We caught up with the brilliant and insightful J.c. King a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, J.C. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Well, I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for the feeling of being stuck in several dead ends jobs. I worked as a manager at two different shoe stores with no true sign of growth and prosperity even being in management; I often felt like Ace from Paid In Full visualizing money falling from the sky while standing behind my register. I would really believe that there is so much out there in the free world, all I have to do is take the risk and bet on myself. But I was often afraid of what others thought and how I’d be judged for doing what I do currently–that all changed once I had a little come to Jesus meeting.

What others think is not my main concern, my happiness and growth as not only an artist but human being matters more than what others may think of me or what I do. And for how well its going? I honestly do not know. I can honestly say that I am not looking at my business or artistic career through the lens of wellness; I am looking at it in terms of contentment or happiness and I am more than happy doing what I do. Sales generally do not dictate my feelings towards my work though they’re nice and helpful, it does not change how I generally view the risk of betting myself and I couldn’t be happier. One sale or one thousand, still happy!

J.C., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well, for the folks who do not know who I am, my name is J.C. King and I am an author of several books of poetry, all of which are available exclusively on Barnes and Noble.

I never really thought to get into the industry, I honestly just thought to write out my thoughts and feelings so that at least one thing in life made sense to me. Because as a child, a lot of things did not make sense like at all, so I wrote little poems here and there, even several stories to help not just cope but understand myself a bit more and that seemed to help me a lot. I even had the mind to start a little brand/merch hustle on the side. I do not necessarily sell author merch that corresponds with my poetry but I do sell random designs that I find cool because like most things, if I think its cool? It will only be a matter of time before I start putting forth true time and energy to make it work for me. And with the job market being so scarce and basically nonexistent, a little hustle goes a long way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding? I don’t know, I haven’t really bloomed into who I’m supposed to be as an artist yet. I’m still finding my way in the field; trying to work on screenwriting as well as my poetry, so it is pretty difficult. But at the same time, I believe that I have garnered enough support virutally that I can really say that my work is impactful. I have at least two or three loyal supporters, so that means a lot because I legitimately never thought that anyone would find my work interesting let alone worth reading and to know people enjoy my work? It is a bit weird but also comforting. So that might be the most rewarding, knowing that others find my work useful and worth reading.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I listen to a lot of music and I know that does not really qualify as a resource for some but some artists have really helped me cultivate and materialize a business mindset. For example: listening to Nipsey Hussle is pretty much free game to me, him and his brother Blacc Sam have influenced me enough to know that “All money in” is far more than just reinvesting in yourself but also harnessing your free time, energy and effort inward so that authenticity and integrity are reflected in your brand. And most people do not realize that both of them look at themselves as brands above all else and in the business world, consumers buy into the brand as opposed to the product or whatever you’re selling.

So I often try to look at myself as a brand and promote not just my work but supporting others in any way I can, also serving as an inspiration for those who are just starting out or already on the journey but have yet to fully feel confident and comfortable in their ability.

Contact Info:

• Twitter: https://x.com/authorjcking
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WitnessYourGreatnessTV
• Other: https://bite-clothing-and-apparel.printify.me/products