having my hours cut because I had a significant amount of Paid Time Off at my disposal, so I took that option to help myself. While on vacation for two weeks, I was thinking about what my next move was going to be. I began to feel very stressed and anxious all the time because of all the turmoil taking place at work. It got so bad that it began to have an effect on my home life. When my vacation was over, and they called me back in, I decided to take a Family Leave Of Absence and get counseling to deal with all the mental turmoil I was going through. I knew that I needed to get away from my job and regroup. After addressing everything that was causing all of the emotional turmoil that I was having, which was feeling isolated and helpless at work, the social division that seem to be intensifying everywhere, and the economic hardship that Covid-19 was inflicting on everyone. Ultimately, I had to find a way to deal with these issues that I was allowing to affect me in a negative way. What was it going to take to navigate my life in a way that I felt I had more control for positive outcomes? After talking it over with my wife, that’s when I decided to put in my two week notice after returning from leave. I needed to find something that gave me purpose and passion and could inspire others. In these divisive times that we are in, I know I’m not alone in my struggles, and I want to help spread the word and inspire and empower all through better physical and mental health awareness. That’s when I decided to start a leisure clothing brand with inspirational phrases that make people feel good and hopefully feel inspired. My goal is to use portions of sales to go to mental health organizations to help people financially who my need on going therapy. The motto of the brand is” Find the JOY of YOU.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
First and foremost, it is a financial struggle making sure that I keep track of every dollar spent. Allocating funds for the business as well as household expenditures. I also had to sale my cars just to have additional funds to get started. The lack of support from family and friends made it stressful and lonely and made it difficult to maintain my focus and self-esteem. Everyone telling me I never should have quit my job and that I made a bad decision to leave after being there for so many years. Because of all of the negative energy from family and friends, I had to distance myself from them and love them from afar to maintain my focus and pursuit.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Mental and Physical Health Advocate/ Entrepreneur. I want to bring about more mental health awareness through a brand that advocates inspiration and empowerment to push for a positive mindset. The brand represents everyday people like myself who deal with their stress, fears, and anxiety and how it’s impacting our physical and mental wellbeing in these changing times and that there is no shame in seeking help to become a physically and mentally stronger you. It’s simple yet different. It simple because the acronym is “Just A Brand Name”. It’s different because it represents a mindset. A movement to overcome challenges and obstacles to pursue your journey in becoming the best of yourself. When you were the brand (JABN), you’re not just wearing apparel, you’re wearing a State Of Mind.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very active person. Playing sports and riding my bike throughout the neighborhood. I was somewhat shy, but once you got to know me, I would come out of my shell. I always had great imagination and would daydream often, but I was in fear of sharing them because I didn’t want to get teased. I got teased very much growing up because when I would get allergies in the spring, my body would break out in a big bumpy rash. It would last from April until June. All the kids would call me “bumpy boy” every day. I grew to hate that time of year. I thank god as I got older, the rash went away. Now I just get itchy eyes and some sneezing. At that time, I didn’t want to bring too much attention to myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jabnshop.com
- Instagram: @therealdimetrius
Image Credits
Remarcus Steele
