Exploring Life & Business with James Johnson of U.G. Digital Media & Publishing

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Johnson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began as your typical college student, attending school with no clear direction in what I wanted to do with my life. I knew much of my life I wanted to work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry; I just wasn’t clear on how to make that happen. I’m a firm believer that what’s meant to be will be. Following a few years in school, and bouncing between advertising and marketing as majors, a chance email to radio personality Russ Parr landed me with Radio One Cleveland. I would later work a few years with WKYC TV 3. Following a failed attempt at working with a local celebrity band, it ultimately became clear what my tie calling was. The perceived rejection didn’t bother me one bit, only because of the work I did in finding and connecting face to face with the band. Coming face to face with one of hip-hop’s biggest acts through my own methods said to me in the moment that I belonged in the world of Journalism. I haven’t looked back since. I’ve now run two digital publications, launched several brands under one umbrella, and have had the ultimate blessing of connecting with a mile-long list of celebrities, managers, and publicists alike.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. I’ve nearly been bankrupt working to build a dream, and it ultimately played a big part in my divorce. I’ve left a high-paying job to follow my passion, and it was definitely a struggle. Nevertheless, I’ve continued to forge ahead. Leaving that job when I did was honestly the best thing I could have ever done. It relieved me of so much stress. It allowed me to show my son that it’s ok to take a leap of faith and believe in yourself. You obviously have to put in the work.

We’ve been impressed with U.G. Digital Media & Publishing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Launching first in 2013 as a digital magazine, U.G. Digital Media & Publishing has become a full-scale multimedia company. Since the beginning, we have grown to include a PR firm, a Podcasting network, and several radio and podcasting platforms. A non-profit geared at developing young minority journalists is in the works, and two non-entertainment related ventures (J-Kwik Transportation, @iFitnessKing) have also been launched.

The idea behind U.G. Digital Media & Publishings was I wanted to have more of a one-stop-shop. It was a way for me to blend all of my areas of expertise and do some of all of the things I love. My true passion is media & journalism. I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship, Going back to making contact with the celebrity group years prior, that experience led me to a full-on desire to build my own opportunities. Aside from wanting to work for BET, which I did accomplish in 2013 and 2014, I no longer had the desire to work for anyone else. I wanted to make my own way and call my own shots. I’ve worked hard over the years to build a solid reputation in the media world, and I wouldn’t change any bit of my journey.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I just believe there’s true happiness in following your passion. I’ve been told so many times, by so many people, that the things I’ve accomplished are impossible. People are quick to tell you what you can’t do. I make sure to surround myself with people who believe in me as much as I believe in myself. All things are possible through faith in GOD and hard work.

Contact Info:

• Email: James.Johnson@ugdigital.com
• Website: Www.itsthejspot.online
• Instagram: @authenticallyjames
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjamesgrantugd
• Twitter: @iamjamesgrant
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQBDeSi-PShLWcmwNnD66LA
• Other: Www.ugdigital.com

Image Credits
Bright Star Talent Agency