We recently connected with Jordyn Mayes and have shared our conversation below.

Jordyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

When all is said and done, after all the hard work has been put in and I’m sitting back to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I hope to leave an unforgettable legacy. I aspire to build a platform in the creative business space that inspires young people to chase their dreams and shows them that any idea can blossom into a beautiful reality. Choosing what you want to be and do in life is a serious decision that takes time. I hope my influence demonstrates that there is more to life than a 9-to-5 job and that you can work for yourself, carve your own path, and pursue what you love. I aim to continue growing in both of my fields and to combine them to create a magazine that is inclusive, brings people together, and keeps everyone informed.
I want to be remembered for my unwavering faith—shoutout to God—and for never giving up on my dreams. I hope to be recognized for connecting with people whose stories have been overlooked and for using journalism as a medium to create safe spaces for both seen and unseen individuals. Ultimately, I hope the stories I tell will be immortal and touch lives around the world.

Jordyn, 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 Jordyn Mayes, and I am the Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of WAFFLE MAGAZINE, while simultaneously running a photography business. I started both in 2024 to brand myself and connect with people locally, on social media, and around the world. With several interests and skills, I often felt lost about what I wanted to pursue. Waiting for a seat at company tables as an employee came with a lot of denial, so I decided to create my own table.

I have always enjoyed film and creative storytelling across all mediums, but it was often hard to channel that energy. This led me to take matters into my own hands. After taking my family’s Christmas photos in 2023, my mother encouraged me to take photography seriously, so I thought, “Why not? Who knows where this will lead me?” This decision ultimately led to the creation of my magazine.

Jordyn Carlisse Photography offers a range of photography services, including video, in both studio and outdoor settings. My business primarily caters to families and those looking for portraits. I pride myself on being easy to work with because I genuinely enjoy what I do. My goal is to ensure customer satisfaction, which means I’m willing to go above and beyond. I embrace challenges and love creative concepts that push my abilities, ultimately making me a better photographer. I aim to capture the world as the art that it is, and I find joy in that process. I am proud to still be here, despite moments when motivation waned or business slowed. You never know what lies on the other side of a drought. I am proud of the growth I’ve experienced in just a few months. You can truly achieve anything you set your mind to.

For those unfamiliar with me, I want you to know that I embrace challenges and am always seeking opportunities to collaborate. There’s nothing that can’t be done, and I am eager to help bring all visions to life.

WAFFLE MAGAZINE offers consumer news around culture, current events, and lifestyle topics, as well as telling untold stories. Established in August 2024, it is still in its early stages. I aim to celebrate those who deserve recognition when it is relevant to current events, especially when others overlook them. There are incredible individuals doing amazing things, and only a handful of people know about them. I want to find these talents and showcase them to the world. Currently, I publish weekly newsletters that cover topics such as news, weather, music, film and TV, food, and advice. I want people to know that I focus on sharing good news, often steering clear of the sad and distressing stories that dominate the media. WAFFLE is a happy place.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Two of the most effective ways to grow your clientele are consistency and a focus on experience rather than profit. By consistently using your platform to share your work across all channels, along with the right hashtags and promotional content, clients will naturally come your way. Consistency also enhances word-of-mouth referrals; satisfied clients will share your information with friends and family who may need your services in the future, allowing your clientele to grow organically.

Sometimes, gaining experience is more valuable than immediate compensation, especially when your business isn’t large enough to be considered a full-time endeavor. These experiences often lead to meeting new people and networking opportunities, allowing you to connect within your craft. While the money will eventually come, opportunities are more varied. Use discernment and make the best decisions for yourself, your goals, and your future.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is witnessing your ideas evolve from simple concepts into something profound—often leading you to places you could never have imagined. You start as an apprentice, and the journey into mastery is life-changing, filled with some of the best and most pivotal moments of your life. Creativity serves as a catalyst, helping you step into the life you were truly meant to live. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about working with your hands and making the world feel something meaningful. It’s about contributing to something bigger than yourself.

However, the journey isn’t without its challenges. Fear and self-doubt can loom large, and only a few are willing to stay the course and trust the process. Many are called to this path, but few are chosen to fully embrace the life that God intended for them through their talents. It’s a special experience to nurture something you started and watch it grow into a towering tree, a feeling unlike any other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jordyn-carlisse-photography/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorzyyy?igsh=MW56djZlbTQzd3g5aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordyn-mayes-36b639197?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@1waffle_tv?si=9WdaVoXpa9WKmO0Z
• Other: WAFFLE MAGAZINE Website: https://open.substack.com/pub/wafflemagazine

Image Credits

All photos were taken by Jordyn Mayes