We recently connected with Jayson Okanlawon and have shared our conversation below.

Jayson , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My freshman year in college, I used to post funny videos on Snapchat. It was my first time away from home and in a new city and state, so posting funny videos about my thoughts at the time was a way to pass time. The videos weren’t even edited, they were just Snapchat stories. The more people who would reply to the Snapchat story, the funnier I knew the video was. A friend from high school at the time, Chamelea Haynes ( I’ll never forget her name ) replied to the story with laughing emojis and said I should start posting the videos to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube. At first I just brushed it off and didn’t think much of it. But on one random day in the Student Center, I decided to post one of the videos I had previously made on Snapchat. The response was overwhelmingly good. I didn’t know I had the ability to make people laugh that much. From that day forward Jay The Entertainer was born.

Jayson , 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?

I am a man of many hats. First and foremost, I am an entertainer. I love making people laugh and smile. It truly makes my day knowing I can impact another persons day positively. From skits, the door of hosting/MC’ing opened up. I started off hosting some of my school org events. That quickly grew to me hosting other school events at schools like University of Vermont, University of Delaware, and Rowan University to name a few. Then that opened the door to me MC’ing weddings.

I also own my own fashion brand called ‘Justify The Extraordinary’ or JTECollections for Short. It is a brand that promotes embracing your uniqueness. I am a firm believer that everyone has a specific blueprint of life catered to them and through fashion I wanted to be a constant reminder that being you is truly extraordinary. We sell items like Heavyweight T-Shirts, Custom Varsity Jackets & Elegant handbags we call “Carriers.” The brand offers high quality at a great price. Literally.

I am most proud of my work ethic. I am a living example of what it is to be a visionary. All the hats listed were once a vision, a dream if you will. But with hard work, faith, and proper execution, I have given life to all of my visions.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the impact you have on people. There are times when I have received DM’s stating how my content has made their day and truly uplifts their spirits. I’ve been to concerts, parades, etc. where people have told me their own positive experiences they’ve had with my content.

On the business side, it is the most rewarding seeing people wear the brand, and style it so well. They hold the brand to such a high standard and look forward to the new products.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I am a big podcast guy. I’ve found the most insight listening to podcast like “Diary of a CEO”, “Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal” and “On Purpose by Jay Shetty.” Each podcast has taught me something related to being a better creative, a better entrepreneur or both.

Honorable mention: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JTECollections.com
• Instagram: @Jay.The.Entertainer_
• Twitter: @Entertainer__J
• Other: Business socials @JTECollections

Image Credits
Images shot by ( @skdtbebrand, @kelvinshotz, @shotsnfaces )