We recently connected with Jalen Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Jalen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I feel that being happy to be a business owner is an understatement. I’m beyond blessed to be able to make a living from my talents as a creative. I’ve had experience with regular jobs before, but I feel that it nowhere near compares to running your own business. While regular jobs often become repetitive and boring, being a photographer has given me many different experiences while allowing me to work with a numerous different types of people. Any time I consider picking up another job when business is slow I remind myself of how far my talents have brought me which motivates me to work even harder and take pride in my craft.

Jalen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is, Jalen Jones, and I’m a freelance photographer/videographer from Southern Maryland. I attend Clark Atlanta University as a freshman business administration major. My business, Gloryvisions, has been established for close to three years as I found a deep love and passion for the art of photography.

I picked up my first camera in March 2021 after months of saving at a fast food job during my sophomore year of high school. A friend of mine who was also a photographer inspired me to become one myself as I had always loved taking pictures on my phone around the neighborhood with one of my friend. Along with the Covid-19 Pandemic, I had plenty of free time in the house which is when the idea crossed my mind to begin my own business.

I provide a range of photography and videography services spanning from sports, branding, events, and concerts just to name a few. I seek to provide my clients with images that will provide lifelong memories. I want everyone who invests within my business to be uplifted and more confident after working with me. Creating long-lasting relationships with clients is extremely important to me as a business owner. What sets me apart from others is my mission to offer the best customer service possible, making clients feel the utmost respect and comfort when working with me.

I’m most proud of my progress over the years as a young business owner. Since I’ve started I’ve learned numerous lessons about not only photography, but how to run a business as well. I know these lessons will be carried with me for a lifetime as a continue to grow as a photographer and entrepreneur.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Personally the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to inspire those to view my work as well as those who look up to me. As I’ve progressed in my career I’ve began to value the sentimental impact that comes with my work rather than material incentives. A big personal goal of mine is to inspire those around me through my work to be the best versions of themselves while striving to be great at whatever. I’d also say being able to show others the world exactly as I’ve seen it through photography is also very rewarding. I see photography as an art like no other.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’d say good first impressions as well as a strong support system in my hometown really helped me take off. I take much pride in delivering the best possible customer service and experience to clients. This of course also leads to referrals to other future clients. How you carry yourself and treat others regarding your business is an extremely key part of expanding. I began my photography career in my hometown of Waldorf, MD as a sophomore in high school. I’d often take pictures at high school football and basketball games in town. Even considering the fact of how hard I worked and how consistent I was, people in my city who would repost and share my work played a large factor in me being able to grow my name out into the rest of the DMV. I was lucky to be blessed with an extremely strong support system and friends who believed in my goals and talents.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gloryvisions.com
• Instagram: @gloryvisions
• Youtube: jalenxglory

Image Credits
Images by Jalen Jones, GloryVisions