Today we’d like to introduce you to James Johnson.
Hi James, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My journey in the media world began more than twenty years ago. As a teen, I dreamt I of a career in the music business. Having family involved in music and having been a fan for years, I just knew it was my path. In that moment, I was unclear how I would manifest that; however, I later made my entrance into the world of entertainment media in 2001. I learned very quickly that a closed mouth doesn’t get fed, and you get what you ask for. While I don’t personally know radio personality Russ Parr. I love to make it known that it was his very personality and fire for helping others that helped me to earn and begin an internship with Radio One (now known as Urban One). It then was up to me to make good of the opportunity and turn it into greater. I did just that, later building and launching my own media company. Beginning as a magazine in 2013, the company has now grown to be a full multimedia brand, housing branches for radio, podcasting, digital print, and public relations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from smooth. There have been many periods filled with both learning and growing pains. I’ve had children, been married, divorced, and been through a bankruptcy – all for the love of my passion. This is just that; my 𝓅𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃. I wouldn’t dare change one thing. I love my journey and all that has come of it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a boutique public relations firm titled J-Rock Management & Publicity. Based in Cleveland, we have been established since 2021. We began with a focus on the entertainment industry; however, we have now expanded to work with clientele of various backgrounds. This current year, we are stepping into the political arena with our first political candidate.
J-Rock has grown tremendously, beginning as a mere idea of creating my own in-house PR brand that would handle coverage of my personal affairs. Once people began to recognize my capabilities, they began asking me to cover various things. Initially, I had no plan of having clientele. Today we have 6 clients on board.
J-Rock is part of a full media conglomerate that also offered radio, podcasting, digital print, and more.
I’m proud of what I’ve been able to put together with my brand. The dream started out much smaller and has grown to be massive. I’m proud to be in a space where I call my own shots. I made the decisions pertaining to what I do, when I do it, and so on. It’s a beautiful feeling.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Hard work is so important. You have to be willing to work for it. For me, passion is equally important. I have the most success when I’m doing things that I’m passionate about. You also must be authentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Itsthejspotonline.com
- Instagram: @Authenticallyjames
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjamesgrantugd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgjohnsonii
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/iamjamesgrant
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@u.g.digitalmediapublishing8289
Image Credits
@ddivinephotography
