We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jalen Jasmin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jalen below.
Jalen, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
Truth be told, I am completely satisfied with the path that God has brought me on this journey! However, if I had to start over and do it all over again I would first start by asking God, “How can I use this gift of photography to help others around me and give you glory as well?” It took me about 2 years to realize that this is bigger than me. Whenever you are running a business or a you have some kind of a platform putting God first as well as the people you are working with is highly important. I can say that if I were to start over today, this is the first thing I would do. Success isn’t determined on how much revenue or income you bring in. I believe that’s just a stat and the ones who have reached true success are at peace and happy within their hearts because they have successfully completed their visions with a foundation set around God and being a selfless individual. I am working my way to this measure of success. In conclusion, I would start with faith and remove doubt because through God all things are possible and with hard work time will tell!
Jalen, 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 started Photography in June, 2021. What inspired me to become a photographer was honestly having a couple bad experiences myself with photographers. I always felt that when it came to art and creativity I always had an interest in them. Me being upset from my experiences gave me motivation to pick up a camera and make sure that nobody would feel the way I felt about photographers at the time.
I would consider myself a very versatile photographer. Most photographers have labels but I wouldn’t give myself a label just yet. I have successfully completed many photoshoots including portrait, sports, landscape, animal, lifestyle, etc! I think what sets me apart from other photographers as well as entrepreneurs would be that I am extremely passionate about making sure my clients are satisfied and building a relationship with my clients.
The main thing that I am most proud of is the growth that I have noticed not just as a photographer but as an individual. Learning business and building these relationships has truly changed my life beyond what I can explain and once again without God being center in my life this wouldn’t be possible.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing how much of an impact you can make on someone’s life. As creatives we have the ability to change someone’s week or month by fulfilling their vision or even just building a relationship with them. You never know what someone is going through and to be able to change their life through our work is the best feeling in the world.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think non-creatives don’t truly understand the amount of time and sacrifice that goes into photography, being a creative, as well as entrepreneurship. Countless hours behind close doors strategizing, planning, and studying your craft. Brainstorming different ways to reach a certain audience and how you can continue to better yourself it is a lot and can be stressful. Nothing makes creatives and entrepreneurs more happy than an understanding and patient client! When you let creatives get in their bag and create, a lot of the times your expectations will be exceeded!
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Jalen Jasmin