Rising Stars: Meet Cameron Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Jackson.

Hi Cameron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
How I started on this path is something that I actually something I revisit in my mind all the time. Some people have one epic mind-blowing experience that sets them a blaze on the path they are on in life now. I can’t say the same. For me, it was a combination of things. For me, it started in my childhood and I didn’t even realize it. For Christmas most kids would ask for toys and bikes. I asked for movies and CDs. No matter how many times I had to rewind those VHS tapes or clean off old scratched CDs with an alcohol swab, it never got old. I was always interested in the arts and telling a story through creative outlets. I always wanted to be a part of developing and creating the narrative. Then taking those narratives and destroying them to think outside of them. Pushing the bar, raising the limits on what is reasonable, routine, or expected. By the time I was in high school, I was a local rapper and actor who struggled with homelessness. Though this information was not discussed upon my peers, I still needed to find a way to be heard and seen. What better way then a music videos. Then it dawned on me. I can do this! All the years of asking for videos and music began to look like early training to me.

Unfortunately, I let my circumstances and decisions at the time hold me back from what I truly felt I deserved and was meant for. But the thought of being something greater lingered around like old sock in the corner of the room. It never went anywhere. Years later, I find myself working two jobs for companies that can care less about my well-being or contribution to the company at all, who only had me there to uphold an “equal opportunity” image. Wondering when I can leave this dreaded cycle, a friend of mine, Sky reignited my interest in story by offering me a camera that he had for sell and picking me up for small acting gigs we posted online. Creating our own lane was and has since then been our goal. I saved every penny that I can find and bought the camera. Sky also got me another job where he was working selling phones for a well-known company. From there, I was able to create the time and relationships to build my business, clientele, and vision for my future.

Towards the end of that job, I was one of the top-selling in the company. Yay, me right? Wrong. I was fired after I had a knee injury and was unable to walk. That was the greatest thing to ever happen to me at the time. I told myself I would take my vision seriously and never look back. The next time I come back will be to buy the building. Since then, I was able to own and establish two companies and become my own boss. One being my production company CamWithaCam Productions LLC, and Premium Clarity Resin as my commerce business. I never gave up when I was younger and I won’t stop now. I’m doing all that I can in hopes to great a better future for myself and for everyone else in my life. And for other kids who were just like me. Sometimes we just need to see that it’s possible from someone like ourselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road to where I am has been nowhere near smooth, and that’s ok. There is beauty in the struggle. I’ve learned so so much. It’s also taught me how to be happy and content with myself and my own thoughts. No matter how positive or negative they might be. I deal with things head on. All the nights I’ve spend sleeping in the back of trash cans, on park benches, or in cars gives you a lot of time to get to know yourselves. You can either be real with yourself and see where you fall short, learn from it and become better, or blame everyone else and give up. It all about choices you make during your circumstances, not the circumstance itself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a creative who specialized in photography and videography. I’m good at seeing things others don’t. Im also great and bring smiles and fun to every set that I am fortunate to be a part of. I work with other artists, set productions, brands, you name it. On one of my most recent projects, I decided to use a backdrop without using a sheet or paper. My goal is push the message that none of us come with a clean background. Our lives, cities, relationships, and experiences are our backgrounds. Instead of erasing it, I rather show it. I do this because I love it. Just so happens that I made a business out of it. Thats what sets me apart.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Something that I’ve learned during the Covid-19 crisis is that nobody is coming to save you. You have to want, will, and manifest for it. You have to take responsibility for everything. Doesn’t matter if an issue is my fault or not. It’s my responsibility to do something to change how it affects me or others.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: CamWithaCamCollective.com
• Instagram: CameronWithTheCamera

Image Credits:
CamWithaCam