Interview With Justin Townsend aka Big Smokey (@loudpacksjay)
Justin Townsend also known as “Big Smokey” or “Loud Packs Jay” has been making a come up as an entrepreneur. The cannabis pioneer and clothing brand owner is making a name for himself, with over 300K followers on his Instagram @loudpacksjay. We were lucky to get the chance to interview him.
— Check out the interview below —
What exactly do you do for a career?
“I am an event HOST. I was the official host for Hightimes Magazine 2017–2019. I am the owner of loud packs clothing, one of the biggest urban apparel clothing lines in California. I am a cannabis pioneer. I own some of the biggest brands in cannabis. I have won over 15 first place trophies from high times for having the best products.”
What was the process for you to find what you wanted to do?
“These last few years I traveled the world branding my companies, attending music festivals like coachella, rolling loud and many other worldwide festivals. I know many celebrities who endorse my brands and wear my clothing . I have spent many years building my huge social media presence. I started a music label called big smokey productions. I own 2 barbecue restaurants and have a successful company called Big Smokey Barbecue. I have hosted some of the biggest music festivals and have introduced big name artists such as 50 Cent, Ludacris, Nelly, Damien Marley, Nas, Baby Bash, Snoop Dog and many more.”
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“The most rewarding part of my career is being able to retire at 33 years old and spending time with my 3 kids. I am a full time coach for my son and all his sports teams. Building my empire has been rewarding by itself. Every morning I wake up on my own time and not from the sound of an alarm. Being able to travel the world and vacation with my family has been fun. Having a cult following on social media and in real life is rewarding.”
Can you tell us about your company/job/hustle?
“My first company is Loud Packs clothing. We have taken over the urban culture. People from around the world buy our mercy. Artists and celebrities endorse and wear our clothing. Through loud packs clothing I create other entities. I own the trademark for “Big Smokey”. Big Smokey is now my nickname but also the name of my barbecue business, Big Smokey barbecue. I also license the Big Smokey name so companies in the cannabis space can use it for licensing products. They pay me to use my name and I just collect a check from it. I do meet and greets and get paid $2500-$5000 just for an appearance. I started a record company Big Smokey Productions where I am just now starting to sign new up and coming talent.”
What do you want your audience to know?
“I am a world wide influencer. I speak success and motivate people all over the world. I often give back to the community and am involved with much charity work. I like to help others achieve their dreams. To become successful I stayed true to myself and my fans. I lead by example and grind like I am still hungry for success. I have a large UK fanbase.”
What is your greatest success so far?
“My biggest success is building the Big Smokey dynasty, a dynasty which consists of a clothing brand, cannabis brand, and a barbecue brand. Big Smokey is also a entertainer which is my aka name.”
Where did you grow up?
“I am from the bay area California, aka the Silicon Valley. I grew up in East Palo Alto, California. I also spent parts of my life growing up in mountain view califonia.”
What are some of the challenges you faced along the way?
“Being in the cannabis world was challenging. Having to grow with the legalization of marijuana and the transition from medical to rec was hard. Starting my own clothing line was difficult because at first it was hard to get people to support and pay money for merch. Being from the Silicon Valley it was difficult to stay innovative and ahead of times being that technology was constantly changing. When I started hosting events and festivals it was hard to always be traveling state to state, city to city. I missed my family and it was tiring on my body.”
What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?
“To be successful it takes hard work and discipline. I had to push forward even when I was being held back. Over time I was told no so many time that it made me more hungry to prove people wrong. When the world is watching you have to be perfect and this can be difficult at times. It is hard to get the support of others when you are building your own path, you have keep the tunnel vision on and stay creative. You have to grow with the times and catch the eye of the younger generations to stay relevant. Staying relevant and consistent are key stay drug free and walk a straight line. Don’t get distracted and wait for your time. You can’t rush success just be patient and don’t pay attention what others are doing.”
— End of interview —
You can find out more info about Justin Townsend aka Big Smokey here:
