We were lucky to catch up with Jai Merelus recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jai, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I’ve been building businesses in creative spaces since 2008, starting as a graphic designer. But over time, I realized I wanted something more hands-on—something that took me out from behind the computer and into real-time creative environments. That’s what led me to videography.

The idea really clicked in 2020 when I was introduced to pole dance through my partner, who was an instructor. After attending a class and observing their social media presence, I immediately noticed a gap—they had the talent and the energy, but not enough content to properly showcase it and attract new students.

At the same time, I had already been interested in videography, especially creating music video-style visuals, but I didn’t know how to break into the space. That moment gave me a clear entry point.

So I started simple. I used my phone and began filming my partner and other instructors during classes. From there, I gradually stepped into filming showcases and events. As I saw the impact my content was making, I reinvested into my business by purchasing my first DSLR camera and a gimbal.

The next phase was really about development. Over the next couple of years, I focused on improving my technical skills—learning lighting, camera settings, and angles—while also studying the art of pole dance so I could represent the performers authentically and professionally.

As my skills improved and my portfolio grew, word started spreading. I began getting booked more consistently, and that’s when the idea officially transitioned into a fully operating business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jai, and I’m the founder of “Jai’s Media Agency, LLC” (@mediabyjai) —a creative media agency focused on helping artists, performers, and entrepreneurs turn their content into growth, visibility, and real opportunities.

I’ve been in the creative space since 2008, originally starting out as a graphic designer. Over time, I realized I wanted to move beyond static visuals and into something more dynamic and immersive. That shift led me into videography, where I found my lane in capturing energy, storytelling, and performance in a way that actually connects with audiences.

Today, I provide videography, photography, and content strategy services. I don’t just shoot—I help my clients understand how to use their content. Whether it’s capturing performances, creating promotional visuals, or building a consistent brand presence online, my goal is always the same: to help my clients get seen, get booked, and grow.

The problem I solve is simple but critical—most talented people are underrepresented online. They either don’t have the content, don’t know how to position it, or don’t have the time to stay consistent. I bridge that gap by creating intentional, high-quality visuals that not only look good, but actually work for their brand.

What sets me apart is that I understand both sides—the creative and the strategy. I’m not just there to film; I’m there to help you think about angles, moments, and content that will translate into engagement and opportunities. I also pride myself on starting where I am and helping others do the same. I built my business from a cellphone, and I actively teach and show others that you don’t need perfect equipment to get started—you need vision, consistency, and execution.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the real impact I’ve had on my clients’ growth. I’ve helped artists gain more visibility, book more shows, and elevate how they present themselves online. Seeing someone go from overlooked to in-demand because of the content we created—that’s what drives me.

Beyond client work, I’m also passionate about education. I’ve created resources and training for aspiring videographers, helping them turn their skills into income, just like I did. My brand is built around empowerment, growth, and showing people what’s possible when you take action on your ideas.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I don’t just create content—I help create momentum.

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

Building my audience on social media wasn’t easy—but it was necessary. As someone who helps other creatives grow, I knew I had to hold myself to the same standard.

In the beginning, I spent a lot of time studying. I watched other successful entrepreneurs, paid attention to what they were posting, how they were positioning themselves, and how their audiences were responding. From there, I focused on understanding my audience—what they needed, what they were drawn to, and how I could show up consistently for them.

Consistency was one of the biggest challenges early on. I had to experiment with different types of content, stay disciplined with posting, and really pay attention to my analytics. Over time, I started to see patterns—what people engaged with, what they ignored, and what actually led to conversations and bookings. Once I found what worked, I doubled down on it.

One key shift for me was realizing that people saw me as just a videographer, but didn’t fully understand my knowledge in marketing and content strategy. So I made it a point to talk about it—consistently. Even when the views were low, I stayed committed to showing that side of my expertise. Eventually, that message started to stick, and my audience began to see me differently.

Even without a massive following, I’ve been able to build a full-time business over the past 18 months purely through intentional content and consistency. That’s something I’m really proud of, and I know it’s only going to continue growing.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is to give yourself permission to experiment. Try different topics, lean into what you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to show the process—not just the polished results. People connect with authenticity. They want to see the real journey, the growth, and the person behind the brand.

When you stay consistent, pay attention to what’s working, and show up as yourself, you naturally become more attractive to the right audience—and ultimately, the right clients.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what really helped me build my reputation in my market was a combination of consistency, results, and how I show up for my clients.

From the beginning, I didn’t wait until everything was perfect—I started with what I had and stayed consistent. Whether it was filming on my phone or investing into better equipment over time, I made sure I was always improving and always showing my work. That consistency made people take me seriously.

Another big factor was results. I’ve worked closely with artists and creatives and actually helped them grow—whether that was increasing their visibility, getting more bookings, or elevating how they present themselves online. When people can see the impact of your work, your reputation builds naturally through word of mouth.

I also think how I move professionally sets me apart. I’m reliable, I communicate, and I genuinely care about representing my clients the right way. I take time to understand their brand and their craft so the content doesn’t just look good—it actually aligns with who they are.

Lastly, I’ve been intentional about showing that I’m more than just a videographer. By consistently talking about marketing and content strategy, I’ve positioned myself as someone who understands the bigger picture, not just the camera.

All of that combined—consistency, real results, professionalism, and positioning—has helped me build a strong reputation in my space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mediabyjai.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mediabyjai
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mediabyjai
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mediabyjai
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mediabyjai
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jai-s-media-agency-atlanta

Image Credits

All of these images were captured by me: Jai Merelus @mediabyjai)