We were lucky to catch up with Nelson Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nelson , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

At a certain point in my life, I left a job in my hometown to pursue my dream of becoming a music producer for television and film in California. This move taught me valuable lessons about patience, faith, and networking. While in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to create music for BET, which confirmed that I was on the right track. Unfortunately, my impatience got the best of me and I returned home out of fear as a new entrepreneur.

During my journey back to Michigan, I was pulled over in Utah for having tinted windows, but things quickly escalated when the officer informed me that the car I was driving was reported stolen. Despite providing all the necessary documentation, I was wrongfully arrested for grand theft auto and transporting stolen property, resulting from a false report made by someone else. This led to a harrowing experience of being jailed for 21 days, during which I experienced a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, gratitude, fear, and peace. It was during this time that I realized the power of faith and the strength it gave me to overcome my situation.

While in jail, I had a vision of starting my own lifestyle brand called Stop Sleeping on God LLC, which represents the belief that God can do all things and that there is nothing He can’t do for us, even when we’re confined to a cell. This vision became a reality in 2022. Eventually, the mistake was uncovered, and all charges against me were dropped.

Since then, I have been able to produce music for top film and television networks without having to travel across the country. I have also been able to inspire and motivate others through my music and brand. Although going to jail was a crazy experience, I wouldn’t change it for the world because it shaped me into the person I am today.

Nelson , 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?

I am a self-taught music producer with a passion for creating the best soundtracks that captivate audiences across the globe. My journey into the music licensing industry was driven by my desire to share my art with the world, and I have been fortunate enough to produce music for a range of exciting TV shows and films.

As an entrepreneur, I am also the proud owner of Stop Sleeping On God, a vibrant lifestyle brand that celebrates faith through clothing and accessories. Through my brand, I seek to inspire and motivate others to strengthen their faith and pursue their dreams with conviction and confidence.

My music production company offers a variety of services, including custom music production, lessons, and mentorship for aspiring artists and producers. My aim is to empower the next generation of music producers and artists to bring their creative visions to life and make their mark in the industry.

One of the main reasons I started my company and brand was to provide a platform for those who may not have known where to begin or lacked the guidance they needed to succeed. I believe in meeting people where they are on their journey and providing them with the support and motivation they need to reach their full potential.

My approach is founded on transparency, positivity, and an unwavering commitment to giving back. I am passionate about using my experience and knowledge to empower others and make a positive impact on the world. At the end of the day, my ultimate goal is to inspire and uplift others, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so through my music and my brand.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had an important breakthrough on my entrepreneurship journey: I realized that trying to do everything alone was not sustainable or fulfilling. It was challenging to let go of the idea that I had to be a one-person show and that I couldn’t trust anyone else to help me achieve my goals. But once I started to build a team of passionate and skilled individuals, everything changed for the better. Not only did I get to share the workload and make progress faster, but I also got to offer opportunities to others who shared my vision and passion.

To be honest, I used to be pretty naive about reaching out to people for help. I thought anyone who had relevant expertise or connections would be eager to support me. Of course, I faced some rejections and setbacks, but those experiences taught me valuable lessons about resilience and self-reliance. Ultimately, they helped me to appreciate the power of collaboration and teamwork even more.

Now, I am grateful for the people who have joined my journey and contributed their unique talents and perspectives. Together, we have achieved more than I could have ever done alone. Unlearning the idea that I had to be a lone wolf has truly been a game changer for me, and I feel excited and optimistic about what the future holds.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first started out producing heavier for film and tv, I thought had it all figured out. I became more confident in my skills and knowledge and thought I could handle any challenge that came my way. That was until I almost failed at one of my first big TV show projects.

My task was to produce the original score for a new TV series. Things didn’t go as planned because I assumed that my knowledge from an early project on a movie would simply transfer over to this new and much larger opportunity. In short, I didn’t ask enough questions. I didn’t understand the workflow of a TV show at the time; it would have helped if I had simply puy my pride aside and asked.

As a result, the project was almost delayed and I was almost fired from it.

I knew I had to make a pivot in the way I approached my work. I realized that asking questions and seeking help from others wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a sign of strength. It was necessary for my future success.

Since that pivotal moment, I always made sure to ask questions at every turn about anything I didn’t understand clearly. This change in mindset also helped me grow as an entrepreneur.

Pivots like that in business and life are crucial because they set the stage for growth. I also learned that no one person can know everything and that asking for help is essential to success. I am always grateful for those pivotal moments, and it has become my foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: stopsleepingongod.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stopsleepingongod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stopsleepingongodbrand