In The Spotlight: 19-Year-Old Entrepreneur Jah’Fear Toler

Early last month, I got an Instagram notification. Typically, a new follower isn’t such a big deal. But this time was different. From a quick glance at his profile, I could tell this young man has something special going on.

At just 19 years of age, Jah’Fear Toler is a Philadelphia-based entrepreneur seeking to make a difference in the world. A second-year student at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, he recently launched his own lifestyle brand called Big Eats Lifestyle.

What started out as a hashtag quickly developed into a brand built on having an appetite for success.

This week, I had the opportunity to ask Jah’Fear some questions about his lifestyle, mindset, and entrepreneurial career. You can certainly learn something from this young man’s attitude and relentless pursuit of his dreams.

Let’s start from the beginning.  What was the key driving force that made you want to become an entrepreneur?

I would have to say my mother. Growing up watching her raise five children on her own, working 2 to 3 jobs, working overtime. It gave me the motivation to make a difference for my family and I through entrepreneurism.

Who are some entrepreneurs you look up to?  Are there any particular quotes that have stuck with you?

That is a great question. I’ll name a few — P. Diddy, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Cuban, Jay-Z, Daymond John, Gary Vee, Russell Simmons, etc.

Quotes I would say have stuck with me are: “Tough times never last, only tough people do.” Another one is: “If you do not stand for something then you will fall for everything”.

How did the idea for Big Eats come about?

It started off as an idea. I was in the cafe eating food and was like, “This is a big plate with a lot of food on it, I am going to call it Big Eats.”

So I quickly started posting it on all social media outlets and it quickly spread around campus through my friends and many others. I decided to turn it into a lifestyle and there’s been no looking back ever since.

What are your plans for Big Eats moving forward?  Anything we should look out for?

Right now, my team and I plan to continue to build the brand structure and raise awareness on our marketing strategies. We’re going to continue to improve the ways we market ourselves to millennials and others that are not familiar with the brand yet.

I am going to trust God’s plan and his process! I will say this though — stay tuned!

I’ve really been interested in social media lately, particularly Instagram. At the time of this interview, you have over 18,000 followers! How’d you make that happen? And do you have any tips for those of us seeking to build influence on IG?

Here are three tips of mine. I would say be genuine, be real, and spread positivity. We need more leaders, not followers.

People love following people who are genuine and who truly care for others. Positivity is so underrated in our society today. P. Diddy says it all the time — we need to spread more love. I believe that is the key.

Between college classes and everything you’ve got going on, how do you divide your time?

It takes time for me to make time to balance out the highs and lows. I used to always say sleep is for billionaires and I ain’t rich yet!

Time management is key so I strive to find time to rest and make sure I am fully functional to go about my day each and every day. Eating healthy and training the mind is key!

Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs, so it is very important to stay strong and have a healthy mindset.

What motivates you to keep grinding?

Like I said before, my mother. Where I come from it ain’t that much hope other then putting a basketball in a basket or running a football.

You’r either a drug dealer or a gangster in the penitentiary or the cell. Being from somewhere where there’s a lot of broken promises and dreams drives me so much, because no one is expecting me to win except God and my family.

And that’s what motivates me the most — to go prove the doubters wrong and, most importantly, myself right. 

Even entrepreneurs need a break sometimes.  What are some things you like to do in your down time?

You’re absolutely right haha, I would have to say spending time with my family, playing basketball, and getting to know other people.

I am a people person. I like to call myself “the people’s champ“. People call me the mayor.

I play video games like NBA 2K whenever I have free time, and I also like to read a lot of books as well.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I would have to say being a very successful CEO/entrepreneur.

Setting the tone and changing the narrative for other people like me. Striving to make a difference in the world for the better.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other young hustlers trying to make it on their own?

The biggest advice I would give a young hustler out there trying to make it on their own is to go for it and never be afraid of being called weird or being different from the pack.

Because in the long run, you’ll look back on your life/career and say, “Man look at that, God it was all worth it!”