Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jori Halpern. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jori, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Upon graduating from college, I was working as a server at a sports bar. I didn’t love the job, but I can’t say I hated it either—you know what I mean? Anyway, one day my manager pulled me aside for a quarterly review. We both aired our frustrations, and after we’d both had our say, he looked me in the eye and said, “Jori, you have to remember that we are as replaceable to you as you are to us.”

That line stuck with me. It completely shifted how I viewed the employer-employee dynamic. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you owe your employer something, or to feel guilty when you consider looking for a new opportunity. But that conversation taught me something crucial: while I might have a boss, I also have a say in my future. If I’m unhappy, I have the right to seek change—just like an employer has the right to let me go if they’re not satisfied. Of course, respect and proper etiquette matter, but that one sentence changed the way I understand power structures in the workplace. It’s a perspective that’s helped me as an artist, a creative, and an entrepreneur: the understanding that my time, talent, and presence are valuable, and I’m free to find a better fit if I need to.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jori, also known as JayCharlii, and I’m the founder of Nebula Agency. From an early age, I was mesmerized by the way cameras could capture and preserve family moments—especially as we lived far from our extended relatives. These early experiences taught me that visual storytelling can transcend distance and foster deeper connections.

As I grew older, my curiosity about people, cultures, and different ways of life only intensified. This passion guided me through a series of transformative experiences: a cultural exchange in Rwanda, a short stay in Israel, and a study-abroad program in London. In London, a friend gifted me a 35mm film camera, and I was instantly hooked. When I returned to the States, my dad and aunt passed down their own 35mm cameras, treasures I continue to use today. By early 2022, I invested in a mirrorless camera, signaling my commitment to photography as a serious craft.

My academic journey further shaped my perspective. I pursued a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, specializing in international conflict management and resolution. This focus deepened my understanding of human interactions and the importance of communication, empathy, and cultural awareness—values that now inform the stories I tell and the communities I seek to build.

In 2021, I began freelancing as a photographer, immersing myself in my clients’ narratives and learning to translate their stories through images. By 2022, I launched the “Generation Hu$tle” podcast, bringing creatives from all backgrounds together to discuss their paths, the shifting nature of creativity, and life in a post-pandemic world. Between 2022 and 2024, I took on diverse storytelling projects, all centered on authenticity, emotional resonance, and visual depth.

In 2024, I founded Nebula Agency in New York City. Just as a nebula gives birth to new stars, Nebula Agency helps brands bring their visions to life. We specialize in fostering genuine connections, both online and offline, and building communities that truly matter. Drawing on my decade of hospitality experience, as well as my academic background in conflict resolution and international relations, I’ve learned that great storytelling and meaningful engagement can break down barriers, spark dialogue, and nurture lasting relationships.

At Nebula, we help clients find their voice, engage their audiences, and cultivate spaces where people feel valued, understood, and inspired. We believe that real community emerges when stories resonate with the human spirit—when people see themselves reflected, supported, and empowered to join the conversation. That’s what sets Nebula apart: the unwavering belief that through thoughtful storytelling and intentional connection, we can help brands shine as brightly as the stars they were meant to be.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, the best way for society to support a thriving creative ecosystem—encompassing both physical artists and service-based creatives like photographers and videographers—is to foster genuine, mutually beneficial partnerships. Begin by looking at the talent right in your own community. You’d be surprised at the caliber of painters, sculptors, photographers, and filmmakers just around the corner.

Next, invest in their work. Commissioning a unique piece for your venue or hiring a local photographer or videographer to tell your brand’s story doesn’t just brighten your space or enhance your marketing—it sparks conversation, enriches your brand’s narrative, and gives artists valuable exposure and income.

It’s also crucial to respect artists as professionals, which includes honoring their rates without trying to negotiate their worth. The price they set isn’t merely a number; it accounts for their equipment, material costs, creative vision, and the time and energy they pour into their work. This is their livelihood, and compensating them fairly ensures they can continue creating.

Prompt payment is another critical factor. Common terms like “Net-30” or “Net-60” put unnecessary strain on artists who depend on timely compensation. You wouldn’t leave a restaurant without paying for your meal, so the same respect should apply once artwork or creative services are delivered.

Finally, trust their expertise. If you’ve hired a creator based on their past work, give them the freedom to do what they do best. By supporting local talent, respecting their craft and pricing, and encouraging their creative freedom, we can cultivate a genuine community where art and innovation flourish for everyone’s benefit.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Just as individuals in traditional career paths have a progression—rising through the ranks, moving toward executive roles, or building their own companies—creatives follow their own unique trajectories. For an artist, success might mean mastering a new medium, taking creative risks, or venturing into unfamiliar fields. However, society often measures that success by the same metrics it applies to conventional careers, overlooking the fact that creative fulfillment doesn’t always align with typical benchmarks.

It’s also important to recognize that artists regularly present their work to the public, opening themselves up to judgment from people who may not fully understand the art form or its context. This can be challenging, even disheartening. True success for a creative, though, isn’t just about making it into the spotlight; it’s about exploring their craft, experimenting, and finding personal meaning in the process. Understanding this difference can help foster more empathy and respect for the creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nebulaagencyco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nebula.agencyco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jori-halpern-4a20ab113/

Image Credits

Jori Halpern
@jaycharlii