He Thought It Was Just a Camera. Turns Out It Was a Career.
In the quiet coastal community of San Diego, far removed from the cacophony of traditional corporate careers, Jordan White found himself navigating a path that blurred the lines between his hobbies and his profession. At just 24 years old, the recent UCSB graduate is crafting his own narrative in the world of video content creation, fueled by a love for storytelling and an intrinsic curiosity for entrepreneurial freedom.
Growing up, Jordan had a front-row seat to the dichotomy of vocational worlds. His mother, a CMO, embodied the stability and structure of the corporate realm. His father, on the other hand, danced to the rhythm of a different drum as a fine artist and the former owner of a video production company in South Africa. "I got to see both sides," Jordan explained. "It was never pushed on me, but witnessing their paths sparked a subconscious pull towards entrepreneurship."
Initially, it was the pandemic that nudged Jordan towards his camera. With basketball courts closed, he picked up his parents' camera and started shooting — music videos for college friends at first, then more polished work. His roommate provided a real-world example of potential success, having dropped out of school to pursue social media marketing with video content, making it a legitimate career.
"I was like, maybe I could do this," Jordan recalled. "I studied marketing and liked the technical stuff, but video creation was where my passion lay." Armed with this realization, he launched his own business, Glasswave media, upon relocating to San Diego, engaged in relentless networking, and began piecing together a portfolio through projects with local businesses like gyms and coffee shops.
The fledgling business experienced its share of struggles. Cash flow was erratic, with periods of bounty followed by desolate lulls. Yet amid this uncertainty, Jordan secured his first corporate client which proved to be transformative. Mitech Systems offered him his first retainer, allowing him the stability to hone his craft without the pressure to supplement with other work. This client not only provided consistent income but also exposed him to a more structured business environment.
It was this early exposure to the business side — dealing with client schedules, balancing creativity with deliverables — that bolstered his confidence and paved the way for more substantial opportunities. Recent work with companies like Macro Bond involved travel and expanded his role to incorporate directing, offering fresh challenges and honing new skills.
Jordan's unique vantage point as a young entrepreneur gives him an exuberant perspective on the future. Enthusiastic about expanding his business, he envisions a dedicated studio space and the integration of innovative technologies like AI to streamline workflows. He's also eager to build a team — selecting the right people who can help propel his company forward.
Reflecting on his journey, Jordan acknowledged the power of family support. "They didn't push me to follow either path," he said, "but having them as mentors has been invaluable." As his business evolves, he remains resolute in his aim to control his destiny, fueled by passion and a vision for growth.
In forging his own path, Jordan exemplifies the modern entrepreneurial spirit — grounded not in the pursuit of mere profit but in the quest for creative fulfillment and independence. For those ready to leap into their own ventures or yearning to morph passion into purpose, Jordan's story is a testament to the power of following both heart and hustle.
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