We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mike Jigande a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mike , appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

The idea for my creative services business came about almost by accident, but in the best way possible. As a model, music producer, and UGC creator, I was already juggling multiple creative worlds, and it hit me one day: why not combine all of these passions into something that could help brands tell their stories more authentically?

It wasn’t like I woke up and thought, “I’m going to change the world with some epic Instagram content or TikTok content although, let’s be real, that would be cool.

Instead, it was a gradual realization that, between fashion shoots, producing music, and creating relatable content, I had the perfect storm of skills to create something that felt fresh and engaging. Plus, I was seeing firsthand how brands were craving content that felt real, and I knew I could bring that spark to the table.

The logic was simple—if I could combine my diverse experiences into one package, I could offer a unique value proposition in a digital world that’s constantly searching for authenticity and connection. And honestly, I just knew it was something I could do. If nothing else, I’d have a blast doing it—plus, who doesn’t want to get paid to make cool content?

Mike , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Sure, happy to! I’m someone who’s always been deeply immersed in creativity, whether that’s through modeling, music production, or content creation. My journey started in the fashion industry, where I found myself experimenting with different styles, aesthetics, and narratives. But as I evolved in my career, I realized I had a passion for music production and storytelling through visuals as well—so, I went all-in on combining these passions. Today, I offer a range of services including high-quality UGC (user-generated content), custom music production, and content strategy that blends the best of both worlds. What sets me apart is that I don’t just create content; I create experiences that resonate with audiences, backed by an understanding of both the art and the science of digital engagement. For my clients, I solve the problem of needing authentic, on-brand content that not only looks great but also connects emotionally with their target audience.

What I’m most proud of is how my work has helped brands and creators stand out in a crowded digital space—whether it’s a campaign that gets people talking or a song that hits just the right note. My clients appreciate that I bring a diverse perspective, honed from my work across various industries, allowing me to provide a comprehensive, tailored approach. The main thing I want potential clients and fans to know is that I’m here to tell their stories, not just make noise. If you’re looking for something unique, professional, and authentically you, that’s where I come in. Whether you’re a brand, creator, or someone who needs a fresh take on content, I’m all about creating work that feels personal, impactful, and, most importantly, memorable.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media was definitely a journey—one that involved a lot of trial and error, but also a lot of learning and growing. I started by focusing on showcasing the authentic side of what I do, whether that was sharing behind-the-scenes moments from my modeling shoots or offering sneak peeks into my music production process. At first, it wasn’t about trying to hit certain numbers or get instant attention—it was more about building real connections with people who resonated with my content. I always made it a point to stay true to my personality, which I think helped create a community rather than just a following. Over time, I found my niche and learned to adapt my content to what my audience really enjoyed—while also staying ahead of trends and offering value in different forms, like tips, tutorials, and personal stories.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is simple: stay consistent, be authentic, and focus on engaging with your community rather than just chasing likes. People want to follow and interact with real individuals, not just a highlight reel. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content until you figure out what works for you. Whether it’s photos, videos, or even storytelling through captions—keep testing. Most importantly, stay patient. Social media is a long game, and building an engaged audience takes time. Just remember: if you focus on giving value, staying true to yourself, and engaging with your audience on a personal level, the growth will follow. And hey, have fun with it—people can tell when you’re enjoying the process, and that authenticity is what will keep them coming back!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh, absolutely! Looking back, I wish I’d known about the power of collaboration earlier on. I spent a lot of time working solo, which has its benefits, but I quickly learned that teaming up with other creatives—whether it’s photographers, fellow producers, or even brands—could open up a whole new level of opportunity and exposure. The creative world thrives on collaboration, and if I’d embraced that sooner, I think I could’ve expanded my reach and learned a lot faster.

In terms of resources, I definitely wish I’d discovered online communities and creative networks earlier. Certain platforms groups are goldmines for connecting with like-minded people and learning from others who’ve walked the path before you.

Also, I didn’t realize how powerful things like content calendars and analytics tools could be. In the early days, I was more focused on creating content than optimizing it, but once I started paying attention to data and planning my content, I saw a major difference in engagement.

Another huge resource I wish I’d tapped into earlier was education in digital marketing. I learned a lot through trial and error, but understanding the basics of SEO, social media algorithms, and audience psychology would’ve helped me navigate the online space much faster.

So, my advice for anyone starting out would be to take advantage of the free (or affordable) resources available online—there’s a wealth of knowledge out there just waiting to be tapped into!

Last Question: What is something new that you’ve done lately and you would like the world to know about ?

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve recently joined https://hoo.be which is an incredible link-in-bio platform that brings together some of the most popular creators on the internet. This cool community is all about connection and creativity, allowing me to showcase my latest projects, share exclusive content, and interact with you in one convenient place. If you want to keep up with everything I’m doing, head over to my hoo.be page at hoo.be/mikejigande because you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hoo.be/mikejigande
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikejigande