J Haleem

J Haleem on Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring the Next Generation

BY CHANELLE HAYES / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF J HALEEM MEDIA

Some stories are meant to inspire, but Jamar “J Haleem” Washington’s journey is a testament to the power of grace. His life is remarkable in terms of resilience, transformation and purpose, which are marked by his overcoming adversity and the grace that carried him through.

J Haleem’s path has been anything but ordinary, from navigating a tough upbringing to facing legal challenges and defying the odds as an entrepreneur. Yet through every hardship, he found favor, second chances and the strength to rise again.

Today, J Haleem is more than a businessman—he’s a mentor, an accomplished author, a motivational speaker, a business coach and the founder of the #I Won’t Starve Academy, a movement dedicated to equipping the next generation with the tools to succeed. His story proves that grace isn’t just about what we receive, it’s about what we do with it.

Chic Compass: Can you tell me about your early years and where you grew up?

J Haleem: I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. Growing up, we didn’t realize we were poor because everyone around us was in a similar situation. Looking back, though, it was rough. My grandmother raised me, along with her children. Out of eight kids, seven struggled with drug addiction, including my mom.

Despite my environment, I chose not to follow in those footsteps. Instead of using drugs, I gravitated toward the ones selling them. I always had a strong work ethic and loved basketball but got into trouble at night. I lived a double life. I never considered dropping out, but I was out in the streets as soon as school was over. I got shot at an early age and found myself caught up in a dangerous lifestyle.

Still, I managed to stumble my way into college. I had some serious run-ins with the law, nearly ended up in prison and got arrested a few times as a juvenile. However, my record was cleared because my first adult arrest allowed me to enter a diversion program. My first year of college was spent traveling back home to meet the program’s requirements.

Chic Compass: How did those experiences shape your approach to business and mentorship?

J Haleem: Selling drugs is definitely a form of entrepreneurship, but I was drawn to business differently. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, and TV played a big role in shaping my vision. While we glorified drug dealers in my neighborhood, I admired characters like Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy in “Boomerang” and professionals wearing suits. Shows like “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World” introduced me to college. Basketball also inspired me to pursue higher education. When people asked me what I wanted to major in, I’d say business—even though I had no idea what that meant. I was the first in my family to attend college, so I just went with it.

Chic Compass: You’ve authored books like “#I Won’t Starve” and “#U Won’t Starve.” What inspired you to write these, and what key messages do you hope readers take away?

J Haleem: That came much later. I did go to college, but while I was there, I became a convicted felon. Because of that, finding a job was nearly impossible, so I had to start my own business. I graduated with honors but never had a traditional career job. Writing was never part of my plan—I grew up in an environment where we didn’t tell our stories.

However, I became even more focused on creating a better future after having kids. In 2014, I attended a T.D. Jakes conference in Orlando while working a low-paying job. His book Instinct had just come out, and his sermon that day changed my life. He brought a fully grown lion onstage—caged since birth—and said that despite never being in the wild, they still had to keep it locked up because its instincts could kick in at any moment. That hit me hard, and everyone from my church who was with me said, “That’s you.”

A few months later, I left my job, started my own business and never looked back. At that conference, a woman prayed over me and said she saw me writing a book. I had no intention of doing that at the time, but a few years later, it happened. And now, I’ve written four.

Chic Compass: You also have the #I Won’t Starve Academy, which aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs. What motivated you to establish this academy, and what impact has it had since its inception?

J Haleem: The idea started in 2014. I realized I was bigger and better than the life I was living, so I created my own hashtag: #IWontStarve. I was a photographer then and went all in on my business. Every time I succeeded, I used that hashtag.

By 2017, I started public speaking but wanted to do it on my terms. I launched the #I Won’t Starve Experience, my own speaking event, and packed the house. That’s when #I Won’t Starve officially became a brand.

The #I Won’t Starve Experience came in 2020 during the pandemic. I realized we needed to start educating high school and college students about entrepreneurship. Frederick Douglass has a quote I love: “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” I wanted to help young people avoid the struggles I faced. Adults are often resistant to change, but kids can still be guided. No one guided me, so I wanted to give them the support I never had.

Chic Compass: What topics do you focus on when working with young people?

J Haleem: I primarily focus on entrepreneurial development. Many people talk about business development, but I believe entrepreneurship is a skill you need to learn and practice—just like being in the military. You don’t just wake up one day and know how to run a business; you have to train for it.

I also emphasize career development. Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur. Some people need to be the ones supporting and investing in entrepreneurs. I encourage kids to pursue careers in law, medicine and engineering—whatever they’re passionate about. I once spoke to a group of kids where one wanted to be an entrepreneur while the others had traditional career goals. I told them not to dismiss him—he might take longer to find his footing, but he could become their biggest asset.

Despite what social media portrays, entrepreneurship isn’t easy. It’s one of the most challenging paths you can take, and I want kids to be prepared for that reality.

Chic Compass: Networking is crucial in business development. What strategies do you recommend for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses?

J Haleem: I developed my own networking strategy, which I wrote about in my book “#U Won’t Starve.” I call it “Being the Cheese.” Networking isn’t about going to happy hours, getting drunk, collecting business cards and forgetting who you met. It’s about positioning yourself in a room where everyone is a potential client, not competition.

Think of a wine festival—you have different vendors selling red and white wines. If I buy your $40 red and you buy my $40 white, neither of us makes money. But have you ever been to a wine event that doesn’t have cheese? Everyone buys the cheese. That’s what I teach—be the cheese. Be the person in the room that everyone needs, regardless of their industry.

That’s how I built a six-figure business. As a photographer, I got into government contracting, something most people never even consider. The government spends half a billion dollars annually on photography, and I was able to tap into a small part of that. I teach others to think beyond the obvious opportunities.

Chic Compass: With more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience, how do you stay current with evolving business trends?

J Haleem: You have to keep educating yourself. Artificial intelligence (AI) is here now. I don’t have the option of ignoring it just because I don’t like it. As an investor, I need to understand how AI can be leveraged in business. Entrepreneurs are getting younger and younger. You can’t dismiss them just because they’re young—they might have insights you don’t.

Look at the gaming industry. Some doubted its potential years ago, but now it’s a multibillion-dollar industry. You’ll get left behind if you’re not paying attention to trends.

Chic Compass: Grace is a recurring theme in many success stories. How has grace played a role in your journey, and in what ways has it defined your approach to business, mentorship and personal growth?

J Haleem: Grace is my entire story. I grew up in a challenging environment—I was the first in my family to graduate high school and attend college. I lost so many friends to the streets, and I was deeply involved myself. But I made it out. I never served serious time, and I transitioned into business with no mentors or role models. I believe that was God’s grace.

Because of that, I know I have a responsibility to give back. If it was hard for me, I want to make it easier for the next generation. They’ll have their own struggles, but I want to be there to help them navigate those challenges. I don’t believe in burning bridges but in building them so others can cross more easily.

Chic Compass: What do you enjoy doing for fun?

J Haleem: I love traveling and spending time with my kids and family. Traveling is a passion of mine. I’ve lived in multiple places across the country and see myself living abroad in the future. My son still has several years left in school, but after that, I’d love to explore living overseas.

Chic Compass: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years?

J Haleem: Right now, I’m focused on investing. In 2018, I set a five-year goal to become a full-time investor by the end of 2023. I achieved that, and now I’m learning and growing in this new role.

Investing is different from running a business—it’s slower but fulfilling. I’ve spent more than 20 years building businesses, and now it’s time to step back and help others do the same. Starting a business from scratch is one of the hardest things you can do. It takes sacrifice—sometimes your friends and family won’t support you. I’ve been through all that, and now I want to use my experience to help others.

Too often, people stay in the same role for too long. There are teachers who should be administrators by now and police officers who should have moved up the ranks. Growth is necessary. I don’t need to be in the trenches competing with young entrepreneurs—I need to fund their ideas and help them succeed.

Chic Compass: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

J Haleem: I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story. I’ve been in Vegas for about three years now, and one of the projects closest to my heart is Mission High School. A lot of people don’t know about it, but it’s an incredible place that supports high school students recovering from substance abuse.

My organization, #I Won’t Starve Academy, has adopted Mission High. Thanks to partnerships with Little Caesars and Jimmy John’s, we bring lunch for the students every Friday. We’re working to help the school get its own cafeteria and provide consistent meals for the kids. These students are my babies, and I want to see them succeed. I hope more people in the community step up to support them.

Chic Compass: That’s amazing. Thank you so much for your time!

J Haleem: Thank you! I appreciate it.

For more information about J Haleem’s story, published books and services, including business coaching and speaking engagements, visit jhaleem.com.