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

Haojie Jay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Llike all PR and creative agencies, things can get very chaotic. I actually learned two valuable lessons from that experience.

No. 1: which happened during my interview with the CEO. She asked the classic question: “Do you have any questions for us?” I asked, “What do you think is the fundamental rule that keeps you going in the PR industry?” She answered, “Stay curious.” Groundbreaking.

No. 2: “Nothing is urgent.” As a PR specialist and entrepreneur, I’ve often received last-minute requests from high-profile clients. Things can easily spiral out of control—especially when you’re managing multiple accounts at once. As I started growing my own business, I realized how true that is: urgency is often just a sign of poor planning or bad time management.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Haojie (Jay) Ma, and I came to New York in 2019 as an international student. The way I got into this industry is actually kind of funny. I was invited to Alexander Wang’s SS20 show at Rockefeller Center, and while checking in with the PR lead, we saw someone trying to sneak into the show without an invitation. The PR manager, totally calm and firm, looked at him and said, “Sweetheart, no way.” I was shocked—not just by the moment, but by the control, confidence, and coolness of it all. That was the exact moment I realized: this is the career I want to pursue.

At the time, I was majoring in business management. After that show, I immediately switched my major to public relations.

Now, as the co-founder of Jay Ma Consulting, I focus on bringing culture into storytelling—by weaving heritage, identity, and local context into every narrative. Our agency works at the intersection of fashion, food, art, and hospitality, crafting stories that resonate emotionally and cross cultures. We believe storytelling should not only inform but connect—and inspire.

What sets us apart is that everything we do is rooted in real, lived experience. Whether it’s reimagining traditional cuisine for the modern dining scene or blending fashion aesthetics with hospitality branding, we always approach our work with cultural depth and intention. We proudly center BIPOC creators and emerging artists, turning marketing into a cultural act—one that builds visibility, community, and authenticity.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

At Jay Ma Consulting, the best source of new clients has always been word of mouth. Because we focus on authentic cultural storytelling and building deep, meaningful relationships, our clients naturally share their experiences with others in their communities. This organic trust and referral system is powerful — it comes from genuine satisfaction and a shared passion for elevating creative voices. For us, it’s not just about marketing; it’s about creating a network of collaborators who believe in the same vision of cultural innovation and inclusion. That’s how we continue to grow, one story and one connection at a time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, every project is like my baby. Seeing it grow from an idea into something real and impactful is incredibly fulfilling. The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is winning my clients’ satisfaction — knowing that the work we’ve done truly resonates with them and helps tell their authentic story. That feeling of making a meaningful connection, both through the art and the relationships we build, is what keeps me passionate and inspired every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayymaaa/

Image Credits

All took by Haojie Jay Ma