Today we’d like to introduce you to Tariq Brown.
Hi Tariq, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, Dreams over Excuses is a nonprofit that I started actually from my for-profit called Daboc. It was a clothing company that created apparel with motivational and inspirational phrases. One of the most popular phrases and biggest sellers was “Dreams Over Excuses.” Whenever I would wear it someone would tell me they really liked it, and that came from all different ages, ethnicities, and both sexes. I always had a plan to start a non-profit to give back and help the youth. My background is I played professional arena football and then went into accounting/finance. I realized early on that mentors were important for the youth to really pursue their dreams so with that Dreams Over Excuses was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha, I don’t even think freshly paved roads are smooth. Dreams Over Excuses is a nonprofit with the purpose to teach the youth about financial literacy and entrepreneurship so that’s not always the easiest concept to get through to a lot kids, especially if that wasn’t something that was introduced to them in their household. I’m fairly new so common struggles have been building a team, securing funding, and getting into schools.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dreams Over Excuses Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dreams over Excuses is a nonprofit with the purpose of teaching the youth about financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Living in America, in a capitalist society, I think it’s important everyone, but especially our youth, understands how money works. I personally didn’t know anything about the stock market until I was almost 30. When it comes to investing, the earlier you get in the better. Also, it’s important that our youth understand entrepreneurship and how to structure a business. There are so many scenerios I’ve heard where individuals had a “business” but didn’t have it structured correctly so they couldn’t take advantage of certain funding opportunities or tax advantages.
I’m hoping my background of being from the inner city of Newark, NJ but also living in various states and then playing professional arena football helps me be relatable to a lot of our youth. The goal is to be able to connect with them and show them the importance of financial literacy whether through live presentations in schools, e-books, and/or after-school programs.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I always looked at luck, not as a mystical thing that floats around granting certain people wishes, but rather when preparation meets opportunity. So honestly I believe people create their own luck by taking advantage of certain opportunities and building relationships. Everyone is going to face obstacles in life so it’s about being persistent which creates your luck and in turn goes with the phrase Dreams Over Excuses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreamsoverexcuses.org
- Instagram: @dreamsoverexcuses_
- Youtube: @DreamsOverExcuses
