It’s #TakeoverTuesday, when we pull our most recent Instagram takeover participant off the ‘gram and onto our website for a fun Q&A on what they’re all about.
Last week, Jamaal Williams (@hey_its_maal) brought @longbeachpost followers a look into his family’s life in downtown Long Beach, from jogs on the beach path to chasing sunsets and hunting down murals—and having moved here from San Francisco about a year ago—there seems to be no shortage of picturesque scenes for Williams to capture with his drone or phone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJaHjkAeZA/
Tell us more about The DWEEB Lifestyle Co. How did you come up with the name and what’s a current project you’re working on?
I had been wanting to start a brand for a while during my college years, but I couldn’t decide on a name, then one day it just hit me. I was always a nerd, albeit a well-dressed one when I was younger, and to me, “dweeb” is a synonym. And since I started it while I was in college, I was just like most other students, living on a lean budget, eating ramen noodles way more often than any one person should, and just thought that even though that was my situation at the time, it wouldn’t always be that way. And somehow, “Don’t Wanna Ever End-up Broke” just came to me.
In terms of projects there are a few that I’m really excited about. One is a branding/identity package for a photographer friend of mine. Another is pursuing my commercial drone pilot license. And some fun apparel design projects for some people that are new to the garment production business. Nothing huge, but it’s all fun to me.
https://www.facebook.com/longbeachpost/videos/676557789382581/
Video by Jamaal Williams.
You certainly seem to have an eye for photography, what inspires you to stop and take a photo? What kind of camera do you use?
Thank you! I really just try to get people to appreciate a moment, a scene, or an object the way I do. And I don’t have the best memory, so I take pics of things that I want to remember. And everything you see in my profile is either from my phone or my drone. I have a Mavic Pro and Google Pixel 2. I’ve been trying my hand at editing photos and color grading video, and I figure if I can be consistent using these tools, then I’ll be able to justify treating myself to a real camera a little later. I’ve got my eye on some used Sony A6500s…if anyone is ready to part with one, let me know.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmOp5VJg98x/
How did you and your partner meet? What’s the story there?
My wife’s name is Brittney. I hit her up online way before Tinder. I sent her a message on The Facebook (that’s what it used to be called—guess I just dated myself). We talked briefly, then she ghosted me. Then about a semester after we stopped talking, I see her on campus with someone else. Things didn’t work out with them and we started hanging out as friends after they split. Then one day I guess she decided she kinda liked me and that was that.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmL_PNSALTy/
I know you said you and the fam decided to move to Long Beach after you found out Hunter was on the way. What Long Beach neighborhood did you choose and why? What about the city makes it ideal to raise a child?
I love the diversity, the community feel, the proximity to LA but being far enough away from it. Also, Pancake [nickname for son Hunter] isn’t school-aged yet, but I know Long Beach Unified has been ranked as one of the better ones in LA County; we have a family friend who’s worked in education in the city for decades and she loves it. Additionally, I know we’re in the midst of our own housing crisis, but we moved from San Francisco, and the displacing of families is terrible no matter how you slice it. But I feel like the situation is more out of control up there, just because it’s been going on for so long.
Initially we chose Downtown, because it’s pretty walkable. It had been nearly a decade since either of us owned a car, so until we figured out what we were doing job-wise, we wanted to live someplace where you could do without one. We’re getting ready to move to North Long Beach though, because the homes are a bit more affordable up that way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRvH6BA0yG/
What is something unexpected you have learned about being a father so far?
I’ve learned a lot, but the big thing I’ve learned is that your concept of and appreciation for “free time” changes. Before, I could chill all day Saturday, drink some coffee at midnight, and stay up until 4 a.m. and work on projects, or read, or whatever. But now I don’t usually have solid chunks of time, so I’ve really had to prioritize my free “moments” to try and get things done outside of work, while still making sure I get the quality time in with the fam. That being said, I really do love it! Not to be cliche, but it’s stressful and tiring at times, but it’s so rewarding seeing her smile, laugh, just grow and develop and learn new things.
Want a shot at a takeover? Is your profile public? Email [email protected] with a little information about yourself, why you love Long Beach and why you’d be a great @longbeachpost #TAKEOVER candidate!