We had the good fortune of connecting with Jourdan Guyton Brandon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jourdan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business was birthed during the height of the pandemic. I was a few weeks into collecting unemployment in my Harlem apartment. After being in the film and television industry I knew I was equip to make something out of nothing. Because my background was rooted in production it was so important to me to lean into my strengths and uncover how I could help other people during this catastrophic time AND make some money.

It started with creating graphics on Canva for the essential businesses that remained open. I focused on restaurants and sent graphics to any and every place in my neighborhood that needed a bit more umph with their social media presence. That work then spiraled into online businesses and creating done for you content & strategy to implement for growth and income. I knew I was on to something from there. My purpose was not on pause. I LLC’d a few months later and named my business after my late grandmother, Vera Jean Media, specializing in content strategy and social media marketing for female entrepreneurs.

My thought processes behind it all has been to create legacy and honor my family name. I want little girls who look like me to know anything is possible. Nearly two years later Vera Jean Media has generated multiple six figures, grown an organic Instagram audience by over 75K, and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs showcase their true authentic self through their content to make more money online. I’m forever grateful and it’s only the beginning.

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.
I am a creative through and through. I attended the University of Oklahoma and earned my degree in Broadcast & Electronic Media. Straight out of college I landed my dream job at The Maury Show. Yes – it was my dream job lol. I loved the years that I was able to get my feet wet in the ever so evolving world of production. It was an experience that I can’t even put into words and I acquired skills that are only learned by doing the work. And whew! It was WORK.⁣

But it went beyond the on the job training that prepared be for putting out fires in my own business, it was the way Maury treated us, his staff. ⁣He knew me by name, encouraged me, and was never too busy to speak even in the midst of the chaos and it’s something that I will always keep with me. One of our core values of this company is to make our students feel seen and heard because at the end of the day, kindness and joy is what matters.

As I’ve continued to evolve into my role as CEO in my business I am constantly stretched, learning new things, and honestly trying to figure it out. But one thing I do know is that my consistency and determination to see this through to the long game and build a legacy business to outlive me is what keeps me going. Yes fear, imposter syndrome, doubt, overthinking creeps up in this brain honey, but I am on a mission to empower as many female business owners as I can to embrace the beauty of their story and use content share it with courage. Oh and be unapologetic AF about it! There’s somebody tied to your testimony…it’s time to set them free.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OMG – I’m such a foodie so I feel like this list is going to be all about food.

I’d definitely start with the Century City Mall, one of my friends took me here when I first moved to LA and my jaw dropped at how beautiful it is! We’d do a little shopping and then grab some amazing dumplings at Din Tai Fung. The food there is out of this world.

I’d definitely spend some time in Santa Monica on Sunday and head to the farmer’s market to grab some yummy bites. Then walk the pier before grabbing brunch at a random place that’s playing good music.

One of those day’s we’d definitely head to Silverlake to walk the reservoir and grab some coffee & croissant at Intelligentsia.

Last but not least, we’d have to check out Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen in Slauson because ya girl has to get their Bangin’ Breakfast Sandwich to fuel up before spending the remainder of the day at the California African American Museum.

Period.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first and foremost Shoutout goes to my mommy Kelly Alexis. Seven months into starting my business in February 2021, she passed away unexpectedly. We talked literally everyday, cheered each other on, and shared an unbreakable bond I will always cherish. ⁣When I told her I named the business after grandma, she bursted into tears and affirmed how much it meant to her too. She truly lit up every room she walked into and I’m so blessed to have been raised by such a strong, loving, resilient human being. I know how much she loved me and the day before she passed, she made it a point to remind me how proud she is of me.⁣ Today, I have the memories of how hard she worked to make sure I could do anything thing I could ever dream. Nothing was too big or small and she always reminded me that with God, all things are possible. I feel her covering every single day.

My second shoutout goes to my husband, Kavan. Literally my rock. When my mom passed in February 2021, we were four weeks away from our wedding. He’s loved me through my worst and my best. I used to think it was cliche when I’d hear people say “Marry your best friend” but let me tell you I’m so blessed to be married to my bestie – my best friend forever. He’s seen the ups and downs of my journey with entrepreneurship and always points me back to my mission. Thanks babe.

Last but not least, my entire team & my clients are my dreams in human form. I can’t believe I get to serve them every single day. That out of all the people they could have hired to help them with their content and tell their story, they’ve trusted me to help them bring that vision to life. I don’t take that lightly and am beyond invested in their success.

And always, God over everything. Period.
⁣

Website: https://www.jourdanguyton.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jourdanguyton/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdanguyton/

Image Credits
Wedding photo – @pedro4cristo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.