We were lucky to catch up with Jewel Mensah recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jewel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk about keeping costs under control when growing. How have you managed to keep costs from getting out of control?
Expanding my photography business into other creative fields has indeed been an exciting journey, but I wholeheartedly agree that managing costs is critical, especially if you’re bootstrapped like myself. I’ve seen many businesses falter due to unchecked expenses, so it’s a topic I take very seriously.
First and foremost, I’ve maintained a detailed budget and regularly track all expenses. This involves categorizing costs, setting limits, and revisiting the budget frequently to make sure I’m on track. One strategy that’s worked well for me is to start small and grow incrementally. Rather than diving headfirst into new creative fields with significant upfront costs, I’ve taken a measured approach. For example, when I ventured into videography, I began by using the tools I already had at my disposal, most times it started with my phone. For client work, I started by renting equipment for specific projects instead of purchasing everything outright. This allowed me to test the waters without committing substantial capital. After doing my research I could then invest in the equipment that was most suited for where I was at the time. When I started my YouTube channel, I did so with a pocket camera because I needed to travel without bringing too much because the focus was on the experience and not the production, knowing the purpose helped out greatly. Today, the channel is growing steadily and I hope to bring a lot more to my audience and subscribers. Check out Adventures with Jewel on YouTube if you have a few minutes, I welcome all the support and feedback: https://www.youtube.com/@adventureswithjewel
Furthermore, I prioritize continuous learning and skill development. By honing my skills in multiple creative disciplines, I’ve been able to handle a wider range of tasks myself, reducing the need to outsource or hire additional staff. This not only keeps costs down but also allows me to maintain creative control over my projects.
Jewel, 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 creative journey began in high school and it wasn’t until college when I picked up my first analog camera, a Pentax K1000 that I started to fall in love with my craft. Since then, I’ve continued to hone my practice and expand my craft to other creative fields including creative strategy. Some of my best work in that space was within the marketing and advertising industry, earning a Cannes Lion award along the way. With over a decade of working solely in corporate, I stepped back to focus on my creative energy and I’m now focused on providing creative services to those in need from artists to brands, and visionaries.
I provide services across creative strategy, creative direction, photography, videography, visual identity development and branding, digital innovation, marketing strategy, storytelling, and immersive workshops. Some of my photos can be purchased directly through my website at jewelmensah.com/art and I’m currently in the process of redesigning my business website to be more client-oriented – a showcase of sorts at jwlm.space.
Those who visit the site now will find a very different web experience in about a month from now as I’m currently handling the redesign myself. A huge effort and a labor of love because I truly enjoy the creative process, from wireframing to the user experience and interaction. This attention to detail and creative vision is what I believe sets me apart from others and it’s also what clients can expect when working with me. For those who are ready for bold creativity and innovation, know that I will treat your brand and work like my own, and bring you the best I possibly can. If you’re curious about what that looks like, Reflections of Intimacy is a good benchmark – a true labor of love – a book I wrote, designed, and published. You can learn more about it at: jewelmensah.com/reflections-of-intimacy.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist and creative director, I find that the most rewarding aspect is the process of turning a spark of inspiration into a tangible and meaningful work of art or design. It’s a journey that involves not just the result, but every step along the way. The actual act of creation is deeply satisfying. Whether it’s photographing a portrait, composing within a landscape, designing a website, or crafting a story, there’s a sense of accomplishment in bringing something into existence that didn’t exist before.
Collaboration is another immensely rewarding aspect. Working with other talented individuals, whether they are fellow artists, designers, writers, or technicians, brings fresh perspectives and enriches the creative process. The synergy that arises from collaboration often leads to ideas and outcomes that are far more powerful than what one could achieve alone.
Lastly, the never-ending journey of growth and learning keeps my creative spirit alive. Every project, every challenge, and every experiment provides an opportunity to evolve as an artist and to push the boundaries of my creativity. For me, it’s a journey filled with passion, discovery, and the joy of bringing imagination to life.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The mission driving my creative journey is simply to share my gifts and do the best work I can while I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jwlm.space
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwlm___
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093470384347
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewelmensah
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jwlm__
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adventureswithjewel
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/JWLM
Image Credits
Jewel Mensah