Meet Jason Hardin | Entrepreneur, Business Owner, & Podcast Host

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

Hi Jason, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I start from anywhere. When it comes to taking on a new venture or project, my thought process is never linear. That means I don’t always start from what most people might consider the ‘beginning’ and then work my way to the end, nor will I always start from the bottom and work my way up. The fact of the matter is that I’ll start from wherever is the most fun for me and work my way out. This way, I don’t get discouraged or unproductive.

I practice my ABCs of being a “Boss”, and that’s “Always Be Creating”. Whether I’m designing a new collection for MADE IN DENA, recording another episode of “LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast”, planning my next event, or cooking up a new dish, I’m always creating. The truth is that everybody has to be a consumer, but not everyone is a producer, and I learned at an early age that one thing most producers produce is money.

I don’t let setbacks or mistakes define me. A lot of things have knocked me down or thrown me off my game over the years, and any of them could have been a great reason not to be where I am today if it weren’t for the fact that I just don’t know how to feel sorry for myself. Sure, I have moments when I’m hard on myself for being careless or feel bad because something didn’t work out the way I wanted, but those moments last milliseconds compared to how long I used to allow myself to feel crap. The difference is that now I can see all the things I have to be thankful for and appreciate. Appreciation is such an underrated superpower.

I create & live my own definition of success. Nothing has helped me more in becoming successful than not chasing what success means to anyone else. I’m the only person like me on this planet, so why would everything I want out of life be any less original?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My daddy always told me, “You gotta have a job and a hustle”, and I never forgot that.

Today, I own a popular clothing company (MADE IN DENA), and I host my own podcast with paid subscribers (LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast). I make custom apparel, I’m a freelance graphic artist, and I work as a private chef. Aside from this, I instruct free & low-cost workshops on the various skills I’ve accumulated, mentor a number of local youth, am a former Senior Commissioner for the City of Pasadena, and ran for mayor of Pasadena, twice.

What sets me apart from everyone else is my life story, the unique combination of extreme conditions and experiences that exposed me to so much about the world at a very early age. I was born into an environment of poverty, abuse, drug addiction, and even disease, but none of that kept me from playing in celebrity golf tournaments, being on Hollywood red carpets, speaking in front of thousands of people, or running for public office.

What I’m most proud and excited about at this point in my life is my marriage to my wife, Suzu. Being with someone so beautiful, smart, and capable doesn’t just keep me in love; it keeps me at the top of my game mentally, physically, and financially. This may be in part because, though we think so much alike, Suzu’s upbringing was the total opposite of mine and a lot more conducive to one’s overall wellness and success. This means that on top of everything I know how to do and make happen, I also get the benefit of everything my wife brings to the table, along with all the values instilled in her. I don’t think there’s anything we can’t accomplish together, and that’s an incredible feeling.

Getting where I am today was just a combination of trying to survive and always taking action. Growing up poor and constantly homeless gave me the motivation I needed, and always trying to make something happen kept creating opportunities to eat. The fact that I always liked computers led me to discover all the things I can do with one, and that’s what led me towards being able to turn my creativity into some extra money and eventually a business.

I can’t say that anything was easy for me because I don’t believe I was really given anything to start with besides life itself. My parents were never in any position to support or invest in me financially, and as a youngster, I was never involved in nor encouraged to join any extracurricular activities that cost money, so I didn’t really have a head start in any positive direction. What allowed me to overcome this was my curiosity, my willingness to learn, and my ability to teach myself how to do things or get them done. However, perhaps the most important component in overcoming the challenges I’ve faced was simply believing in myself and developing the confidence required to be successful at anything.

I believe that the most valuable lesson I could have ever learned was that everything I will ever need to get everything I’ve ever wanted in life is already inside me and that life is truly what I want it to be. Basically, I learned to believe in myself and have faith in what I can accomplish.

If there’s anything that can be learned from me, it’s that if I can create & live my definition of success and experience countless moments of joy and fulfillment, anyone can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were in town for a week, I’d make sure they get the real taste of Pasadena and the essence of what makes my life here so special.

First, we’d kick things off with a tour of my office in Pasadena. This isn’t just any office; it’s the creative hub where the magic happens for MADE IN DENA and where the thought-provoking episodes of ‘LIFE OF A BOSS The Podcast’ are recorded. They’d even get a chance to watch a live recording of the podcast, getting an up-close and personal experience of how we stir the pot of ideas and discussions.

Next, we’d dive into the vibrant sights and sounds of Pasadena. From strolling through the historic streets to catching the artistic vibes, I’d make sure they see it all. We’d definitely swing by the Scholl Canyon Golf Course. Even if you’re not big on golf, the view of the LA skyline from there is something you just can’t miss. It’s like seeing the city’s heart beating from a distance.

Food is an essential part of any visit, and Pasadena’s culinary scene is something else. We’d hit up some of my all-time favorite spots. Imagine digging into the legendary fried chicken at Pioneer’s Chicken, or savoring the exquisite flavors at Granville. We’d spice things up at Howlin’ Rays – their hot chicken is a game-changer. Then, we’d cool it down at Perry’s Joint, a place that’s more than just food; it’s about community and connection. And of course, a stop at Dashiwa Ramen – because who doesn’t love a good ramen?

But it’s not just about where we go; it’s about the vibe we bring. We’d be laughing, sharing stories, and making memories. That’s what makes these places shine even brighter.

To cap it off, I’d introduce them to my wife and some of the most interesting and exciting people in my circle. The kind of folks who are not just making moves but making a difference. Community leaders, fellow entrepreneurs, artists – people who embody the spirit of what I stand for and what Pasadena represents.

In my view, the best trips are those where you not only see a place but you feel its pulse. And that’s exactly the kind of week I’d plan – filled with authentic experiences, good eats, and great company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I owe my success to, so many people that showed me so many things that make up the person I am today. However, if I had to narrow it down as much as I could, it would be my mother and father, Gloria & Maurice. Though they each had their struggles and challenges, they were my first teachers, and I will love them forever.

Website: www.madeindena.com

Instagram: @HardwayHardin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hardin-881b5979/

Twitter: @HardwayHardin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardwayhardin/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonhardwayhardin

Image Credits
R2I Photography