Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Townsend aka Big Smokey.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was VP of Marketing for California finest one of the biggest cannabis companies in the world. We worked licensing deals with celebrities, athletes and music artists. As I continued to become more involved in the industry, my name began to grow. I started to gain a fan base and recognition throughout California. I would attend trade shows and festivals that would have attendance numbers of over 30,000 people. These festivals would include over 50 music artists over a weekend. I started hosting and MC these events. In 2017, I became the Host for Highttimes Magazine. Hightimes would throw huge music festivals with big-name rappers on the venue. I was the man on the microphone who introduced the acts and entertained the crowds in between sets.
After traveling America hosting shows and concerts my fan base and social media presence grew bigger. Sponsors were reaching out paying me for appearances and endorsement deals. I was getting booked for a different event in a different state every week. I started a clothing line Loud Packs Clothing. We would sell Big Smokey merch at all the shows and my fans would wait in lines for meet and greets with me. Loud Packs Clothing grew big and is now the urban clothing success that it is today. After show business, I started a barbecue company Big Smokey Barbecue. I now own two restaurants and plan on expanding the franchise.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an entertainer and starting from the bottom is always difficult. I had little support from my peers and I had 0 financial backing. I had to invest in myself and this was a challenge. Building the fanbase that I have today was hard. The most difficult about everything was balancing my family life and work life, I was always traveling and this was hard. I have a wife and 3 kids.
Please tell us about Big Smokey Productions.
I am most known for being an influencer and host. I have many different companies. Big Smokey Barbecue, Loudpacksclothing, Big Smokey Production, Big Smokey Tequila and Bug Smokey Farm. I created loud packs jay the entertainer which is my show biz name whereas big smokey is more of my aka. I host concerts, festivals, shows, and events. Unlike most companies, I am self-made. Everything I have, I had to build from the ground up without a co-sign. I stay creative and innovative staying ahead of the trends.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would include others in helping me build my success. It is a struggle doing everything on your own and not accepting anyone’s help. You need a team to help you build and I didn’t let anybody help me. I wanted to control everything on my own. You need a team to be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loudpacksclothing.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudpacksjay/
Image Credit:
Tony Buatti (eatumupphoto)
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