Today we’d like to introduce you to Cornelius Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cornelius. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am from the destitution of Houston, Texas. But – With a vision and hopes to see a different side of life, I pursued higher learning, at the University of Texas at El Paso. Coming from a proverty stricken environment and growing up in a single parent home, the pursuit of higher learning was not a top priority. Lacking the resources to aid three boys, the main focus was to find ways to fend for the family.
Not having the necessities to live a thriving life hinders one’s capacity to achieve. Thank GOD I was introduced to the game of football, which ultimately aided and pulled me in such way that required me to pursue higher education in order to obtain my ultimate goal of becoming a National Football League Player. UTEP head coach at the time, Mike Price visited my home in Houston, Texas and sat on my couch, as he expressed to my mother and myself that UTEP would be a great place for me to obtain a college degree and pursue my dream of becoming an NFL player. I was hungry to improve my family situation and ponced on the opportunity.
Parallel to my football career, I ventured into the music realm with hopes of becoming the next icon of Urban Entertainment. In 2011, I created SKYBNATION, LLC with a vision of impacting/ changing the world of entertainment. SKYB hopes to employ thousands of individuals, teaching principles of core moral values, setting wholesome standards, and continuously surpassing those standards to create better standards. Always expecting the best from self, has supported and fueled my efforts through trials and has allowed me to endure when failure has appeared. Enriching those I encounter with tools such as financial literacy and establishing systems of ownership is SKYBNATION focal point.
Having the feeling of not controlling my own destiny and having to put my faith in the hands of man, wishing and hoping he likes me as a viable product for their organization, has left a permanent mark on my brain and has shaped my thought process in many ways. We as athletes have these far fetched dreams of being the next star and making millions of dollars using our body, only to come to realization that the body’s functionality is for a short time. Generating my own company and brand has created a sense of joy and fulfillment, knowing that, if it is to be, it is up to me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
“No smooth sea has ever made a great saga”. The struggles of being an entrepreneur are real, but they are well worth it. The pruning on any journey is necessary. I prefer not to look at it as a struggle but more so a conditioning process, which will ultimately shape you into being the individual you imagine being. My conditioning consisted of wrestling with bears and tigers in the jungle! My family and friends have been the most challenging part of my conditioning. Learning who to trust, observing behavior patterns and trusting your entail once observations have been concluded. Basically, learning who’s for me, who’s for what I do and those who oppose me.
‘PURSUIT, PURPOSE, PLAN, PROCESS’ This is my creed. I know that the man who has a program succeeds. As I envisioned myself becoming a National Football Player, I learned along the way that having guidelines for ones’ life is imperative. I have always viewed myself as more than a football player, but for a period of time, I was blinded by the game. An ambitious kid with an unwavering goal in mind, I was so enthralled with the perks and wondrous opportunities that the game had to offer. Neglecting my education was something I did quite often, in many cases doing just enough to get by. Over time since entering into the NFL, I would find myself back in the classroom working towards my degree; but I would continuously put school on hold when Football called.
Becoming more mature and grasping a better understanding about life and its’ journey, I made a decision to put my wellbeing at the forefront. I believed it was now time for me to build and establish a solid foundation for myself. Something I thought the game would do for me, but after continuing to face roadblocks, endure heartaches and not being able to support myself with everyday common necessities; I knew I had to draw the line and make a choice. I chose to put more focus towards enriching my brain and obtaining something that no one can take away from me, knowledge! Finalizing my degree became a priority, not to add I will be the first from my household to obtain a four-year degree. I owe it to my nieces, nephews, and my future children. I have to set the example and break the cycle.
Please tell us about Skyb Nation.
SKYB is a collective of artists, musicians, and athletes dedicated to pursuing excellence while uplifting the communities around them. SKYB includes multiple facets of the company including the skyb-nation brand, SKYB Skaters & Super Sky Skaters, mentorship programs, Eric ‘STACKZ’ Gipson Foundation & STACKZ Athletics Training/Camps, and SKYB Productions.
August 10th SKYB will have a Back2School Festival + Skate Competition + Live Performances at Carolina SkatePark from 5-10pm for Cash Prizes!!!
-Giveaways- FREE HAIRCUTS, FREE BACKPACKS/SCHOOL SUPPLIES
We invest in the development of people through competition, community, and collaboration.
We believe competition instills an atmosphere of excellence through constant examination of our progress, and that of our peers.
Community is at the center of all that we do. We not only strive for excellence for self-development but for the development of the community around us.
We believe in teamwork, that when we bring our differences together, excellence manifests.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was play football. Pretty much anything I was exposed to, I was willing to try or at least know something about it. I guess you can say that I was always curious. Believe it or not, I would cry a lot when I was young, maybe up to the age of nine. I was shy and anytime attention was given to me, I would cry of embarrassment! I have always known what to do! Well, I have always thought I know what to do. I have always been playful and energetic. I stayed outside playing past the street lights. And other than sports, I have always just like making people happy. It has and still does so much to my soul. Strangely, I feel obligated.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.skybnation.com
- Email: skybnation@gmail.com
- Instagram: SKYBNATION
- Facebook: SKYBNATION LLC
- Twitter: SKYBNATION
- Other: SKYBunlimited.com
Image Credit:
SPACEGHOST, LIVE MEDIA AGENCY, DIRTYWORLD, SXVENTEENTH, KXMP
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Gavin kish
August 6, 2019 at 3:53 pm
He really helps out the El Paso community and works with everyone , he’s an amazing dude and does what he can- thank him 👏
Jim Logan
August 6, 2019 at 4:31 pm
What a great article. Thanks for taking the time to interview a guy whose heart is in the right place, trying to make the world a better place.