Life & Work with James Watson

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Watson.

James, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born in November 1993, I grew up between Murrieta and La Habra, California. At 13, I got my first guitar and video camera and spent my teen years playing punk rock music in bands like Dip and Broken Elements. We took the Anaheim music scene by storm, packing out venues like Chain Reaction and The Glass House.

However, at 21, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd and became addicted to drugs and alcohol. Despite making it to the semi-finals of Ernie Ball’s Warped Tour competition, a drinking binge cost me the chance to play on the tour. I spiraled further into addiction until my former bandmate and friend, Michael, offered me a place to stay and get clean in Texas.

I moved back to La Habra in 2016, joined a new band, Stupid Origami, and met my fiancé Maria and her daughter. I quit the band to become a role model and focused on building my videography career. After a slow start, I landed my first client and eventually a full-time job with a mortgage company.

When the mortgage company closed, I adapted and learned how to market businesses, building a small marketing company and continuously putting myself among people who could help me grow. With a focus on building relationships and adding value, I aim to provide generational wealth for my family.

With five years on the horizon, I’m geared up to make a big impact on the art scene in Temecula. My aim is to create a thriving community of filmmakers, artists, and creatives by transforming an old office building or warehouse into a hub of inspiration and growth. No longer will artists have to travel far and wide to find the resources they need to grow, as I plan to bring everything under one roof.

My mission is to put Temecula “on the map” as a destination for artists, and I’m dedicating my time and resources to coaching and mentoring aspiring artists to pursue their passions full-time. I understand that this is a lofty goal, but I’m confident in my ability to make it a reality with the unwavering support of my community. My determination and resilience, honed by past challenges in life, give me the strength to tackle this challenge head-on and emerge successful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I listed most of them in my story. I struggled with Drugs and Alcohol throughout most of my early 20s. I’m surprised I’m not in jail or dead. I lost my first big client after moving my family away from their hometown. Also, during that time, we had a new baby girl and just decided for my fiancé to be a stay-at-home mother for our girls.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Videographer and Musician, my passion for filmmaking has driven me to establish a successful Video Production and Marketing business. I offer a comprehensive range of services, including social media management, content creation, SEO, and web design, as well as a physical studio space for podcasts and other client needs. I am committed to providing my clients with a one-stop-shop solution and helping them achieve their goals through effective strategies and consistency online. My clientele spans from mortgage lenders to cryptocurrency tokens.

In addition to my business, I also host monthly seminars open to the public to raise awareness and improve strategies for businesses and brands. I have a proven track record of success, having documented events for the Temecula Chamber of Commerce, captured memories for weddings, and even filmed conferences for school leadership boards. My portfolio showcases a variety of projects, including commercials for local barber shops, nutrition shops, and an advertisement for Anytime Fitness in Fallbrook and Vista.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Mentorship is everything. What most people don’t realize is that there is ALWAYS someone or something that influences your life whether or not you’re intentional about it. During pivotal moments in my life, I take comfort in knowing that I have solid people who not only have holistic success but who are also willing to invest their time and efforts into me. Having those kinds of meaningful relationships will drastically change your life for the better.

Contact Info:

• Website: mediabysemaj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/media_by_semaj/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Media.by.Semaj
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrUpJKo7XJYCnKnB_husZMQ

Image Credits
Andrew Meer (Got Your Vibes)