We recently connected with Jonesy and have shared our conversation below.

Jonesy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The most significant risk I took was starting my creative platform, Just Create, in 2019. My vision for Just Create was to formulate a platform for creatives of all backgrounds to do what they do best: create. I wanted to share my friend’s music, introduce new music to the masses, and support the unlimited types of creativity the community generates. Growing up in a very small town in upstate NY, I knew there was more for me in this world. I didn’t have the creative spaces or tools, but I had a vision and determination. What pushed the action behind making Just Create manifest for people to be part of, was my first time attending a musical festival in Bethel Woods circa 2016-2017 called Mystery Land. I was engulfed with music, people, art, and expression in one area for the first time in my life. For me, that was one of the first times I felt the universe connect with me in the sense that I, too, can create the same thing, and one day, it is as big or bigger. My second realization was flying on a plane out of the country to London. It made me realize that at 23 years old if I could go out of the country, I could start this platform on Instagram (lol); that was a big step for me. Because of this decision, it created a domino effect of success, challenges, and new opportunities, all while feeding my curiosity about expressive creativity, music, community, and so on.

My love for music overall continues to align with me through my journey. Music all my life has been the common denominator. Being the youngest of four siblings, I got the opportunity to be introduced to a plethora of music. I guess I can say subconsciously music has been a guide for me in the best way possible. So much to the point I became a DJ.

Jonesy, 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?

I transferred to the University at Albany in the spring of 2018; I saw college as an opportunity to network and meet new people while getting my degree. During those early years of college, I was already focusing on how to start my career in the music industry. I didn’t know anyone; this was my first time going away to school after finishing two years at a community college back home. I was nervous but, at the same time, excited. Everything was new for me. That spring semester leading into the next year of college, I managed to meet some folks who would later help me out by being part of my first music showcase ever.

Because I was a student, I took full advantage of the school’s amenities, like printing. I also took a digital media and marketing class that built my skills in understanding graphics and layout formats. I was then able to create my own fliers for this showcase I was planning. I had little to no budget, so it was imperative that I took care of all the major factors to pull this showcase off. I became aware of an annual festival that took place on Lark St in Albany called Lark Fest. I love music festivals, so this was the perfect time to test out my gorilla marketing skills I learned and hand out fliers to people in the street, businesses in the area, and on the window shield of random people’s cars.

I already knew plenty of artists from back home, my old college, and now my new college/Albany area, which would make the process of artist outreach easy for me. As well as a DJ (DJ Hollywood) who was down to spin for my showcase at no charge, whom I had met at my college radio program he was running. This was Just Create’s first music showcase, so I was very intentional about involving creatives of all backgrounds; so at the showcase were artists, fashion designers(VEM), two sisters I met in college, clothing brands from back home, and raffle giveaways from the local stores I had given my fliers.

From street marketing to internet rollouts my friends resharing my post, I made it my mission to let people know this was happening. What made this a risky idea was that I didn’t do this on campus grounds; I chose unfamiliar territory, which was the best decision ever. I was not DJing then, so most people didn’t know who I was.

At this time, I felt not staying solely on campus set me apart. I got involved with the community outside of college as well. I attended events on campus and made it my goal to attend music events off campus specifically. Showing my face, most of the time by myself, helped me stay focused and build the lasting relationships that I have today.

I am most proud of the amount of discipline, fearless determination, and hard work I put forth. The main thing I want people to know is that the first step is the deepest, but it has the potential to further your dreams beyond what you can imagine.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a DJ and creative is my ability to bring people of all backgrounds, ages, genders, and creative abilities together in one room. Seeing people smile and connect with each other brings immense joy to my heart. Knowing that I have provided someone with their first time performing or showcasing their art holds so much meaning to me. Also i love to be credited that I put you on to some great music!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I am a very spiritual person. Something that helps me connect is journaling and writing my goals down. I also like to use it as a point of reference to return to if I’m ever feeling stumped. I have been reading a lot lately. A few books that have helped me along the way are The Alchemist and The Power of Now. I mentioned those two specifically because no matter what point you are in life it always seems to have relevance that can guide you through your life circumstances. Also, a TED talk can bring you some enlightenment; there are so many, so whichever one calls your attention.

Something I think creatives should do is watch interviews of people who inspire them, be it your favorite musician or entrepreneur. It is also a great reminder of how human we all are.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j0nesy.rum/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2zulKNHYEDE9KT13eHKPgg
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/just-create?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits
Jayanalafotos