On a recent episode of The Concrete, host welcomed Jamal Rasheed III, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, creative designer, and father hailing from Chester, Pennsylvania. An alumnus of Lincoln University, one of the nation’s esteemed HBCUs, Jamal shared how his upbringing, education, and relentless drive fuel his passion for creating meaningful ventures that benefit both his family and the local community.
Growing up in a household surrounded by strong female role models—including his mother, a teacher and entrepreneur—Jamal was introduced to business at a young age. “While my friends were out partying, I was helping my mom with pop-up shops and events,” he revealed, highlighting how early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped his mindset.
Jamal’s journey officially began during his college years at Lincoln University, where he majored in Psychology. While still a student, he launched Wave Brothers, his first venture selling wave brushes, which quickly gained traction due to its high profit margins. Now, he operates FBF Body, a Chester-based brand with nearly 15 years of success and over 200,000 orders.
Always looking for new opportunities, Jamal is preparing to launch a multipurpose event space and content studio in Chester. Designed for intimate events, photo shoots, and podcasts, the space aims to foster creativity in the local area. Additionally, he’s working on a new clothing line called Pieces by MTH and has ventured into affordable housing by offering rental units in Chester.
When asked about what drives his success, Jamal emphasized the importance of consistency and planning. “Small daily actions build up over time. You don’t need to rush; take your time and do it right,” he advised. He also stressed the significance of staying true to oneself, aligning business ventures with personal passions, and using the internet as a tool for research and growth.
For Jamal, being genuine and community-focused is key. “I’m proud to be from Chester, and I want to give back in a way that shows people here that success is possible,” he said.
Fatherhood has played a pivotal role in Jamal’s journey. He credits his daughter with helping him become more focused and future-oriented, stating, “Being a dad gave me a reason to stay grounded and build something lasting.” He’s a strong advocate for family values, underscoring the importance of providing a stable environment for children.
Jamal offered a wealth of advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps:
- Take your time; success doesn’t happen overnight.
- Surround yourself with the right people.
- Be original—don’t just copy what others are doing.
- Take calculated risks, especially when it comes to investing money.
- Leverage available resources, including online tools, to learn and grow.
Ultimately, Jamal’s goal is to create a lasting impact in his hometown. “I want to be recognized by Chester for doing something positive, for showing that great things can come from here despite the challenges,” he concluded.
