We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Jarrin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe that maintaining an ethical mindset is essential when discussing success in business. In today’s world, it’s more apparent than ever that prioritizing ethics in both business and life can yield significant benefits. In my personal experience, I’ve discovered that conducting business with a focus on doing what’s morally right, as I would hope others would do for me, often leads to favorable outcomes. This can manifest as going above and beyond without expecting reciprocation.

When we engage in actions without imposing expectations, reciprocity tends to follow naturally. Consequently, I’ve found that this approach allows me to build meaningful relationships rather than mere transactions. The removal of expectations from the equation helps prevent disappointment. By adhering to ethical principles and treating others as we would like to be treated, our actions tend to attract people and cultivate valuable relationships.

Michael , 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?

For those unfamiliar with me, I’m Michael Jarrin, a creative director specializing in the realm of social media. My primary focus has been corporate branding within the social media sphere, particularly in the creation of photo and video-based content. I embarked on this journey over four years ago with a vision to build something I’m passionate about – something that could eventually provide for my family. My path to entrepreneurship was paved during my college years when I studied Design and Media Productions Technology. I gained a diverse skill set, from website creation to product photography, video editing, and even 3D animation. While I may not be a master in any of these fields, I’ve become adept at navigating them.

My enthusiasm for the creative space never waned, even during the most exhausting days. I vividly recall attending classes after working long shifts at a valet job, fueled by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and growth. During college, I interned at a creative agency in Atlanta, where I was introduced to the world of corporate branding and photo/video-based content creation. As social media rapidly evolved, I observed brands producing highlight videos for artist collaborations, product launches, event recaps, and branded community content. This captivated my interest, and I persistently lobbied the agency to involve me in this high-demand facet of their business. Over time, I worked as a contractor with them whenever opportunities arose, inching closer to my goal of becoming a full-time employee.

Eventually, I realized this aspiration, working with them for a year before parting ways amicably due to differing visions and interests. Subsequently, I spent a year devoted to refining my business and achieving personal goals. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but I quickly gained momentum. Today, I remain committed to nurturing and expanding my business, striving for it to mirror my vision. I’ve made my share of mistakes and learned countless lessons through trial and error, all while developing a deep appreciation for adversity. This has molded me into a resilient problem solver who relishes learning and embracing challenges.

What distinguishes me within my industry is my unwavering commitment to understanding and resolving clients’ issues. Many of these challenges are intricate and necessitate long-term strategies and consistency. In addressing them, I find a sense of purpose, firmly believing that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every client relationship requires mutual dedication and a shared commitment to achieving success.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In my transition from a stable job to entrepreneurship, I had to make several pivotal changes, including a significant shift in my personal life. I chose to channel all my energy and attention into this endeavor. To do so, I made the decision to eliminate distractions, such as alcohol and excessive social outings, from my life. Additionally, I curtailed any impulsive spending habits, despite the fact that the majority of my income typically reinvests into my business. My aim was to initiate a profound transformation.

This conscious choice allowed me to maintain a high level of focus and mindfulness in both my personal and professional spheres. Consequently, I found myself making more informed decisions, benefiting not only my business but also my overall quality of life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I take great pride in my unwavering resilience throughout my journey. Whether it was my determination to secure a position at an agency I had long aspired to join or navigating the challenging periods without a consistent job or income, I faced numerous moments of doubt, self-questioning, and uncertainty about my life’s path and capabilities. However, what I hold in high regard is my enduring commitment, focus, and God.

In the early stages, when success seemed far from reach and discouragement imminent, it would have been easy to surrender. What carried me through these trying times was the support of my close friends and family, as well as my faith in God. I recognize that I still have a long way to go to reach my desired destination, and I persistently strive for progress each day. I firmly believe that all that I’ve been granted is a result of God’s grace, and I attribute my achievements to God.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_jarrin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jarrin-b4216214a/

Image Credits
Shot by – Michael Jarrin