Jaren Hampton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jaren, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I feel like I am building an underground empire. I say underground because I don’t like to put anything on the surface (for people to see) unless it is a done deal, or a for sure finished project that is ready for public consumption. However, I am constantly networking, and building positive and strong connections with like-minded individuals who have the same passion, drive and love for the business that I do. My goal when I resurface is to provide consistent work and opportunities, not just for myself, but for others. I want to be a one stop shop for entertainment as a whole from both the performing aspect and business side. I am proud of the progress and relationships I have made throughout and look forward to a resurface where everyone can see what I’ve been working on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an award-winning playwright. actor, director, producer and entrepreneur. I have written, directed and produced 8 stage plays in Nashville and in 2019 took a stage play to Chicago, where I won the Playwright award. In 2016, I was awarded the Young Entrepreneur’s award for outstanding work in stage, film and theater. I have acted in various projects from independent movies and films as well as web series, to Hollywood blockbusters. I began writing in 2013, and put on my first stage play in 2014. I did this as a way to provide additional opportunities for myself and others that share the same passion and love for acting as I do around the Nashville area. My overall goal is to become global with my works and to be able to travel city to city with my stage plays and other acting/writing works.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Living in general- no particular moment stands out, but living and observing how people are and act in certain situations in life altogether is very revealing. Paying attention to how people treat others, especially their significant other, friends, family, strangers, or people who can do absolutely nothing for them is always a tell all. Seeing how the world operates now, with the internet and social media being such a huge factor I think has changed a lot of peoples views/mindsets etc. Morals, values, and respect isnt as high as it once was. The way people interact with one another has shifted and in turn changed the world- whether it’s for the better or the worse is up to the person being asked, but the one thing that I have learned through it all is you have to adapt or perish.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of not being my definition of successful has held me back way more than it should. One would think with 8 successful stage plays, that my confidence would be high- and while I am always confident in my abilities, I’d be lying if I said fear never crept in. With every project, I get ready to take on, the fear of “will people come out to support?” “Will people still care?’ “Will people understand or enjoy the message/performance?” These are general thoughts/questions that I experience and sometimes may delay a project/idea I am working on.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That popularity=talent.
It doesnt, Popularity usually equals dollars, which from the business aspect is understandable. But popularity does not equal talent.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
When on a set/stage doing what I love in acting. Writing (sometimes) or one of my favorite things to do ever, which is hanging with my family and friends. There is always a sense of peace and calmness there that is unmatched. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. And last, but not least, when I’m alone. My alone time is necessary and priceless.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jarenthegreat
- Twitter: @jarenthegreat
- Facebook: Jaren J. Hampton
