We recently connected with Ian Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Thank you for having me. While attending college in Atlanta, I was exposed to a diverse range of classmates with many of them having unique talents/skills in the arts. I have always had a business driven mindset, but didn’t understand my own fascination with arts until I dropped out of school and was faced with a challenge presented by my mother. She asked me to formulate my passions into a business, and thus ORDINARY ODDS was born. With fashion, music, and storytelling as passions, I realized my own potential career in this industry and also how I could support others through a platform I could build.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Of course! As previously mentioned, my name is Ian Jackson, and I’m the co-founder and CEO of ORDINARY ODDS hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. My career began in 2016 while studying at Morehouse College where I had returned after a brief stint out of school. Being a student with a business and a defined vision in the creative arts space was very unique at the time. Through ORDINARY ODDS (OO), my plan was to support and collaborate with other like-minded artists and creatives. I wanted to create a world where these “odds” could create successful careers even though there was still much criticism and doubt with choosing such routes. Plenty of my friends, classmates, and local artists needed this help. As the company and I have evolved, new branches of OO have emerged: Double O Records and Odds Only. We have worked with a wide range of musicians providing creative consulting while also hosting several sold out concerts, parties, etc. ranging in location from Beverly Hills, CA to Charlotte, NC and all in between. As our team has grown, we’ve also increased our footprint in the fashion industry with the recent release of the “Double O’s”: our own designer sneaker which has become our most notable product available. These last 8 years have been full of tough seasons, but I truly believe I’m doing purposeful work. OO is much bigger than me, and as I continue to meet and work with the others in this space, I’m reminded that living by our company’s mission, I am making a difference that can be felt infinitely going forward. We will continue to push limits and help “odds” feel and look more ordinary going forward.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

A true reward for me is seeing others take action through inspiration I’ve provided, regardless if it’s said or not. The stigmas and doubts casted on entrepreneurs/creatives can be pretty heavy. Everyone, especially these people deserve support and mentorship as creating your own path in this industry is easier said than done. Just as eager as I am to learn and gain inspiration from others, I understand the responsibility I hold as a leader as well. Raising the standard of work and pushing the creative limit is beneficial for all and needed.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

In 2023, I read 2 books that significantly impacted my entrepreneurial thinking. The first: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, provided me with a clearer vision of the time and sacrifices needed to build big businesses. The book beautifully shows the power of having unwavering vision, creating company culture, and betting on yourself. The second book: The Alchemist, helped me understand that everyone has a personal legend or destiny, and that by following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart, one can achieve true happiness and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ordinaryodds.com
• Instagram: @itsianj @ordinaryodds
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ORDINARYODDS1
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsianjackson