We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Braylon Kennedy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Braylon below.
Braylon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
When I was fifteen, I found myself standing at a crossroads, unsure about my post-high school future. The weight of societal expectations and family influences made this a particularly perplexing juncture in my life. My current path didn’t align with my own aspirations, leaving me with a puzzling question: what should I do next? During this period of personal questioning, a close family member made a significant career change that would ultimately reshape my life.
I began to notice this relative’s transition into the world of digital marketing, and my curiosity was provoked. The sheer contrast between my daily life and his new, dynamic work environment fascinated me. Driven by an innate desire for knowledge and the allure of this digital realm, I took the initial step of inquiring about his experiences. What followed was a transformative day where he unveiled the intricacies of his profession, offering me a glimpse into the world of digital marketing.
The challenge that lay ahead was not just obtaining this knowledge but securing consistent guidance from a family member who was still acclimating to his new role. I was unrelenting in my pursuit of knowledge, reaching out to him repeatedly even when met with silence due to his busy schedule. My determination stemmed from a belief that if I could demonstrate my unwavering commitment to learning, I would unlock valuable insights beyond what conventional self-study methods could provide.
I wasn’t just curious about digital marketing; I had a broader plan in mind. I saw the potential for a chance to get my hands dirty and gain real experience while I was still in high school. I was resolute about forging an unconventional path, one that would set me up for life after high school, even if it meant stepping away from the traditional route.
This transformative journey was not just about learning digital marketing. My mentor didn’t simply hand me the keys to success; he bestowed upon me a valuable life lesson. He emphasized that to achieve one’s dreams, one must be unwaveringly committed and take the initiative. He directed me towards resources, certifications, and learning platforms, but the duty of seizing these opportunities rested solely on me.
As high school graduation neared, I made a life-altering decision: I would move out of my home at eighteen and forego the traditional college route, a decision that was met with resistance due to my mother’s background in education. Our conversation served as a pivotal moment in my journey, as it became clear that she might not fully share my vision, but she believed in my potential to make it a reality.
My journey unfolded as I embarked on an internship with a global supply chain and logistics company, gaining insights into digital marketing on a global scale and collaborating with teams from various corners of the world. Simultaneously, I sought to broaden my skills by delving into information technology, aligning with my initial college plans. I was determined to create a diversified skill set that would set me apart.
The most remarkable twist of fate occurred when, exactly one year after I’d moved out of my house, an opportunity arose that showcased the magic of believing in oneself and having a strong faith. A job offer from the top aviation mechanic school in the country, where I would assist faculty, staff, and students with their technological needs, became the concrete manifestation of my resolve.
While my work in IT was fulfilling, I couldn’t ignore the pull of the vibrant digital marketing world. That’s when I embarked on another round of interviews and successfully landed a position with a digital marketing agency in Atlanta. This role reignited my passion for the field, enabled me to sharpen my skills, and marked the beginning of a journey that extended far beyond. After this experience, I chose to expand my horizons and work with companies across the nation, further fueling my passion for the field and broadening my skill set as I collaborated with diverse industries.
Although forgoing college might not have been the biggest risk I’ve taken in life, it was undoubtedly one of the most transformative. This decision showcased the power of unwavering self-belief and the importance of taking proactive steps toward one’s dreams. It has reaffirmed the notion that, when you bet on yourself, your actions, determination, and commitment can produce remarkable results, no matter who else believes in you.
Braylon, 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?
Getting started in my industry was a journey that I believe epitomizes the importance of finding a mentor, a step that I consider one of the most crucial when venturing into something new. My key advice is to seek out someone actively engaged in the field you aspire to join. They don’t necessarily have to be a massive success, but they can certainly accelerate the pace at which you learn and grow.
In my case, I specialize in Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, where I serve both small businesses and corporations. What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to tailoring cost-effective PPC campaigns that remain adaptable in our ever-evolving digital landscape. I take immense pride in consistently delivering quantifiable results and am wholeheartedly committed to my clients’ success. What I want potential clients and followers to understand is that I’m a devoted partner who is resolute in propelling their business growth through innovative and transparent PPC strategies. In addition to my PPC experience, I’m also a FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot. My experience ranges from capturing the magic of weddings for newlyweds to conducting progress monitoring for construction companies, or even providing real estate photography and videography services. However, what truly fuels my passion is collaborating with fellow content creators on their personal journeys. Through our shared enthusiasm, we forge a unique bond that makes our work even more fulfilling.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my journey is the process of turning ambitious visions, even those that might seem far-fetched or unrealistic at first, into tangible realities. It’s about not just dreaming but also strategizing, creating a concrete plan for how to achieve those dreams. What I truly love is diving into the day-to-day work, fully immersing myself in the process, and losing track of time. It’s only when you take a step back that you realize how the vision that once existed as a mere idea has materialized into something concrete. Often, as we set and achieve our goals, we don’t immediately recognize that the things we once prayed for are now part of our everyday lives, and the dreams we used to envision have become our reality.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One of the fundamental aspects of my creative journey that may be challenging for non-creatives to grasp is the profound importance of self-belief. This is, unequivocally, the most potent piece of advice I can offer to anyone. If even a tiny shred of doubt lingers within you, it can easily become the stumbling block to your creative endeavors. From my perspective, belief in oneself is the ultimate defense against failure. I wholeheartedly believe that genuine failures are impossible when you hold unwavering faith in your capabilities. Admittedly, this is easier said than done, but it all hinges on shifting your mindset and altering the way you perceive challenges. A guiding principle I live by is encapsulated in a quote from Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” In place of viewing setbacks as failures, I encourage considering them as valuable teachings. Each hurdle is a stepping stone in the creative process, a vital part of the journey toward success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gptsheets.com/
- Instagram: Elohi.BK
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braylonkennedy/