Entrepreneur + Content Creator: Jay
1. Let’s get the basics out of the way - who are you, what do you do, and how can people connect with you?
My name is Jay. I go by John Baptist on social media. I am an entrepreneur and a content creator.
Connect with me via the following
Email: info@johnthebaptistla
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3kbFk5R
2. You moved to LA a few years ago. Is your initial impression of LA still the same or has it changed? If so, what do you think of LA now?
I moved to LA 10 years ago, straight out of college. My viewpoint on LA remains been the same (since day one). I knew that I would have to work my ass off in order to survive and thrive here. A lot of people think when you move to LA that you’ve “made it”. They’re not even close to it! You literally have to tap into your inner beast to survive here. There are no handouts. You truly have to be a go-getter. You have to be and stay focused! LA has so many distractions and if you get caught up in those distractions you could lose sight of your goals.
3. Being an entrepreneur & creative, what’s a common misconception you want to set straight?
A lot of people really think that what we do is easy and our life is just a “piece of cake”. Not true at all. We have to work twice as hard. It takes discipline and dedication in order to live this “self-employed” life. No one ever sees the sleepless night up editing, the emotional breakdowns, and the stress of not having any security especially when you are first starting out.
4. As a creator in an industry that’s still learning & growing, what’s one thing that has gotten better over the years, and what’s one thing that needs to be worked on still?
What’s gotten better for me over the years is the ability to not compare myself to others. I think as creatives we compare our content and success to the next person way too much. You just cannot do that. It cripples your mind and creativity when you compare yourself to others.
I’m still working on how not to be so much of a perfectionist all the time. I have to remember perfection comes with constant repetitions.
5. What’s one lesson you’ve learned in the last year that has significantly impacted your life?
That your mental health is a top priority. Taking some time for myself to recharge and reset made a big difference in my creativity and just overall how am able to deal with things.
6. How do you balance life, work, and you?
For me, work I make sure I operate like I’m working a 9 to 5. That way I don’t find myself working all day long which would give me less time for myself.
7. What are your non-negotiable boundaries?
ENERGY ENERGY ENERGY. I big on energy. If you have negative energy I cannot and I will be around you. Whether we know it or not, energy is contagious and it transfers.
8. One tip you can give to those interested in pursuing the same path as you?
Be consistent! Don’t be so hard on yourself or the things you create. Everything is not going to be perfect in the beginning. Trust the process. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
9. One thing you wish someone told you about life when you were 16?
That money isn’t everything. Peace and Happiness is the true key to a prosperous life.
10. What truly makes you happy and why?
What truly makes me happy in life is having the ability to do whatever my heart desires.
