We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerel Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerel below.

Jerel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the content creation space right now is the rise of “How To” and process driven videos. People are no longer just engaging with aesthetically pleasing photos, they’re drawn to content that takes them behind the scenes, showing them how something was created or achieved. Audiences want to feel like they’re part of the process, learning something rather than just observing. For someone like me, who naturally leans toward privacy and a bit of mystique, this trend has been a learning curve. I used to believe that a polished, well composed photo was enough to captivate an audience. But recently, I saw firsthand how much engagement shifts when you let people in on the process.

A few weeks ago, I posted a beautifully shot photo that represented how I spend my day a clean, aesthetic image that, in my mind, perfectly captured the vibe. But it didn’t perform well. The engagement was low, and it was clear that the audience wasn’t as drawn in. A few days later, I decided to try something different. I posted a reel that walked them through my day with small moments, my routine, little insights into how I structure my time. That video performed much better. People commented, shared, and even asked questions, engaging with the content on a much deeper level.

The challenge, for creators like me, is learning how to open up more while still maintaining artistic integrity. But the opportunity is massive it allows us to build stronger connections with our audience, inspire others, and even attract more opportunities by showcasing not just what we create, but how we do it.

At the end of the day, people aren’t just looking for a final product anymore. People want more! They want the full experience, the story, the process, and the little details that bring it all together. And learning to embrace that has been a game changer.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not be familiar with my work, my name is Jerel, and I’m a creative storyteller, photographer, videographer, and content creator. My journey into this space has been a natural evolution of my passions. I have always been drawn to art, expression, and the power of storytelling. Over the years, I have refined my craft to merge visual artistry with meaningful narratives, creating content that not only looks good but resonates on a deeper level.

I originally stepped into this industry through photography and videography, capturing moments that spoke to authenticity and emotion. What started as a way to document life’s fleeting moments quickly turned into a profession where I help brands, creatives, and individuals visually translate their visions. Today, I specialize in visual storytelling, whether that is through high quality photoshoots, cinematic video production, or curating engaging social media content. I also work with individuals and brands on personal and creative development, helping them refine their messaging, confidence, and presence in an ever evolving digital world.

My work goes beyond just creating visuals. It is about bringing ideas to life in a way that feels intentional, authentic, and impactful. I help my clients and collaborators by capturing compelling imagery that elevates their brand, story, or presence. I assist influencers and entrepreneurs in curating a strong visual identity that aligns with their message. I coach individuals on confidence and communication, whether that is for public speaking, social media presence, or storytelling. I produce cinematic video content that not only looks great but emotionally connects with audiences. I also develop creative strategies to help brands and creatives stand out in a saturated market. Many people struggle with clarity, whether in their branding, storytelling, or how they present themselves to the world. My work helps bridge that gap. I guide clients through the process of refining their narrative, capturing their essence, and creating content that feels both authentic and strategic.

What makes my work different is that I see creativity as more than just aesthetics. It is a form of alchemy. I approach every project with a deep sense of intention, making sure that whatever I create does not just look good but feels good. I am also big on energy. I believe that the way something is created impacts how it is received, so I pour a lot of care into every shoot, edit, and concept I bring to life. Another thing that sets me apart is my multi faceted approach. I am not just a photographer or videographer. I am a storyteller, strategist, and creative director. Whether it is helping an artist find their voice, coaching someone through an impactful interview, or curating an entire brand aesthetic, I bring a holistic perspective to the table.

One of the things I am most proud of is my ability to stay true to my creative instincts while adapting to an ever changing industry. In a world where trends shift constantly, I have learned to evolve without losing my essence. I am also proud of the connections I have built through my work, helping others see themselves in a new light, whether through a powerful portrait, a transformative coaching session, or a visual project that elevates their story. At the core of it all, I want people to know that my work is about authenticity, transformation, and impact. Whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, or brand looking to elevate your presence, I approach every project with the same level of intention and creativity. My goal is not just to create visuals but to create experiences, ones that shift perspectives, build confidence, and leave a lasting impression.

If you are looking for someone who can capture your story, refine your presence, or help you navigate the creative process, I would love to connect. My work is not just about visuals. It is about energy, storytelling, and bringing your vision to life in a way that feels both elevated and deeply you.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My journey in building my social media audience started long before I saw Instagram as a creative platform. It began with leadership. In undergrad, I served as Mister Winston-Salem State University, which gave me a platform to connect with people on a larger scale. Through that role, I attended various conferences, engaged with different communities, and built relationships that extended beyond the campus. Those experiences shaped how I saw influence not just as a number on a screen, but as a connection to real people, and still to this day, for me that what just influence and an influencer is.

Creatively, I started looking at Instagram as more than just a place to post pictures. I noticed that Instagram’s grid is structured in three squares across, and I saw that as an opportunity to curate my page with intention. I began aligning my feed, sometimes stretching a single image across nine squares, but more frequently grouping images in sets of three that shared a similar aesthetic or theme. This gave my page a sense of cohesion and storytelling each row felt like a chapter in an ongoing visual book.

But the biggest lesson I’ve learned about social media and the advice I give to anyone just starting is simple: love it, post it, release it. If I don’t love what I create, why would I expect anyone else to? Before I post, I sit with the content. I might take thirty different versions of the same photo or video, tweak the edits, experiment with angles, but the one that makes it to my page is the one I truly love. Once I decide it’s the one, I post it without overthinking, without hesitating. And the moment I post something, I recognize that it’s no longer mine. It belongs to the world to be liked, disliked, shared, or ignored. And that’s what makes it art. I honestly think it’s this mindset that has freed me from the pressure of engagement numbers. It doesn’t matter if my post gets nine likes or nine hundred, because I already know it was something I loved before I put it out there. For those using Instagram as a business tool, I’d add one more piece of advice: have a goal in mind. Be clear about what you’re building, whether it’s brand awareness, client engagement, or creative expression. But at the core, the principle remains the same love it, post it, release it. Social media is most powerful when it’s authentic. When you’re not chasing trends but instead creating from a place of genuine passion, that’s when the right people will find you. Build consistency, trust the process, and most importantly, enjoy creating.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle eventually became my full-time career, though I never could have predicted it at the start. In short, I used to struggle with low self esteem, but deep down, I knew I had a craft. Photography became my way of reclaiming confidence. I would take photos of myself over and over again. Over time, I started to feel more assured, more in control of how I presented myself to the world. At first, it was just a personal practice, but then people started noticing. Friends and acquaintances began asking me to take their photos, not just because they liked my work, but because they saw something in the way I captured people something real, something that made them feel seen. What started as a tool for my own self-discovery evolved into a way to help others do the same.

Fast forward over fifteen years, and here I am today, assisting others in crafting their confidence, poise, brand identity, and learning how to market themselves. Sometimes it still blows my mind. I went from being the hidden gem, the person who hid behind the lens for self assurance to the person helping others step into their power.

There were key milestones along the way my first paid shoot, my first big client, the moment I realized I needed to start treating this like a business rather than just a passion. But beyond the milestones, the biggest transformation happened within me. Learning that confidence is something we build, not something we’re simply born with, shaped how I approach my work today. Now, my mission is not just to create beautiful visuals but to empower others to see themselves in the best light literally and figuratively.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official_rel
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/official_rel