Co-worker tribute podcast episode.

What do you say after a co-worker passes away?

Mental health is important.

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, we honor DS, our Cleveland co-worker who passed away suddenly from a heart attack. This is a Rest In Peace tribute—shared with warmth, respect, and a little lightness—because remembering someone well can include both laughter and grief. If you’ve experienced a co-worker death, sudden loss, or you’re missing someone today, you’re not alone here. This is also for heart attack awareness and how we can help those in need.

We also talk to creative entrepreneurs and working professionals who are building a dream while juggling a job and real life: how to balance grief and business, show up when you don’t feel “ready,” and keep creating without guilt. If you’re searching for grief support, perspective, and a steady reminder that life keeps moving—and we can too—press play.

Let this be your courage to keep going as a creative entrepreneur and/or small business owner (large business owner).

A moment to pause, remember, and breathe for every entrepreneur navigating grief, life, and business.

Solo reflection and grief support.

#MentalHealthMatters #InMemory #SendingLove #HumanOverHustle #HonoringLife #LifeHappens #Resilience #WorkplaceWellbeing #HeartHealthAwareness #RIP #Job

#RestInPeace

#IndustryTalk

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

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For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency

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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.

The Pull Up Experience, entrepreneur elevation group, visits Euclid High School to discuss podcasting and entrepreneurship to the student midday.

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and media entrepreneur Jackson (Steve Jackson) shares powerful insights from a live entrepreneurship and podcasting presentation at Euclid High School in Euclid, Ohio. Joined alongside Brandon Gates of The Pull Up Experience, this episode explores how students can leverage podcasting as a marketing tool, build entrepreneurial mindsets early, and use content creation to monetize their ideas.

From real-world business fundamentals to podcast monetization strategies, this episode delivers practical guidance for high school and college students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and educators looking to support youth innovation.

• Entrepreneurship education for high school students
• Podcasting basics for beginners
• How podcasting supports business marketing
• Monetization strategies for podcasts and YouTube
• Pivoting in business and creative industries
• Youth entrepreneurship in Cleveland, Ohio
• Building confidence through content creation
• Audio vs. video podcasting strategies
• Balancing free work, purpose, and sustainability
• Using podcasts as long-term brand assets

• Behind-the-scenes recap of speaking at Euclid High School
• Real examples of student-focused entrepreneurship programs
• Discussion on podcasting as a low-barrier entry point for creators
• Why audio podcasting remains a powerful and flexible format
• Insights into YouTube monetization requirements
• Commitment to creating 1,000 educational podcast episodes
• Encouragement for students to explore robotics, culinary arts, music production, and media programs

• Podcasting is not just content—it’s a marketing vehicle
• You do not need expensive equipment to start a podcast
• Consistency and education build long-term opportunities
• Entrepreneurship requires balance, sustainability, and purpose
• Early exposure to business concepts creates confidence and clarity
• Series Mentioned: 10-Day Social Media Sabbatical

• High school students
• College students
• Young entrepreneurs
• Aspiring podcasters
• Educators and youth program coordinators
• Creative professionals and content creators

entrepreneurship for students, podcasting for beginners, youth entrepreneurship Cleveland, student podcasting tips, podcast marketing strategies, how to make money podcasting, audio podcasting, content creation for students, Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Brandon Gates, The Pull Up Experience (TPUE), business mindset

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.

Adapt to your environment.

Do the important work first, before the real work.

What is someone doing in another industry that you can apply to your industry?

How has media affected your industry? Like, a Nascar driver could have many sponsors, why can't you?

We can have an ideation session and discuss some strageties to help you think creatively as an entrepreneur.

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.

This Interview with Cleveland interior designer Justine Johnson of Just Designs spoke on the awareness of Ai generated room designs as a professional, getting booked for resin projects versus interior design contracts because it was popular for her, and how Art Deco influenced her work.

If you are a creative entrepreneur, interior designer, or Cleveland business owner who wants to understand how professional design, media, and branding intersect, this conversation will give you real, practical insight with plenty of gems.

Cleveland, Ohio is full of many quiet and under the radar creatives. Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk highlights creative entrepreneurs such as Justine Johnson and so many more in various industries.

Follow Just Designs on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/justdesigns_llc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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.

How do you turn rainbows into horror?

I had to travel to Kent, Ohio to catch up with an old friend

"Cut it out!" Lai Lai explains the editing process.

Stating how she now keeps a camera, tripod and ruler with her.

From School of the Arts to the Cleveland Print Room, to Kent State University.

We discuss her early stages of entrepreneurship and favorite moments as a photographer.

Lai Lai of Melting Magnets Photography and Photogenic Collection got a little personal.

"Everything is art to me." As we talk about blending art, creativity, and spirituality.

Some favorites for inspiration are Stephen King, Jordan Peele, and Tim Burton, with Chucky movies series being all-time horror favorites.

This is just some of the things we discussed other than catching up and talking business. Reminiscing on Imaging USA annual conference.

It is lonely at the top, it is good to have great company.

Use art as therapy.

Book Lai Lai: https://meltingmagnetsllc.square.site/

Follow Lai Lai: https://www.instagram.com/lai_melting_magnet

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.

This episode is for my photographers. As a photographer, think about what is a visual representation of you and the type of work you would enjoy doing. You are what you attract. Take that time to yourself; 10 minutes a day, at least.

Learn from the lesson I had to learn and endure on my journey through growing a photography business. Networking and building relationships are your biggest asset.

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.