Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jayden Bailey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jayden , so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Growing up in Baltimore, the realities of life hit early. My mom raised me as a single parent, doing everything she could to provide for me. Despite the challenges, I was incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by supportive family members and mentors who stepped in, offered guidance, and helped shape the person I am today. A lot of my early years were spent learning how to navigate the world on my own. There were always challenges, but even then, I held onto the belief that I could build something more for myself. Those experiences shaped my perspective and taught me empathy in a real, meaningful way. I saw both struggle and strength in the people around me—the resilience it takes to keep going when things aren’t easy. That stayed with me. I began to understand that everyone carries something, and that realization taught me to truly listen—to be present, to feel someone’s story without judgment. It became clear to me that life isn’t just about pushing through for yourself—it’s also about reaching back and helping others move forward too.
One of the most important things that kept me grounded through it all was my faith in God. No matter what was happening around me, I always made sure to keep Him first. It wasn’t always easy—there were times when doubt crept in, when I felt like the world was too heavy to carry. But my belief was what pulled me through. I learned that keeping God at the center of my life wasn’t just about attending church or praying; it was about knowing that there was a purpose behind every challenge, every setback, and trusting that there was something greater than me guiding me forward.
My drive to make it out of Baltimore came from a deep desire to be better, to break the cycle that I saw around me. Basketball was my first outlet, my escape. It gave me a sense of purpose and a path forward, and it became my ticket to a better life. But as I grew older, I realized that basketball wasn’t the only way to express myself. Film and photography became another outlet for me—a way to capture the world as I saw it, to share stories that weren’t always told. It allowed me to communicate my emotions, my struggles, and my triumphs without saying a word.
The more I immersed myself in photography and film, the more I began to see life in a new light. It wasn’t just about the game anymore; it was about capturing moments that could inspire others, just as I was inspired by the stories of others. These creative outlets gave me a chance to take control of my narrative and shift the direction of my life. They became tools for healing and expression, and through them, I realized that there was so much more to me than just being a kid from Baltimore.
Now, I’m driven by the desire to not only change my life but to impact the lives of others. I want to be the person who shows that no matter where you come from, no matter what your past looks like, you can rise above it. That’s what keeps me going—knowing that my journey isn’t just about me, but about giving hope to those who feel like they’re stuck in a cycle with no way out.
I know my time is coming, and when it does, I’ll be ready. I’m going to be the biggest in what I do—not just for the fame or success, but because I want my story to be the spark that ignites change in others. I want people to look at where I came from and say, “If he could do it, I can too.” That’s the power of story—when you use it to connect, to inspire, and to lift others up.
Through my struggles, my faith, my drive, and my creativity, I’m learning that the world needs more than just success stories—it needs stories of overcoming, of resilience, of empathy. And that’s the story I’m sharing, because it’s not just about me. It’s about all of us.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Shotbyjb, and what I do is all about capturing and telling stories through visuals. I’m a photographer and filmmaker, but I don’t just want to be known for taking great pictures or making cool videos—I want to change the way people see the world. My brand is about creating impactful, meaningful content that speaks to the heart of who we are and where we come from. Every shot I take, every frame I film, has a purpose. It’s about showing raw emotion, uncovering unseen moments, and giving people a voice through visuals.
What excites me the most about my work is the ability to transform a simple idea into something that connects with people on a deeper level. I have my own “Swag”, There’s something powerful about visuals—they don’t just tell a story; they make people feel something. Whether it’s through a photograph that captures a fleeting moment or a video that brings a powerful narrative to life, the art I create has the potential to leave an impact. That’s what keeps me driven and passionate about my craft.
Looking ahead, my end goal is to establish a directing agency that helps elevate voices, especially those from underrepresented communities. I want to bring fresh perspectives into the industry and create a space where talent can shine, no matter where they come from. This agency would not only produce creative content but also serve as a platform for emerging artists to develop their skills, collaborate, and share their stories with the world. I believe the industry needs more diversity in storytelling, and I want to be at the forefront of that change.
In terms of where I am now, I’m constantly pushing myself to evolve and grow as a young entrepreneur. I’m focusing on expanding my reach, working with new collaborators, and exploring different mediums to express my vision. Currently, I’m working on a few new projects that I’m really excited about. From launching new photography series to experimenting with narrative filmmaking, I’m always exploring new ways to connect with audiences and push my creative boundaries.
As for what’s next, I’m working on building a foundation for the agency and connecting with talented creators who share the same passion for storytelling. It’s not just about building a business—it’s about creating a legacy that goes beyond the work we produce. I want to create a space that empowers other creatives, and ultimately, I want my work to leave a lasting legacy that inspires future generations of storytellers.
My goal is to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful change through visuals. The work I do is a reflection of where I’ve been and where I’m going, and I’m excited to see how it evolves. Whether you’re following my journey on social media or collaborating with me on a project, I want my work to resonate with you and remind you that we all have a story worth telling.
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?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have had the most significant impact on my growth are resilience, faith, and staying grounded. Resilience has been crucial—life has thrown many challenges my way, but my ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is what has helped me stay on track. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get up. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace failure as part of the process and learn from it; every setback is just a setup for a greater comeback. Keeping God first has also been a key factor in my journey. No matter the circumstances, my faith has been my anchor, providing direction, strength, and peace when things seemed uncertain. Trusting in a higher plan has helped me maintain patience and perseverance. For those starting out, I recommend staying grounded in your faith, whatever form that takes, because it will guide you through the toughest moments. Finally, staying grounded has been essential for me. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to succeed or in the noise around you, but remaining true to who you are and where you come from keeps you humble and focused on the bigger picture. My advice is to stay down—don’t let success or failure change who you are. Stay authentic to yourself and your values. For anyone just beginning, don’t rush—trust the process and develop these qualities over time. Build resilience, strengthen your faith, and always stay grounded.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! As an up-and-coming film director, I’m always looking for talented individuals to collaborate with. I believe that great films are made through teamwork, and I’m eager to connect with creative minds who are just as passionate about storytelling as I am. I’m particularly interested in working with other directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, and producers who share a vision for pushing boundaries and telling meaningful stories. Whether you’re experienced or an emerging talent, I’m open to all types of collaborations as long as we share a common drive to create something unique and impactful.
I’m also looking to partner with individuals or organizations who can help provide the resources and platform necessary to bring these projects to life. Whether that’s funding, locations, equipment, or distribution networks, the right partnerships are key to transforming creative ideas into fully realized films. If you’re someone who believes in the power of storytelling and has the resources or skills to bring ideas to life, I’d love to connect.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me on my social media platforms or email me directly. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyjb1/
- Linkedin: shotbyjb1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shotbyjb1
Image Credits
Shotbyjb1
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
