Meet Justin Black | Author and Serial Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Black and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
In the journey of every endeavor, certain habits become the cornerstone of success. As I reflect on the various ventures I’ve embarked upon, two core habits stand out profoundly: the art of storytelling and the practice of servant leadership.

Storytelling isn’t merely a tool; it’s the heartbeat of every business I’ve had the privilege to create and contribute to. At its essence, storytelling transcends mere communication; it captivates, connects, and inspires. Weaving narratives into the fabric of our businesses at re-definingnormal.com has been pivotal. Stories breathe life into our mission, bridging gaps, and fostering an emotional connection with our audience. Whether it’s sharing the genesis of an idea, highlighting the journey of our team, or celebrating the impact of our initiatives, storytelling has been the conduit for authenticity and resonance.

Equally pivotal has been the ethos of servant leadership. Our approach at re-definingnormal.com revolves around serving a purpose larger than ourselves. It’s not about titles or hierarchical structures; it’s about empowering others, enabling their growth, and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice matters. The foundation of servant leadership lies in empathy, active listening, and a commitment to uplifting others. It’s about steering the ship while ensuring everyone aboard feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

At Redefining Normal, these habits aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re deeply ingrained in our DNA. We believe that by sharing compelling narratives and embodying servant leadership, we not only drive our business forward but also create a community centered around shared values and aspirations.

Success, to me, isn’t solely measured by profit margins or accolades. It’s about the stories we tell and the lives we impact. It’s about fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

In our entrepreneurial journey, these habits have not only fueled our success but have also sculpted our identity. They remind us that the essence of business extends beyond transactions; it resides in the stories we craft and the lives we touch.

As we continue to redefine normalcy in our endeavors, these habits remain our guiding stars, steering us towards a future where storytelling and servant leadership continue to drive our path to success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business journey isn’t just a story of entrepreneurship; it’s a testament to resilience, overcoming adversity, and the power of faith. What sets us apart isn’t just what we do, but where we’ve come from and the battles we’ve fought along the way.

We didn’t start on a level playing field. Both my wife and I emerged from the foster care system, bearing the weight of generational trauma, family abuse, and the harsh reality of homelessness. Our story began with the courageous decision to pen down our memoirs, to share not just our hardships but the unwavering spirit that propelled us forward.

Crafting our memoir was the genesis of our business. From sharing our narratives, we evolved into speakers, traversing multiple states to shed light on our experiences, hoping to inspire others facing similar struggles. The journey from adversity to accomplishment wasn’t easy. It demanded grit, unyielding determination, and a steadfast belief in our purpose.

Creating a legacy from the shadows of trauma and turmoil was a struggle—a battle against the odds. Yet, through faith and resilience, we turned our struggles into stepping stones. Today, we stand proud, not just as first-generation successes but as parents nurturing a new generation.

Our businesses have flourished, surpassing six figures, a testament to the resilience ingrained in our spirits. Each milestone achieved is not just a business triumph; it’s a victory against the challenges life presented us. Our greatest achievement isn’t just the financial success; it’s the beautiful daughter who embodies our perseverance and serves as a daily reminder of our journey’s purpose.

In this journey, I’ve learned that faith isn’t just a pillar; it’s the bedrock that sustains us through life’s storms. It’s the unwavering belief that propelled us from homelessness to homeowners, from adversity to accomplishment.

Our brand isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s a story of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of faith. We want the world to know that success isn’t defined by where you start but by the tenacity to keep moving forward despite the challenges. Our legacy isn’t just in our businesses; it’s in our story—a testament to the fact that adversity doesn’t define us; our response to it does.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, spending a week in Detroit with a best friend would be a blast! Here’s a little itinerary I’d craft:

Day 1 – Arrival and Foodie Delights:
Start with a warm welcome at the airport and head straight to Pizza Papalis for some legendary Detroit-style pizza. Or, if we’re feeling like classic local flavors, a Coney Island restaurant for some delicious coneys would hit the spot.

Day 2 – Downtown Exploration:
We’ll kick off the day with a visit to Campus Martius Park. Ice skating amidst the Christmas lights and the hustle-bustle of downtown would set a perfect festive vibe.

Day 3 – Riverside Serenity:
A leisurely stroll along the RiverWalk is a must-do. Taking in the stunning views of the Detroit River and glimpses of Canada across the water is a unique experience. We might catch a beautiful sunset if we time it right.

Day 4 – Cultural Immersion:
We’ll dive into Detroit’s cultural scene. Maybe a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts to explore amazing art collections or a stop at the Motown Museum to groove to some iconic tunes.

Day 5 – Culinary Exploration Continues:
Let’s embark on a food adventure! From Greektown to Eastern Market, sampling diverse cuisines and exploring the vibrant food scene Detroit offers.

Day 6 – Adventure and Fun:
Time for some action! A thrilling day with activities like bowling, maybe even some friendly competition at an arcade, followed by an adrenaline-pumping round of paintballing.

Day 7 – Farewell with a Bang:
On our last day, we’ll seize every moment. Maybe revisit a favorite spot or discover a hidden gem we missed. Ending the trip with a bang, perhaps catching a live performance or checking out a local event.

Detroit’s a city full of character and surprises; every day promises something exciting. From the mouthwatering eats to the scenic spots and the pulse-pounding activities, it’s a week that would create memories for a lifetime!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
– My wife I have cowritten a book with, Alexis Black and the Redefining Normal book, re-definingnormal.com. – My friends have been a huge support system with getting me where I am

Website: re-definingnormal.com

Instagram: TheBlacksRedefineNormal

Linkedin: Justin Black

Facebook: TheRedefiningNormalMovement

Image Credits
Washington State University