We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Aaron thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I believe it’s crucial for people to wholeheartedly invest themselves in everything they do. When approaching a project with passion and love, the appreciation for the work surpasses any monetary reward. The impact it creates on others and the world is what makes working on a passion project truly remarkable. It brings a sense of fulfillment and clarity, guiding you towards the path you should pursue.
Aaron, 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 was born in Riverside, California, and raised in Berkeley, California. After attending Morehouse College, I spent around 5 1/2 years in the corporate world, working in finance.
Ever since middle school, I’ve had a passion for throwing epic parties, and it led me to start my first business (Retro Nightlife) during my senior year in college. A good friend encouraged me to monetize my talent for getting people together and throwing parties, which inspired me to bring that same light to the bay area. In 2016, I launched my second business (The Culture Junkies, an event planning company, before eventually transitioning to focus on my current venture, SoulSelection Inc.
SoulSelection Inc. is a media company with a focus on events, storytelling, and entertaining the soul.
When running a business, having a clear vision and collaborating with the right people are crucial. It can get complicated, but working with the right team is essential for success.
What sets me apart is my willingness to take action and overcome challenges. I believe in pursuing my goals with determination.
I take great pride in my growth and the fact that I’ve overcome many obstacles to get to where I am today. Every day is a blessing, and I am grateful for the opportunities to host parties, networking events, and charity events, including my latest project, “Everybody Struggles.”
Everybody Struggles is a captivating 24-episode interview-style series that delves deep into the topics of mental health, mental illness and the various challenges we face in life. The series aims to demonstrate that regardless of the obstacles we encounter, we have the power to create the life we desire. Through insightful conversations with a diverse range of individuals from different walks of life, I had the privilege of learning more about my friends, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of myself.
My ultimate goal is to inspire others by showing them that with faith and perseverance, they can achieve their dreams, no matter what life throws their way. Challenges are a part of life, shaping us into the person we are meant to be, making life’s journey all the more beautiful.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My ultimate goal and mission in life is to be the most authentic version of myself, Aaron. This means continuously striving for personal growth, being open to learning, and showing understanding and empathy towards others. I believe that by helping myself, I can better help others, and that’s where my life purpose lies in helping people.
I am committed to using the resources and abilities I have to make a positive impact on others’ lives. Leading by example, I want to inspire others not to let life’s challenges hinder them from achieving their goals and living their desired life. By living authentically and embracing personal growth, I hope to be a beacon of hope and support for those around me.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative and artist is the freedom it brings. I have the liberty to do whatever I want, whether it’s working hard and making money or taking a vacation whenever I feel like it. Being an artist pushes my hustle to a whole new level, one that requires immense dedication and hard work. I pour my heart into everything I do, whether it’s for financial gain or creative expression, and that feeling is truly exhilarating. I wish more people would explore their creativity, but I understand that it takes discipline and effort to step out of one’s comfort zone.
Looking at my bank account and the creations I’ve brought to life, I know that I’ve given it my all, and that’s a beautiful feeling. It becomes even more gratifying when my work motivates and inspires others like my family, friends, or peers. The joy of creating and the impact it has on others are the icing on the cake for me as a creative and artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/soulselectioninc
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/boogiebrownperales
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhodnett/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybodystruggles
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/soulselectioninc/
Image Credits
Photo logo by Adrian Rodriguez Portrait by Sydney Baines Group photo by Reya Photography