We were lucky to catch up with Jared Caleb recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jared, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I used to think that self-esteem and confidence came from those around you. The way you presented yourself, the way you dressed, spoke, acted… it was their reactions that validated who I thought I was. After a lot of self-reflection and introspective moments, I realized that it actually came from within. No one else is in control of how you feel about yourself- just you! I no longer get up and get dressed to impress, I get up and get dressed to be impressed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Long before opening The Jared Caleb Agency, LLC, I always thought I wanted to be a doctor, until I got into the pre med program at school and realized THIS IS NOT FOR ME- I can’t do blood. After that, I went into communications, where I finally wasn’t told to not talk so much, but was instead told I had the gift of gab and persuasion. That lead me to working in marketing, recruiting and eventually makeup. The makeup world was definitely rewarding, but I didn’t feel satisfied. One day, I took a leap of faith and saw an ad for a talent agency in Nashville, TN. I had no idea what I was getting into; I had no idea what talent agents truly did, but I just felt it was right. After doing assistant work for about 3 months, the CEO came up to me and told me he admired my work and was wondering if I would be interested in a junior agent position. This launched my career to where I am today, always thankful for Al McCree! I worked between Nashville and Atlanta, booking shows all over the USA until COVID hit. This was definitely a hard time for entertainment, but I will forever be thankful for artists like Morgan Myles, who during that uncertain time still went out and performed even in some of the craziest places- we’ve got stories! The support from my amazing parents (Melvin and Rita) and friends, keeping my head down and really concentrating on the bigger picture is what helped me get to where I am today. I have a roster of 16 artists from newer musicians to celebrities. Recently, I was able to expand my business to provide artists with services such as music video production, EPKS, PR and graphic design. I am looking to add more agents to the team so that we can build a booking empire together!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three biggest skills I feel that one has to possess are: willingness to always learn, never be afraid of what others think and discipline.
I don’t like to hear people say they need “motivation.” To me, just wanting to do something is motivation. It’s the discipline that people lack. You can talk about a dream all day, but until you put a plan of action into place, that dream is never going to come to life. You must be willing to drop daily activities, tell your friends you can’t make it and cut back on the social life. Those things will balance back out once you have reached your first goal in business. It’s a small sacrifice for a bigger outcome.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to give me freedom. Freedom to dream and to make those dreams come true. My parents have always been supportive of anything I’ve wanted to achieve in life. There was never a moment of doubt in their eyes. I have done it all from golf to karate and pre med school to talent agent. I’ve also admired my parents work ethics. They have built a beautiful life together that has provided them a way to help me reach my goals. Now it’s my turn to do for them. My dreams have become reality and I still have the freedom to do whatever else I want- there is no limit!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaredcaleb.com
- Instagram: @jc.talentagent
- Facebook: Jared Caleb Talent Agent
Image Credits
Frank Raybuck
Shannon Raybuck
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