We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Mgbemena. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.
John, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?
Yes, I do have an agent. However, most of the bookings I do get are on my own. My agent plays a vital role in my modeling and acting career after I built a brand for myself. I met my agent through them reaching out to me on my profile on the platform, Model Mayhem. I was very skeptical at first but after they landed me my first television gig, Murder Chose Me the rest was history. Since then I have been on Fatal Attraction & Chrisley Knows Best through them. I decided to work with them because before I ever signed with them they gave me my very first television role. They believed in me. I believe they decided to work with me because they saw the potential and passion I had for myself in modeling, as well as the hard work that I was putting into my craft. From my professional photos to perfecting my acting skills. Overall, it was a risk but I believe that they ultimately found a diamond in the rough.
John, 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 John Mgbemena, I am Nigerian. The way I got into the modeling and acting industry was very unprecedented in Atlanta. Modeling and acting were never something I could envision myself doing because I was an extremely shy kid growing up. Nonetheless, it all started at Georgia State University when I challenged myself to do something outside my comfort zone. The challenge happened to be my very first fashion show which was remarkable. That is how I got into the industry of modeling and acting. The work I provide is male modeling, acting, and music service. My drive and dedication to my craft are a few of the many quality traits of mine that sets me apart from everyone else. I am always working out in the gym, perfecting my acting skills with multiple classes, and learning the industry. When a client books me they can ensure that they are getting one of the best Male models in the city of Atlanta and the United States. I am most proud of how far I have come in this industry. Modeling and acting were never something I grew up wanting to do, this all happened spontaneously. Really, because I wanted to do something outside my comfort zone. The main thing I want my potential new clients, followers, etc… to know about me and my brand is I push inspiration, prayer, and motivation. I love to inspire people; to never give up on their dreams, always pray, and be the best version of themselves no matter what.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A journey that illustrated my resilience was when I decided not to be a Doctor and went after my goal as a model and actor. During that period in my life, it was very rough and tough. As soon as I graduated from college with a degree in biology, I got kicked out and was living with my cousin, on the couch, of a two-bedroom apartment with his roommate included. I had no money, no car, and no place to stay. The only thing I had was Jesus and a dream. I used to walk to so many auditions, casting, etc… some I would book some I wouldn’t. Either way, each one made me feel closer and closer to my dream. In the auditions, I booked I always performed at a high level. Some days I would not have anything to eat. Some nights I would sleep on the floor. I remember riding the greyhound bus to Tennessee and filming my very first TV show. That was the start of the bigger picture in my life. I am not mentioning this for empathy. I am mentioning this because it took a lot of prayer, strength, and belief in myself to persevere in the beginning in order to become the person that I am today.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The way I built my social media presence was ultimately through consistency. Posting and engaging with various people helps your algorithm and also connects you to other individuals. I made my profile into a brand of myself. Starting, I would send my post to other blog sites to repost me and that would increase my following. Me getting booked for multiple casting increased my notoriety as well. My advice to those starting to build their social media presence is to be consistent and always stay true to yourself. You do not want to tarnish your reputation and the brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ttm.agency/john-mgbemena
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmgbemena/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Realjohnmgbemena/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/John/Mgbemena
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/john_mgbemena
- Other: https://www.modelmayhem.com/3937015