We’re looking forward to introducing you to A.J. Mayers. Check out our conversation below.
Hi A.J., thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day begins early, typically between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. I start by taking my dog Zoey out for a quick walk and feeding her breakfast. This quiet moment helps me ease into the day with a sense of calm and routine.
Next, I transition into a workout—either a spin ride or strength training session—using my Peloton in my home office. I find that getting my body moving first thing in the morning boosts my energy, sharpens my focus, and sets a productive tone for the rest of the day.
After the workout, I jump into the shower and follow it with a six-step skincare regimen using Kiehl’s products, which I’ve come to rely on for both consistency and results. I then take a few minutes to style my hair and get fully ready for work, feeling mentally and physically prepared to take on the day and I head to my office.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is A.J. Mayers, and I’m an award-winning marketer originally from the U.S.–Mexico border town of Laredo, Texas. Growing up, I was captivated by stories of spaceships and mysteries, and I dreamed of turning those ideas into books and films. That passion led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009.
Shortly after graduating, I moved to Hollywood and began building a career in the entertainment industry. Over the years, I’ve held full-time roles at MTV, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Lionsgate, and currently serve as an AV Producer for Prime Video at Amazon MGM Studios. My expertise lies in creative marketing production and post production across film/theatrical, direct-to-consumer, and TV streaming platforms.
In addition to my professional work, I’m a published author of several fiction novels. In 2019, I was honored in Variety’s Inclusion Impact Report for my contributions to diversity in Hollywood, and in 2022, I was named to Out Magazine’s Out100 list. As a proud member of both the queer and Latinx communities, I’m especially passionate about amplifying stories that reflect those voices.
I’m an active National Member of the Television Academy and a former member of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. I currently live in Los Angeles, CA with dog Chihuahua terrier Zoey.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My late grandfather was one of my earliest and most influential mentors. He consistently encouraged my academic pursuits and instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and personal growth. His unwavering belief in my potential played a significant role in my decision to pursue higher education. Although he passed away before I graduated from high school and began my college journey, his guidance and support remain a lasting source of inspiration. He always envisioned a bright future for me and had full confidence in my ability to succeed.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the most defining wounds in my life was my struggle with alcohol. For years, I used drinking as a way to numb deep-seated anxiety and depression—pain I didn’t know how to confront, let alone speak about. On the surface, I appeared high-functioning, but internally I was unraveling. Alcohol became a way to cope, to hide, and to avoid the vulnerability that true healing required.
Ten years ago, I made the decision to quit drinking. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made. But it was also the most transformative. Quitting forced me to confront the emotional wounds I had long buried. I began therapy, leaned on the support of close friends and mentors, and slowly started to rebuild a relationship with myself—one based on honesty, compassion, and resilience.
Healing hasn’t been linear, but it has been real. Sobriety has given me clarity, a stronger sense of self, and the ability to live with emotional integrity. I’ve learned that facing pain head-on, rather than masking it, is where true strength lies. That journey—imperfect and ongoing—is one of the most defining parts of who I am today.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I’ve always made it a priority to show up as my authentic self, whether in person or online. I don’t believe in curating a version of myself just for appearances—I want who I am privately to align with how I present publicly. That means being honest, kind, and grounded in my values.
One simple rule I live by: if it’s something I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying or posting in front of my mom, I don’t share it. That guiding principle keeps me accountable and helps me stay true to who I am. Integrity matters to me, and that includes being consistent in every space I show up in.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply—perhaps more than most—is the weight and texture of emotions, even when they’re unspoken. As an empath, I often feel things before they’re articulated. I can walk into a room and sense the energy shift, notice the heaviness behind someone’s smile, or pick up on the quiet undercurrents others might miss. It’s not just intuition—it’s a sensitivity to the emotional layers that live beneath the surface.
This ability has shaped how I connect with people. I listen beyond words. I hold space for complexity, and I rarely take things at face value because I understand how much we often carry silently. While it can be overwhelming at times to feel things so intensely, it has also given me a deep sense of compassion and insight. I don’t shy away from emotion—I lean into it, knowing that’s often where truth lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wearevibrant.org
- Instagram: ajmayers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajmayers/
