Meet AJ Rowe | Creative Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ Rowe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2017, I found myself in NYC, fresh out of college, and starting a new career in advertising. Even though I was making ad campaigns everyday, there was still this yearning desire to create more. I also noticed a lack of marketing resources for small business owners, especially in rural areas across the country. Dré Creates was born as a way to strengthen my skill set outside of my 9-5, while also making branded ideas more accessible. Five years later, we’ve relocated to LA to focus on branding for creative artists and musicians, as well as original scripted and unscripted content. What started out as a fun side hustle has now turned into a multi-faced media company, and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

As a creative producer, my career has taken many twists and turns. In addition to Dré Creates, I started my career in advertising as a production intern on various client projects and campaigns. After years of climbing the corporate ladder, I’m now in a position to shine a light on unheard voices. As the Head of Content + Culture at Hogarth Worldwide, I’m able to collaborate with Black and Brown creators with limited exposure in the advertising industry, and equip corporate brands with ways to make their content more authentic and relatable.

Though I’m very grateful for my opportunities, it hasn’t been easy. Working two full-time jobs can truly take a toll on anyone. I wouldn’t be able to succeed without my drive and determination. No matter who we are, or what we’re trying to accomplish, there will always be obstacles. I’ve discovered the best solution is to focus on what I can control, and ignore what I can’t. Some of my greatest achievements would’ve been impossible without the determination to fulfill my purpose, and the inner drive to keep going. As long as I remain motivated to stay the course and achieve my goals, I have no choice but to succeed.

Overall, I’m so grateful for the collaborations I’ve had along the way. For some odd reason, we’ve been trained to believe that there’s not enough space for everyone, and that success is only achieved by limiting those in your orbit. Instead of subscribing to this overly-competitive mindset, I choose to focus on my journey while empowering those around me. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some incredible mentors, friends and colleagues in the industry. I’m so excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other brilliant minds with different perspectives. It’s my belief that if we combine our strengths and talents, we can and will achieve anything! Why chase greatness alone if you don’t have to?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Though I’m still relatively new to the city, I’ve discovered a few dope spots from visiting over the years. As a country boy from North Carolina, I love being outside. If a friend is visiting, we’re for sure taking a tour of all the best hikes in the area. Also, you can’t come to LA without hitting the beach! I love a cozy picnic on the sand, with music, drinks, and good vibes. I always feel most grounded by the water, and believe it’s one of the simplest joys of life. Lastly, the shopping in this city is out of this world! I’ve always been obsessed with thrifting, and tend to use it as a stress reliever at times. Whether it’s the Black Market Flea, or Melrose Trading Post, there’s nothing better than copping some fresh gear while supporting local businesses. It’s the California way!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my team at Dré Creates. Without them, none of this is possible. Special thank you to:

Freshia Koine, Head of Operations at Dré Creates and Marketing Ops Manager at Amazon Studios
Omar White, Head of Creative at Dré Creates and Brand Partnerships Manager at Sony Pictures Entertainment

Love you both!

Website: www.andrerowejr.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/andrerowejr

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/andrerowejr

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrerowejr

Other: www.drecreates.com

Image Credits
Eric Rogers Jeremy McKellar Natha Pasha Leando Justin