We recently connected with Gus Daniels-Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Gus , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I work in the beautiful Jackson, MS. A city that often does not get the chance to speak for herself. Currently the blackest city in America, sitting at 83% African American. Contextually , you can imagine with this country’s tendencies that, we have a unique experience happening over here. I work primarily with young people (16-30 yrs old) in artivism (arts-focused advocacy) development. Why? Jackson opened my eyes to a lesson I will never forget: It is not an issue of determination that keeps underserved communities from making progress. It is the intentional epidemic of exhaustion and desperation that keeps our most powerful dreams dormant. As an artist myself, I know that art is the manifestation and interpretation of different life experiences. I believe in the saturation of marginalized art and content partnered with resistance and creation. I believe in alternatives. Systems formed not on the negotiation of who deserves what, but on trust, diversity, and justice. Art/Expression carries the power of empathy, curiosity, and imagination. Change starts there.

Gus , 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?

JXNOLOGY emerged as a response to the exploitative treatment of young creatives in Jackson, MS. Frustrated by years of inadequate programs, we sought to redefine development, resources, and autonomy for our community. Through art and wellness, our youth-driven programs focus on building wellness practices, accountability, and liberation.

Our offerings span artistic learning sessions, youth development programs, and artistic expression spaces. We pride ourselves on fostering partnerships like the one with The Stay Project, collaborating on Love Fest, a regional artist assembly. Our benefit concert raised over $1,000 and engaged 110 community members, showcasing our commitment to community engagement and empowerment. I want to credit this part to End of all Music and local band specifically Smokies, Holy Vision band, Crypt eater. The benefit concert was a gift from them.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to creativity and wellness. We believe in the transformative power of art and wellness experiences, particularly within minority-rich cities. Our work addresses stigmatization and degradation, aiming to empower communities through narrative and vision.

We’re most proud of our impact on young creatives and the broader community. From expanding Love Fest into a week-long experience to establishing “Village Groups” for consistent artistic and wellness engagement, we’re continually evolving and growing.

Potential clients and followers should know that we prioritize social justice through art.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

JXNOLOGY has successfully built a social media strategy centered around authenticity and consistency. By actively engaging with our community, we have created a sense of belonging and partnership. This approach has led to organic growth and increased engagement on our social media platforms. While our growth may seem modest to larger spaces, we have seen significant progress, transitioning from gaining 20-25 followers per month to 10-15 followers per week. Despite the slower pace compared to some, we value the genuine connections we’ve forged and prioritize nurturing these organic relationships over rapid but shallow growth.

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?

As a creative, one aspect that non-creatives may struggle to grasp is the profound impact that art has on society. Art serves as a vessel for the expression of beauty and truth, resonating deeply with individuals and communities alike. It plays a pivotal role in fostering critical thinking and societal evolution by provoking thought and challenging norms. However, in a capitalist-driven society, there’s a tendency to prioritize functional art, leading to a culture of repetition and numbness.

What non-creatives may not fully understand is that art is not just about aesthetics or functionality; it’s the embodiment of experiences, emotions, and the human condition. Diluting art diminishes our collective understanding and appreciation of the world around us, perpetuating ignorance and hindering societal progress.

By recognizing the transformative power of art, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection

Contact Info:

• Website: jxnology.com
• Instagram: @jxnology
• Facebook: Gus Daniels-Washington
• Linkedin: Gus Daniels-Washington

Image Credits
Photographers: Gus D.W., Shaylan, Brent Mcquilin, Amanda Paige