We had the good fortune of connecting with TJ Stevenson II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi TJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After getting a chance to ski and snowboard I realized if these sports would have been accessible to me as an adolescent the trajectory of my life would have been much different. That coupled with coming across individuals that look like me and come from similar backgrounds as I lead to wanting to provide opportunities for youth who are less fortunate under the brand Blacksheep.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So far, my career has been predominately in the Food & Hospitality Industry. I’ve recently been working on building my brand Blacksheep, which is in its beginning stages. The thing that will set Blacksheep apart from others is our continued dedication to changing lives for the better by providing resources and opportunities on and off the mountain—offering the chance to experience skiing and snowboarding. My journey to this point has been challenging, and I have been a Blacksheep my whole life. Though I can say that finding my passion in snowboarding has helped me significantly overcome many personal struggles and has helped me to shape my future actively. I have learned a lot of life and business lessons along the way, and I aspire to learn as much as I can every day. One thing that I would share is that life is all about relationships. Lastly, I want the world to know that we’ve all, at some point, felt like a Blacksheep at specific low or even high points in our lives. Whether on the mountain at home, at school, at work, or on social media, know you don’t have to feel like an outcast any longer because we are not alone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we’d stop at House Of Vibes for breakfast and coffee and follow up with a nice hike or ride somewhere around the county to see some of the breathtaking views and then slide over to Cheba Hut for a banging lunch. For the evening, we’d head over to Above the Blue “Reddz” for a bite and then head over to Brooklyn’s to end the night with some Billiards.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout Midwest Breck Effect, Darius Isiah, Adrian Finley, Nick Thomas, Jon Feinstein Original Favorites, and Chelsee Wallace for believing in me and for their continued support. I would like to take the time to recognize some successful businesses and people that help influence and feed my appetite for ambition and success, starting with The Sleepers, High Country Healing in Silverthorne, Primal Sportswear, Chuck Winfield, Skinoir 5280, Zeb Powell, and my two beautiful daughters Ale’ Niyah and Layla daddy loves you.

Website: blacksheepsnow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialblacksheepsnow/

Youtube: Coming Soon!

Other: Personal Instagram: @t.j.3k

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.