We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Big V. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Big below.

Big, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I started working at UPS in 2003, solely because i needed a job in college to pay bills and help fund my music career. I hated it everyday and i was there for 10 years. Throughout that time, i would make small investments within myself to further what i really had interests in, which was music and fashion. I purchased equipment to build an in-home recording studio and taught myself how to record. I also purchased many cameras and taught myself how to shoot and edit my own videos. From there i would release mixtapes as well as my own self published dvds. I would go around selling them in the streets of Greensboro,NC as well as giving them away for free, just to get my name known. I would even take risks like go to other states and stand in front of gas stations just to try to make new fans. After starting my clothing company(Skyzone.Society) in 2010, my vision was even more set on leaving UPS and working for myself. So in 2013, with the help of my girlfriend, whonis now my wife, i did just that.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started writing lyrics in the 6th grade. My love for music, especially hiphop and r&b, has been there before then. I started recording music at 18 when i went off to college at NC A&T State University. Now, I put my own shows and tours together, as well as be apart of other artists tours, opening up for some of my favorite artists.

Im most proud of being able to be a successful underground artist and businessman, who still helps other artists reach their goals, while being a hands-on father of 3 kids.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A few years ago, my wife had to have open heart surgery. I had to put everything on pause for a little why and play both parents while she recovered. It was extremely tough, but we got through it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that friends will be the first to support you. Most of the time, they will be the last. Strangers will support you before people that actually know you. I thought everytime i released new music or new clothes that my closest friends and family would be the first to buy it and they arent/havent. Thats why it amazes me when i ship orders out of state or out of the country.

Contact Info:

• Website: skyzonesociety.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: @bigvskyzone, @skyzonesociety, @spikevphotography
• Youtube: youtube.com/longtimecomingent

Image Credits
All images captured by Spike V Photography