Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Tompkins.
Hi Joseph, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Joseph R. Tompkins, a Detroit native, entrepreneur, author and founder of the Black Success Association. My journey has been built on discipline, persistence and a commitment to creating something bigger than myself.
I served eight years in the U.S. Army, where I developed the discipline and leadership that would later shape my career and entrepreneurial journey. I went on to build businesses, serve my community and pursue opportunities that allowed me to make an impact. My work has included recognition through the Forbes community, nominations for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2020 and 2021, and recognition among Detroit’s 30 Under 30.
I eventually turned my passion for helping and inspiring others into Black Success, growing it into a digital platform reaching millions of people through motivational, relationship, lifestyle, entrepreneurship and personal growth content.
My journey has also been deeply personal. I challenged myself to transform my health and mindset, losing 100 pounds, going from 310 to 210 pounds. That experience reinforced something I already believed: real change requires consistency, discipline and the willingness to keep going when nobody is watching.
Today, Black Success has grown into a community of 137K+ followers and 36M+ monthly views, while I’ve expanded into authorship, brand partnerships and entrepreneurship. I also continue to give back through food assistance, community events and sponsored initiatives.
But above everything I’ve accomplished, being a father to Aiden and Ayanna is my greatest accomplishment and motivation.
I’m still building, still learning and still pursuing greatness. My goal is to use everything I’ve experienced to inspire others to believe in themselves, create opportunities and build a legacy that lasts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of what people see today is the result of years of setbacks, uncertainty, criticism and having to figure things out without having all the answers.
One of my biggest struggles was learning how to keep going when the results weren’t coming fast enough. Building a business and a platform requires you to put yourself out there, and with that comes rejection, doubt and people questioning whether your vision will actually work.
I also had to overcome my own battles with discipline, consistency and self doubt. Losing 100 pounds was a physical transformation, but it was just as much a mental one. Going from 310 to 210 taught me that real change requires you to hold yourself accountable even when nobody else is watching.
There were seasons where I had to rebuild, refocus and remind myself why I started. I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t proof that you’re failing. Sometimes they’re preparing you for the level you’re trying to reach.
The biggest lesson I’ve taken from everything is don’t let a difficult season convince you that your story is over.
I’ve been doubted, I’ve struggled and I’ve had moments where quitting would have been easier. But I kept showing up.
That’s ultimately how I got here: not because the road was easy, but because I refused to stop walking it.
We’ve been impressed with Black Success, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Black Success Association is a digital media and lifestyle brand founded by me, Joseph R. Tompkins, with a mission to inspire people to pursue success, personal growth, healthy relationships, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, and a better quality of life.
What started as a platform for sharing motivation has grown into a community reaching 137K+ followers and 36M+ monthly views. We specialize in creating highly relatable, emotional, and shareable content that speaks to real-life relationships, mindset, discipline, success, family, faith, lifestyle, and overcoming adversity.
What sets Black Success apart is authenticity. I don’t just talk about transformation and success; I’ve experienced the process myself. From serving eight years in the U.S. Army to building businesses, losing 100 pounds, becoming an author, and growing a social media community, the brand is built around real experiences and lessons.
I’m most proud that Black Success has become bigger than a social media page. It’s a community where people can find motivation, encouragement, and conversations that make them stop, think, and share.
The brand also extends beyond content through brand partnerships, sponsored campaigns, community initiatives, events, and educational resources. I authored How to Turn Your Social Media Into Unlimited Income, sharing lessons on building an audience, creating engagement, and turning a personal brand into a business.
Ultimately, I want readers to understand that Black Success isn’t about pretending to have everything figured out. It’s about growth, resilience, and becoming better than you were yesterday.
We’re building a brand centered around collective growth, purpose, power, and legacy and we’re just getting started.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are the simple ones being surrounded by family and friends, being outside all day and playing sports until the sun went down.
There was something special about those days. We didn’t need much to have a good time. We’d get together, play basketball, football or whatever sport we could organize, talk, laugh and just enjoy being kids.
Those moments taught me the importance of family, friendship, community and enjoying the people around you. Looking back, I realize those simple days created some of the memories I value most today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/black__success/mediakit
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black__success
