We recently connected with JJ Yosh and have shared our conversation below.
JJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
It has been quite a journey. I have been pursuing this path for quite some time, over 20 years now. I would identify myself as a storyteller first and foremost.
I wanted to create a way for people to experience the outdoors and nature in an immersive media format.
So I set off on an expedition to create stories in the outdoors in a documentary format.
This evolved with the times into a full blown social media agency that I am currently heading called Higher Earth Entertainment.
JJ, 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?
It started in 2003 when I started a club at my college, UCSB, called the Excursion Club. The Club’s mission was to get students outdoors on various adventures. I would film our adventures, and create trailer compilations to recruit more students onto our adventures.
Shortly after I graduated UCSB – I went on to pursue my own production company, Higher Earth Media, where we created short films and documentaries to inspire people to get outside and adventure.
This has of course evolved into what it is today working with many brands and companies alike to create exposure for their products in a creative storytelling narrative.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is first and foremost the environment, nature, and the great outdoors. Ever since my first excursions into the backcountry, I have felt drawn to connect more and more individuals into the outdoors.
For me — nature is in all of us, and its important that all of us are able to experience the great majestic beauty of its grace.
Creating short films and documentaries about this vary subject allows me to bring people into these surreal experiences, so they to can get inspired to get outside and explore their own backyard.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Yes, one of my favorite books of all time is Ishmael by Daniel Quinn — which talks about the leavers and takers of the world. Another book I loved was Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield — which explores the unique meanings of the little things in life that may be overlooked which can help guide you towards manifesting the life of your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jjyosh.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jjyosh
- Facebook: facebook.com/jjyosh
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjyosh
- Twitter: twitter.com/jjyosh
- Youtube: youtube.com/jjyoshtv
Image Credits
Higher Earth Media