Johanny Jean-Francois shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Johanny, 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 you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Discipline and keeping hope during the lows. I’m really passionate on the concept of discipline because I’m learning that there’s levels to it and a lot of people have become complacent in the shallow level, but I truly believe that the success that I’m seeking lies in greater layers of discipline. I also say people are secretly struggling with having hope through the low times of being a business owner or just a human in general. I know for a fact I go through it.!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
my name is Johanny. I am the founder of Era Evolve Media a wedding photo and film company located in Lakeland, Florida. I think something unique about Era Evolve Media is we have the experience, we have the technique, and we have the equipment to produce quality memories of your special day. Above all of that, we have passion and a genuine love of storytelling for our couples that we work with. this allows us to really focus on collaborating on your goal to have your wedding captured the way it deserves- beautifully. I hope that we can serve more and more couples not only just Lakeland, but in all of Florida, and hopefully we can tell love stories all over the world!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
when I was younger, I truly believed I did not have the capability nor the desire to become a business owner. Clearly that’s not true. I can understand why I had that a few point at the time but the beautiful thing about growing is that I had these experiences and grew to learn that the only way I would truly be happy with this gift of videography and photography is if I created the rules, if I found my couples and if I represented how I want to be seen in this world.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
this wasn’t really a fear, but it did hold me back most of my life. I had a case of mediocrity. I don’t remember a time in my life where I purposely strived to be the best at anything. there were things that I was good at, there were things that I could see myself being great at, but I fell short. I could’ve created an excuse for each of those instances, but it all boils down to what I allow myself to do. I did not allow myself to be excellent for whatever reason. Maybe I didn’t believe in myself then? I surely believe in myself now and I want to set myself up to be the best that I can be at what I do. I’ve made a promise to myself to put away mediocrity and always put my best foot forward in anything I do.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
building Era Evolve to the point where we are a household name for wedding photo and video. i’m committed to this because this past summer I was able to take myself on a vacation for the first time fully employed by my business. It wasn’t lavish. It wasn’t at a five star resort. I did not fly a private jet there nor was I on a catamaran, popping champagne bottles with the elites. me and my fiancé went to a beach town. We rented bikes for the week, ate at awesome local restaurants and fully relaxed in our hotel room watching all of Harry Potter. I didn’t go on vacation as a child or as a teenager. I went on my first cruise at the age of 24. This vacation was small, but it meant something to me. it meant that one day when I build my own family they can enjoy my hard work as well. all I’ve ever seen my parents do was work hard but rarely did I ever see them enjoy it. even in the Bible It says that it is good to enjoy the fruits of your labor. I’m committed to building my business to its highest potential not because I know it’s going to pay me back, but because I know it will serve more than one generation.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story told about me is that I am a person who does everything. She says that she’s going to do. I hope people remember me as a woman of my word I love myself and I love people so much that I keep my word to them as much as I’m able to even if it inconveniences me. I hope people remember me as funny and unafraid of the hard things. I hope people remember that I never took the easy way out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eraevolvemedia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/eraevolvemedia
