Story & Lesson Highlights with Jonathan Mills of Texas Hill Country

Jonathan Mills shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
There’s an activity that brings me joy, frustration, peace, heartbreak, and elation—often all within the same afternoon. What started as a casual hobby a few years ago has quietly turned into a full-blown quest.

“Addiction” might be too strong a word… but if you looked at my YouTube history, you might disagree. I practice regularly, binge tip videos, and consume content about it multiple times a day. I’ve invested a fair amount of time (and let’s be honest, money) into getting better—and I have no plans to stop.

So, what’s this semi-addiction that’s captured me so completely? I’ve answered the same call that’s lured in countless forty-somethings before me—

I am a golfer.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jonathan Mills, and I run Jonathan Mills Media — a story-driven production company here in the Texas Hill Country. We do cinematic videos and photography for local businesses, real estate, and brands that want to actually connect with people — not just sell to them.

What makes our work different is that we care just as much about the story as we do the visuals. Anyone can shoot a pretty photo or video — but when you tell a story that makes people feel something, that’s when it sticks. That’s what we’re after every time we hit that little red button.

I’ve always been fascinated by what moves people — what makes them trust, hope, or take action. That’s probably why our approach feels more relational than transactional.

Right now, we’re focusing more on local storytelling — capturing the heart behind small businesses and community projects that are making a difference. At the end of the day, I just love shining a light on good people doing good work.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was an extremely emotional kid — I loved big, felt deeply, and when I got angry, it came out like an explosion that sometimes hurt the people around me. I was wildly passionate about everything I cared about. Over time, though, I learned — often through painful experiences — that those outbursts weren’t acceptable and could be damaging.

In my effort to tame the “wild” inside of me, I ended up silencing the very thing that made me who I was — creative, loyal, and naturally driven to lead. The world told me my passionate expression was “too much” and needed to be managed, so I spent much of my adult life living safely in the middle.

It wasn’t until I walked through a major personal crisis that I finally reconnected with the person God made me to be — a deeply passionate feeler with a unique perspective on life. That awakening became the lens through which I now see everything — every story, every frame, every person — as proof that even our rawest emotions can be redeemed into something beautiful.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Failure sucks. It’s uncomfortable, humbling, and usually shows up when you least expect it. But if you’re willing to sit in it long enough to learn what it’s trying to teach you — and then turn that lesson into fuel — nothing can stop you. That’s where real growth happens.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Everyone who really knows me knows this: I value time with the people I love more than anything money could buy. I don’t work hard to collect things — I work hard to make sure I’m truly living while I’m still alive.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I joke that I’m out of my depth only on days that end with a “y.” But honestly, it’s true. In my line of work, no two days look the same. Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and I’m constantly being stretched to think differently and solve problems on the fly.

For a long time, that feeling used to intimidate me — like I was always a step behind. Now I see it for what it is: growth in real time. I’ve learned that being out of my depth isn’t something to avoid; it’s where I do my best work. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but it’s also where creativity, learning, and satisfaction collide.

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Jonathan Mills

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