We were lucky to catch up with Jamar Dunnigan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jamar , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I graduated from FIT in 2009 with a Degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. Around this time the economy had just crashed, so it was very hard to find a job in corporate America. For years I tried, but I was competing in an oversaturated market fill or more educated one w/ Masters and 2nd Degrees.

Feeling lost, I was like what can I do now to make money and live a happy life. What can I can do in a foreign country in my later years … I decided to go to Barber and Personal training school at the same time. Finishing in 2011 right before my older brothers wedding in Myrtle Beach, I was ready to tackle the world as the best barber and trainer. What a package right.

Everyone needs a barber and a personal trainer right? Well the wedding was amazing and all was going well. Well until the next day, Thursday, my brother was like, ” Who wants to play basketball?” He’s 6’6 and loves basketball and I was feeling butch that day — so I said yes and went to play.

2 games in we are winning and I am like ok this is fun; im bonding with my big bro,. Then bam — I was kicked in the back of my left foot. Well it felt like I was kicked, but really my ACL just tore and it feels like you have been kicked when it happens.

Really. How am I supposed to train or cut hair on crutches. I Waited till I got back to Harlem 3 days later and ended up having to have surgery. It was complete tore.

Lost and frustrated I went to bible study at FCBC in Harlem and told Pastor Mike what just happened. I asked him, How does God expect you to be positive or move forward in life when everything you seem to be building crumbles in the process. Like seriously, Im on crutches for 2 months.

Without hesitation, Pastor Mike said, “Maybe what God wants you to do right now does not involve you using your legs.” 2 days later my 1st book Notes from an Usher- (Just in case you missed church.) was born.

I launched my book in May 2018 and Celebrate 5 yr Anniversary this year. I am super excited.

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?

Jamar is a marketing professional, author, mentor and a former foster child raised in
Charleston, West Virginia. Jamar moved
to NYC in 2003 and graduated from the
Fashion Institute of Technology with a
degree in Advertising and Marketing in
2009. Jamar lives in Harlem, NY and recently
launched his first non-profit Take Note (We
Care) in 2019 at the High School for Math,
Science and Engineering at City College.
Through his non-profit and community
partnerships, Jamar hopes to help inspire
and motivate young boys, men of color and
those aging out of the foster care system to
be the best they can be regardless of their past or current situation.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I put in the work. I have lived and worked in the Harlem community for 20 years this year. I moved to NYC in 2003 and found my home and comfort in the streets of Harlem.

Wowed by its History long before I moved here, I was and still am proud to call in home. In 2006 I got my 1st job in Harlem running the new store called N Boutique. It was on 116th across from the legendary Amy Ruth’s soul food joint. From here I begin to meet and make friends the the community and it’s black owned business owners. From here I begin to do events and create promotional campaigns for many of them increasing their awareness and revenue. Some call me the Mayor of Harlem, but that title goes to many of the greats before me. Lol but I do know some folks and could go for at least 3 months with no wallet or house keys in Harlem. So much love.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Get you a First Corinthian Baptist Church & Pastor Michael Walrond ….Does not matter your religion or denomination – you can still be moved and grow in this space.

At FCBC we have 3 simple words we live by- Live. Love. Serve.

I am honored to be a member and usher at the amazing institution.

Harlem baby . Pull Up.

P.S. Don’t just be a taker or any origination. Get involved. Volunteer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @wildwonderful
• Facebook: Jamar Dunn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamardunniganisellproducts/
• Twitter: @jdunnlives