We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jameal Pullins-MDRD. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jameal below.
Hi Jameal , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
We didn’t have the fairytale life. Just another project kid from a different lens. Mom often times took us to see the homeless, it let us know life could be harder. It built character and made us express gratitude for the life we had. Growing up there was always this stigma on skin complexion. I was raised to judge a man by his character and to be judged the same. Through the trials of life, I knew my purpose was to reach people through my passions. Music, Fashion, Film and Entrepreneurship. Music gave a voice to people who’s voice wasn’t heard. In addition, the way music makes you feel and the places it can take you. Bob Marley once said “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”. Fashion was another outlet because of all the times I’d wear hand me downs. I knew one day, I’d make my own clothing and give back to those without. I’m a firm believer when you dress good you feel good. Film was another outlet for the real life stories you can tell and the way it captivates an audience. As a family we would watch movies and reenact scenes for good laughs. We laughed a lot and it allowed us to forget. Forget we didn’t have everything we wanted but we had everything we needed, each other. That’s my purpose to use my passions to reach the people in ways I learned as a child. In my own way show the world around me anything is possible. Be a light to those in the dark. Make an impact alongside of several other entrepreneurs driving the culture forward, mentally, physically and spiritually.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’ve decided to fully focus and bet on myself. For a while I was chasing this idea that I will work a job and allow it to fund my endeavors until my talents pay for themselves. I slowly realized I was only getting deeper into the corporate world. I noticed most aspiring artist worked jobs with little demand. Instead, I was finding myself in managerial and high demanding positions. The positions we’re great opportunities but never allowed the flexibility I needed. How could I be this music and fashion mogul, if everyday I spent more time building someone else’s brand more than my own. Now, I work with businesses more so on a consulting basis. Which basically frees a lot of my time and gives me more flexibility. Although it has changed my lifestyle momentarily, it feels much more fulfilling. I’m able to take on less demanding jobs and put the kind of time I desire into my craft. Since shifting my focus, I have increased my skills on all levels music, fashion and film. As far as new projects, events and products. I have a few music collaborations to release soon. I was just casted for a documentary series this June. I will begin filming for a Movie this October. I am the Creative Arts Director over a non profit summer program for youth development. I am putting together my fashion line. I have started my YouTube creator channel and developing my niche for TikTok. I have completely shifted to a content creator. Constantly gaining knowledge and applying it. Yet, I am always finding time to recenter myself and enjoying family.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If I had to give three skills or areas of knowledge. I would say Communication, Discipline and Faith. I believe communication is one of the most important skills, if not the most important. Most misunderstandings can be solved with proper communication and empathy. I improved my communication skills in customer service but more so in face to face sales. Discipline is another skill I believe ties hand and hand with self control. If an individual can possess control over their habits, hobbies and company they keep, they can easily conquer anything they put their mind to. Like any skill it takes practice and discipline. I use faith as the last skill. If an individual backs everything they believe with unwavering faith, in most cases they will prevail. Faith is like the power of belief. Believing there’s greater forces than myself, working on my behalf for the greater good. Having faith that tough times don’t last, tough people do. A lot of my lessons I learned through trails and tribulations. Most ways I learned was through my experiences. I say to readers get out and experience life. Use the tools around you. Find motivational speakers on YouTube and listen daily. Constantly feed your mind with self improvement knowledge, then be disciplined to execute the knowledge obtained. Keep faith and you’ll prevail.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest areas of growth in the past 12 months is mental health, self love, and awareness. When I make any changes or major decisions in my life, I always have to sit still and allow the universe to be my guide. I found myself again deciding where I wanted to be in life. In most cases, we are creatures of habit. The moment anything changes it can throw off our balance. These past few months I have worried less and accepted the inevitable more. I have improved my faith and trusted my self more. I stopped looking for love outside and found it within. I begin learning more things I was never taught. I stopped putting blame on others, weather it was their fault or not. I started taking more ownership of my actions. I forgave anyone that has ever done harm to me. I appreciated everyone that has ever looked out for me. I spent time reflecting and evolving from my decisions. I went deep within and expressed love for the man I was and the man I am becoming. Through meditation and prayer I found peace, love and gratitude. I speak into existence that we all find the same. Be bless more importantly be a blessing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mdrdconsulting.square.site/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jameal.pullins
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameal-pullins-399529b5/
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@mealdarealdeal
Image Credits
MDRDPRODUCTIONS, GoldenPixels, KG Hall photography
