Story & Lesson Highlights with Jayson Johnson of Richmond, CA

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jayson Johnson. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jayson, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I love kicking off my day with a quiet moment of gratitude, just thanking God for another sunrise and a fresh start. I’ll sit for a bit, meditating on how I want the day to unfold, picturing the best possible version of it—like nailing a big meeting or just feeling at peace. Then, I grab my shoes and head out for a long walk. A few months back, I ditched the gym for these walks, and I haven’t looked back. They give me a solid workout, but the real magic is being out in nature—feeling the breeze, hearing the birds, and just soaking in the world around me. It’s like a reset button for my soul.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jayson Johnson — a Bay Area indie filmmaker and the founder of Strike Five Films, a production company and creative brand that blends character-driven storytelling, streetwear, and community empowerment. I’ve written, directed, and produced nine short films that have screened at over 90 film festivals worldwide, earning six awards.

Right now, I’m in pre-production for my first feature film, R.O.G.E.R & Me — an offbeat, heartfelt story about a young Black coding savant from Richmond, CA who’s sentenced to carry a goldfish everywhere for 30 days after crashing into a tropical fish store. It sounds strange, and it is — but underneath it all, it’s a film about grief, growth, and how we find connection in the most unexpected ways.

What makes my work unique is how it bridges cinema, fashion, and community. Through Strike Five, we’re not just making films — we’re building a movement that supports emerging creators, celebrates underrepresented voices, and brings people together through storytelling. From mentoring youth to designing film-inspired streetwear, every project is grounded in purpose.

I believe the best stories come from people who bet on themselves — and that’s what I’m doing. I appreciate the opportunity to share this journey with you.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe we’re all born to radiate love—it’s who we are at our core. But as life throws its challenges our way, disappointments can build up, and our ego often gets in the way, dimming that light. The best way to mend relationships, I’ve found, is to start with forgiveness—for yourself and the other person. When you let go of the hurt and lead with love, you open the door to healing and connection again.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Entrepreneurship is like a lonely marathon. You’re out there chasing a dream, often clapping for yourself while the world misunderstands or ignores you. Elon Musk got it right when he said, “Being an entrepreneur is like eating glass and staring into the abyss of death.” I’ve lived that—chewing through the tough moments, staring down the fear. Honestly, I’ve wanted to quit so many times, just throw in the towel and walk away. But every time I think about it, I’m stuck wondering, “What else would I even do?”

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I’ve always believed a hard truth that not many seem to embrace: we’re all unique, wired to see the world differently, and we’re not meant to agree on everything. That’s what makes us human. But the world often pushes us to fall in line, to nod along with the loudest voices or the latest trend. Not me—I’ll never bend the knee to the mob just because they don’t see things my way. Standing up for what I believe, even when it’s unpopular, feels like staying true to the one-of-a-kind spark we each carry. It’s not about being stubborn; it’s about honoring who I am.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I’ve lost it all before—everything and multiple times —and somehow, it all came back in one way or another. It taught me that names, roles, and possessions? They’re just temporary props in life’s big show. If I stripped them all away, what’s left is my consciousness—that spark of awareness that’s eternal. The titles we carry, the jobs we do, the stuff we own—they come and go like seasons. But that inner sense of being, that quiet knowing? That’s the part of me that’s here to stay, no matter what.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kareem Gedra: @kareem_thedirector

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than