Life & Work with Aaron James of Cleveland, OH

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

Hi Aaron, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where this story starts, but I guess in the beginning I was just a kid with a dream of being “famous”. But I soon realized, it wasn’t the fame I wanted.. it was the freedom and finances that came with said fame.

At first, I was just singing live at local venues, trying to build a name for myself.. but one pivotal moment would change the way I viewed performances. I was selling tickets to a show at Peabody’s and the promoter told us “Whoever sells the most tickets, gets the prime slot right before the headliner”. Which at this time was Kid Cudi! After selling 20 tickets at $20 person, I walked in to the venue with $400 cash just knowing I got the prime slot! However, there were 20 other artist on the bill with the same idea.. the guy behind me sold 25 tickets ($500), the girl behind him sold 30 tickets ($600), and so on and so on.. It was in that moment that I realized, I couldn’t care less about the prime spot.. I wanted to be in the position of the promoter who collected all the money!

Fast forward a year, I signed up for classes at Tri-C Metro for Event Promotions & Marketing! I wanted to book my own shows, be my own headliner, and allow artists to keep their own ticket sells! I found success in this.. not enough to get “famous’ or quit my day job, but I helped me build a positive reputation as an artist in my city! This went on for years, until one day I was presented with an opportunity to host a more professional event.. a wedding!

Weddings is where the real magic started to happen!! From that first wedding I was recommended for 12 that following year. The year after that, 22 weddings.. the year after that, 44 weddings! I found so much success in weddings that I had to quit my full time government job of 15 years, to insure that I could properly cater to my clients! Fast forward to present day, I have now been self-employed for 3 years and have hosted weddings in 3 different countries, 12 different states, and countless cities! Weddings finally gave me the freedom and finances that I thought I would find in fame!

3 years into self employment, I have created a lifestyle that not only allows me to choose my own schedule & clientele, but also free’s up 40% of my time on a weekly bases.. I literally bought myself time!! Now, I am able to use the time that was once dedicated to my 9-5, to pursue other dreams and hobby’s. They say the average millionaire has 7 streams of income.. that’s my new goal!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest struggle along the way is staying consistent and committed, even when the future is uncertain. Wedding season in Ohio is only April – October, which means that for 5 months out of the year I have no guaranteed source of income. That’s enough to make most entrepreneurs quit.. however, I’ve learned that’s when you have to work the hardest on promotion and networking!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from hosting weddings, I pride myself on being a diverse MC!! Not only do I make my own music, but I utilize my gifts in other markets. I host Dance Competitions, Corporate Events, Podcasts, Game Shows, etc.. I guess you can say I was blessed with the “Gift of Gab”!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If I can give any advice, I’d say don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone! In the past year alone I’ve taken advantage of nearly every opportunity thrown my way.. and even if it wasn’t meant for me, it opened the doors for something greater! You have to be willing to fail in order to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.PerfectBalanceEnt.com
• Instagram: @AaronJames216