Brian “Boss” Valmond, Founder of Valtown Entertainment, On Making His Mark In Entertainment
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In the ever-evolving digital landscape, few creators have managed to carve a niche as effectively as Brian "Boss" Valmond. Brian "Boss" Valmond, founder of Valtown Entertainment, joins Jerlisa “Juju” Fontaine on the Very Necessary Decisions podcast, discussing how he built a formidable media brand, amassing over 350,000 followers across social platforms. His journey, marked by perseverance, creativity, and a deep understanding of storytelling, serves as a powerful blueprint for aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs alike.
The Early Years: A Passion for Storytelling
Brian Valmond’s journey into the world of media was not a conventional one. Raised with a love for history and culture, he was always drawn to storytelling. His high school years were a pivotal period in his development. A standout student, he was particularly encouraged by his English teacher, who saw him as a rare writing talent. She preserved his papers as examples for future students and urged him never to put his pen down.
Despite this encouragement, Brian struggled to see a clear path for a career in writing. Growing up in an environment where traditional success was often defined by athleticism or music, he had few role models in the literary or film spaces. However, he remained dedicated to honing his craft, even when doubts crept in.
A Tragic Change
One of the most defining moments in Brian's life came during his senior year of high school when a close friend and mentee was tragically killed amid ongoing gang violence. This event profoundly impacted him, leading him to temporarily step away from writing. He feared that the themes he explored in his fiction were manifesting in his reality. However, after a year-long hiatus, he found the strength to return to his craft, using storytelling as both an outlet for his emotions and a means to bring attention to critical socio-cultural issues.
Breaking into the Media Space
Brian’s resurgence in writing coincided with his discovery of social media as a platform for storytelling. In 2017, he decided to experiment with Twitter threads, focusing on historical narratives that intertwined Black culture, hip-hop, and socio-political issues. His breakthrough moment came when he created a viral thread about Ronald Reagan’s legacy, addressing the contradictions in public perception versus historical reality. The thread caught fire, earning engagement from notable figures and even drawing the attention of representatives of Freeway Rick Ross.
Seeing the potential of this format, Brian doubled down, crafting compelling, well-researched stories that resonated deeply with audiences. His ability to merge meticulous research with engaging storytelling set him apart in a crowded digital space. Soon, his Twitter following ballooned to 180,000, with Instagram and YouTube following suit.
Learning from Corporate America
Despite his growing social media influence, Brian understood the value of professional experience. His persistence led to an internship at Def Jam, where he worked closely with industry leaders. This opportunity provided him with firsthand insights into the mechanics of media production, branding, and content strategy. His time at Def Jam was followed by a four-year tenure at AND1, where he honed his skills in corporate marketing and social media strategy.
These experiences proved invaluable in shaping his approach to content creation. He learned the nuances of algorithm-driven content, the importance of aesthetic uniformity on social platforms, and how to craft captions that drive engagement. This corporate knowledge, combined with his natural storytelling ability, gave him a competitive edge.
The Birth of Valtown Entertainment
With a wealth of experience and a rapidly growing audience, Brian officially launched Valtown Entertainment. The brand focuses on chronicling Black history, particularly the drug kingpin culture of the 1980s and 1990s. However, Valtown is not just about the past—it aims to provide a continuum that connects historical narratives with present-day realities.
Valtown Entertainment stands out for its unbiased, journalistic approach. Unlike mainstream media, which often presents these stories through a sensationalized lens, Brian emphasizes authenticity and depth. He meticulously researches each topic, ensuring that his audience receives a well-rounded perspective. This dedication to integrity has earned him a loyal following and cemented his reputation as a credible historian of Black culture.
Overcoming Challenges: Censorship and Algorithmic Hurdles
As with any creator dealing with complex and often controversial topics, Brian has faced challenges related to censorship. Platforms like TikTok have flagged his content, limiting its reach. Meanwhile, Instagram’s evolving algorithms have made organic growth increasingly difficult.
However, Brian has navigated these challenges strategically. By adopting a highly educational tone, carefully choosing his words, and leveraging multiple platforms for cross-promotion, he has managed to sustain his momentum. He advises other creators to stay adaptable and continuously refine their approach to fit the shifting digital landscape.
Key Takeaways from Brian Valmond’s Journey
Authenticity is the key to Brian’s success and is rooted in his commitment to telling real, well-researched stories. In an era of misinformation, credibility is invaluable.
- Adaptability Wins: Social media is constantly evolving. Brian’s ability to pivot, whether by adjusting to algorithm changes or shifting to different platforms, has been crucial to his sustained growth.
- Mentorship Matters: His journey underscores the impact of having mentors. From his high school teacher to industry leaders at Def Jam, guidance played a crucial role in his development.
- Leverage Corporate Experience: Working in structured environments provided Brian with insights into branding, marketing, and content strategy, all of which he has applied to Valtown Entertainment.
- Resilience is Everything: From personal tragedies to professional roadblocks, Brian has faced numerous challenges. His ability to persist and find new ways forward has defined his success.
The Future of Valtown Entertainment
Brian "Boss" Valmond’s journey is far from over. With plans to expand into filmmaking, book publishing, and large-scale media production, he is positioning Valtown Entertainment as a powerhouse in digital storytelling. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring creators, proving that with passion, perseverance, and strategic execution, success in the media world is within reach.
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Norhan Ahmed
Norhan Ahmed is an Egyptian American multi-passionate writer, poet, speaker, community builder, and entrepreneur. She is originally from Brooklyn, NY. She has worked in the HR industry for the past couple of years and has now switched her career to copywriting/content writing. She enjoys writing for women-owned brands and businesses that are focused on spirituality. In her coaching practice, she helps clients heal physical and emotional pain by addressing the mind-body connection. She does this by using psycho-spiritual tools and methods to heal chronic ailments from the inside out. These tools realign your mind and body to achieve overall mental and physical wellness by getting to the root of these issues. When she is not online trying to beat the algorithm, she’s binge-watching Gossip Girl (again) or reading a book.
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