For Troy University student Jamarion Willie, success isn’t just about where you’re going. It’s also about remembering where you started.

That philosophy is the foundation of Baller From The Ville, a custom apparel business Willie launched as a high school student in 2020 and has continued to grow while pursuing a degree in electrical and electronics engineering at TROY. He recently captured 2nd Place Overall in the IDEA Bank’s 2026 Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition.

The Huntsville native has transformed his passion for basketball, creativity and entrepreneurship into a business that helps individuals, organizations and businesses bring their ideas to life through custom clothing.

“Baller represents my background playing basketball, while The Ville represents my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama,” Willie said. “Together, the name serves as a reminder that no matter where life takes you or how successful you become, your beginnings will always be part of your story.”

The company’s guiding message, “Never forget where you came from,” reflects both Willie’s personal journey and his approach to business.

Growing up in a family with an entrepreneurial background, Willie was inspired to create something of his own. He began producing T-shirts while still in high school, learning the fundamentals of running a business through hands-on experience.

What started as a small clothing operation gradually expanded into a broader apparel business offering hoodies, sweatpants, hats and other custom merchandise.

Along the way, Willie recognized an opportunity to serve customers who wanted personalized apparel but lacked the resources or order volume required by larger manufacturers.

“Instead of customers having to order huge quantities from a manufacturer, I can work with them more personally and help create products for their organization, event, business or special occasion,” Willie said.

Today, Baller From The Ville, also known as BFTV, serves individuals, student organizations, businesses, Greek organizations and customers planning special events, birthdays and graduations.

Willie said his goal is to make custom apparel affordable, accessible and convenient while maintaining the personal connection that distinguishes his business from larger competitors.

Coming to Troy University provided an opportunity to take that vision to another level.

Through TROY’s IDEA Bank and Student-Made Store, Willie found an entrepreneurial environment where he could refine his business model, experiment with new products and connect with other student business owners. 

The experience also introduced him to business competitions, pop-up retail opportunities and resources designed to help student entrepreneurs develop their ideas into sustainable ventures.

“Coming to TROY gave me an entirely new environment to grow the business,” Willie said. “Through the IDEA Bank and the Student-Made Store, I have been able to develop my skills as an entrepreneur, test new ideas, participate in pop-ups and competitions, and connect with other student entrepreneurs.”

His efforts have earned recognition across campus, including a victory in an IDEA Bank Pitch Competition, multiple appearances on the Student-Made Store Wall of Fame, a Rising Star recognition and the 2025 Business of the Year honor.

Willie also helped establish the Student-Made Store’s presence at TROY, serving as one of its founding managers.

The experience has allowed him to contribute to the development of a retail platform for student entrepreneurs while continuing to build his own brand.

“What started as an idea in Huntsville has grown into something I can continue building while earning my engineering degree,” Willie said. “I’m still learning, experimenting and improving the business, but the mission remains the same: Never forget where you came from.”

While entrepreneurship has become an important part of Willie’s college experience, his involvement at TROY extends well beyond the classroom and his business.

He currently serves as vice president of campus affairs for the Student Government Association, helping coordinate initiatives, traditions, events and projects aimed at improving the student experience.

His leadership journey in SGA has included serving as a senator at large, West Housing District senator, Spirits and Traditions chair and Welcome Week chair. His contributions earned him recognition as SGA Senator of the Year for the 2025-26 academic year.

Willie has also served as a Trojan Ambassador, TROY Athletics marketing intern, TRIO Student Support Services ambassador and Impact Leader.

His additional campus involvement includes leadership positions with the TRIO Student Advisory Council, Circle K International and Real Talk, where he serves as chief marketing and production officer. He has also participated in the NAACP, the Dean’s Student Advisory Council and numerous campus service and student engagement initiatives.

Balancing those responsibilities with the demands of an engineering degree and a growing business has given Willie opportunities to develop skills in leadership, marketing, communication, problem-solving and business management.

His academic pursuits in electrical and electronics engineering complement his entrepreneurial interests, allowing him to explore the connections between technology, innovation and business.

For Willie, those experiences represent the broader value of a college education — one that extends beyond earning a degree to discovering opportunities to make a difference.

“For me, TROY has become much more than the place where I attend classes,” Willie said. “It has given me opportunities to lead, serve, build relationships, develop as an entrepreneur and continue figuring out what I want my impact to look like after graduation.”

As he looks toward the future, Willie continues to develop Baller From The Ville while remaining active in campus leadership and working toward his engineering degree.

His journey from a high school entrepreneur in Huntsville to an award-winning student business owner and campus leader at TROY demonstrates how creativity, determination and opportunity can turn a personal passion into a growing enterprise.

And no matter how far that enterprise takes him, Willie intends to remain grounded in the message that started it all.

Never forget where you came from.