For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe

For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why every yes, is a powerful no?

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and entrepreneur Steve Jackson breaks down what it really means to take the right opportunity—and why saying yes to everything can quietly block your growth.

This episode is a mindset-driven conversation for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are navigating offers, gigs, collaborations, and commitments. Jackson explains how every “yes” is also a “no” to something else, and why evaluating opportunities through the lens of brand alignment, mental health, physical energy, and long-term value is critical.

Using real-world examples from photography, media production, sports, and personal development, this episode emphasizes the importance of practice, preparation, and discernment so you’re ready when the right opportunity shows up.

• Why saying yes to everything can hurt your business
• Evaluating opportunities beyond just money
• Brand alignment and personal boundaries
• When discounted work makes sense—and when it doesn’t
• Practice as a strategy for long-term excellence
• Preparing your skillset before the opportunity arrives
• Photography, sports, and real-world practice examples
• The difference between practice and perfect practice
• Building worth through consistency and preparation
• Protecting your time, energy, and focus

• Every opportunity deserves evaluation—not obligation
• Financial need should be balanced with long-term impact
• Practice builds confidence, value, and readiness
• Excellence is developed, not declared
• The right opportunity requires preparation before arrival
• Only you can define what “right” means for your life and brand

• Saying yes to everything means saying no to the right thing
• Practice outside of paid work creates professional excellence
• Preparation is what allows opportunity to convert into growth
• Relationships and communication strengthen long-term success
• Skill-building applies across all industries, not just creative work

• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Photographers, videographers, and creatives
• Freelancers and independent contractors
• Students and early-career professionals
• Anyone struggling with boundaries and decision-making

Mentioned: choosing the right opportunity, entrepreneur mindset podcast, creative business decisions, saying no in business, photography entrepreneurship, freelance boundaries, preparation meets opportunity, career

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe

For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Guest: Jessica Williams, Founder of Jess Juiced

Jessica Williams is the founder of Jess Juiced, a Cleveland-based juice brand focused on fresh, zero-additive juices. She is also a civic engagement leader, community advocate, and co-founder of the Civic Engagement Collaborative, working to mobilize, educate, and empower local communities through innovative programming.

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Photographer Jackson (Steve Jackson) sits down with Jessica Williams, founder of Jess Juiced, community connector, civic engagement leader, and wellness advocate based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jessica shares her journey from juicing at home for her family to building a purpose-driven business serving underserved communities. The conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, community health, civic engagement, mindset, and media, offering practical insight for aspiring entrepreneurs, wellness creators, and community leaders.

From starting with limited resources to leveraging partnerships, social media, and storytelling, this episode highlights how business, wellness, and impact can work together—without losing authenticity.

• How Jess Juiced started with simple ingredients and limited resources
• Juicing vs. smoothies: nutrition, preparation, and accessibility
• Building a business while serving underserved communities
• Pricing, partnerships, and business-to-business strategy
• Community-based entrepreneurship in Cleveland’s Ward 5
• Civic engagement and the “Karaoke & Conversations” initiative
• Using media and social platforms to amplify impact
• Starting with what you have—mindset over money
• Wellness, fitness, and mental clarity for entrepreneurs
• Navigating setbacks, pivots, and long-term growth

• You don’t need perfect conditions to start—use what you have
• Wellness and entrepreneurship are deeply connected
• Community partnerships unlock sustainable business models
• Media visibility builds credibility, confidence, and connection
• Purpose-driven businesses still require structure and strategy
• Impact grows when education, access, and collaboration meet

• “You don’t have to start with a juicer—start with a blender.”
• “My target audience is the community, but partnerships help me reach them.”
• “If it’s free and quality, it’s for me.”
• “Some people call it a job. Some people call it a passion.”

• Instagram & Facebook: Jessica Williams / @JessJuicedLLC
• Email: jwilliams@clevelandcitycouncil.org

Jackson (Steve Jackson) is a photographer, media producer, and entrepreneur behind Alien Eyez Photos Media. Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk is the marketing and education arm of his business, focused on entrepreneurship, media, mindset, and community impact.

Jess Juiced, Cleveland entrepreneur, juicing business, wellness entrepreneurship, community impact business, civic engagement Cleveland, Black women entrepreneurs, purpose-driven business, podcast for entrepreneurs, health and wellness podcast, Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe

For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.