We recently connected with Justin Nelson and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

The short answer is yes. Pre-pandemic, absolutely not. I hate to admit it, but the pandemic was a blessing for me regarding career and personal growth. It allowed me time to slow down and evaluate my life’s direction and flow. So many of us were raised thinking we could only pursue one thing. For me, that was only performance. It was either musical theatre or film work. Now, I’m dipping my toe in everything. And I love it. I’ve started multi-brands and can heal my inner child through these avenues. Seeing my mom and dad with regular jobs and how stressful it was let me know that wouldn’t work for a creative me. While having a stable job brings some sense of stability and can be a flex, I’m good with the schedule I’ve curated now.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello readers! I am Justin G. Nelson—a multi-hyphenate creative based in Brooklyn, New York, originally from Memphis, TN. I like to think of myself as a brand, like Keke Palmer and Tabitha Brown. Over the past three years, I’ve started multiple brands that have tapped into my creative side. One is Earthy & Cultured, a health and wellness platform centered around plant-based eating, holistic living, and wellness. Another brand is Nelson Design Lab, a branding and marketing company that supports small businesses, faith-based organizations, and influencers to find their way on digital platforms. I’m all about brand visibility. This year, I launched a podcast with my best friend called Second Pew Podcast (When you leave to get water, but don’t come back…), all about our journey in the Black Church and who we are today. I currently serve as the Brand Manager for my church here in Brooklyn, Bethany Baptist Church, and this Fall, I will be an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis. I have a few more projects I’m working on, but that’s it for the creative. As far as performance goes, I’ve performed in over 20 professional productions between Memphis and New York. My highlight today is performing in the national tour of The Wizard of Oz as Mayor of the Munchkin City (shoutout to all my 5’5″ and below people). I’m still auditioning for musicals and standing firm with my SAG family. (I’m not SAG yet). Through it all, I’m most thankful that I started therapy, and it has allowed all these projects and services to be genuine and passionate outlets for me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is that I’m one of one! And yes, that is a Beyonce reference. While there are other black vegans, content creators, and creative design agencies, few are service-based and have the honest intention of seeing everyone win. It took me 34 years to get to this point in my life. So, trust me, it’s a process. And I’m grateful that I have arrived!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

“What happens if it actually works out?” I wake up every day with that quote in mind. So many of us live in fear and never live in hope. Life is short. I’ve lost so many friends over the past three years, and I said, “Justin, you have to start living.” For the longest, I was surviving and doing enough to stay present. Now, I’m doing it all and having no regrets. I honestly feel God put me here to be a light and vessel and show that anything is possible if you believe. (Shout out to my third-grade teacher for that.)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justingnelson.com
• Instagram: @justingnelson
• Facebook: @justingnelson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-g-nelson-50380423/
• Twitter: @justingnelson
• Youtube: @justingnelson
• Other: I’m pretty much @justingnelson on everything! www.nelsondesignlab.com www.earthyandcultured.com www.secondpew.com

Image Credits
Image 1 AND 2 @KHueyMedia / Kyle Huey Photographer