We recently connected with Jason Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
“If you don’t have haters, you’re not doing something right.”
That pretty much sums up my answer to this question. In comedy, and any other business where you can potentially reach a multitude of people, you are always going to encounter naysayers. That’s a part of the game. Naysayers keep me motivated because I love to prove people wrong. I have never been a fan of letting someone tell me what I can’t do.
Never let a hater knock you off your square.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a stand-up comedian based out of St. Louis by way of Peoria, IL. I started comedy in June 2014 and that was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have always enjoyed making people laugh and smile. I never imagined doing it for a living but I’m glad I did.
I’m also one half of A Fresh Pair of Jays, along with Jevon Westmoland. We have a self-titled podcast as well as a tour.
I have an apparel brand as well, Funny Guy Apparel. You can check out merchandise at www.funnyguyapparel.deco-apparel.com.
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 biggest quality I possess is being an overall good person. People have no idea how far that can take you and what impact it can have on building your brand as well as business relationships. Along with that, my determination to be great and my will to continue to learn as I grow have helped tremendously.
My advice to up and coming comedians is to be persistent and resilient. Bad shows/performances may happen but how you respond to those performances matter. Use these times to critique yourself and figure out where or why the performance didn’t work. Also, be prepared to work in front of different crowds…not just one demographic. That helps develop style, pace, and stage presence.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mom was always a great example for me. It wasn’t because she always made the best decisions or because I had an easy life. It was the things that she did when her back was against the wall. She showed me it was never too late to “get it right” no matter what. Her resilience and her will to make sure her children were ok despite the many things we went through taught me a lot. I truly thank her for making me who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.funnyguyapparel.deco-apparel.com
- Instagram: @comedianjasonjenkins
- Facebook: Comedian Jason Jenkins
