Jasen Hudson

With everything going on the country, feels pretty good having my work with @vuliwear & @brittanysmason to be featured in @fashioncrossoverlondon’s segment in @harpersbazaarus. Been so focused on building this creative agency, and handling our corporate and healthcare clients, haven’t had much time to create. Taking some me-time next week, getting out of the country to reset. Going to use that time to revive my passion for photography. (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHQOFJcjmqV/?igshid=1lcbs6c2wm6zz

I own multiple businesses, from photography & marketing to software engineering & event spaces / studios, have a team of 12, and currently handling contracts with $ values I’ve only dreamed about. I typically go to sleep by 2am, up at 4:30 to do it all again. ⠀ ⠀ Heading into my 14th year as an entrepreneur, what was so simple and straight forward is now a constant daily clusterf*&k! Leading to disappointments, then breakthroughs, small windows closed, then unimaginable doors opened. ⠀ ⠀ Rollercoaster much? In 2007 I thought I’d spend my life only taking photos. Sike! Next month I’ve been asked to speak on behalf of our creative agency at a Symposium for the nation’s top nerve specialists about our disruptive marketing strategies and on-demand-care software applications. ⠀ ⠀ Next few weeks will be crazy to say the least. ⠀ ⠀ Not to mention, the new studio / event space is hosting its first event this weekend! Super excited about that, and being able to finally allocate time and resources next week to establish the artist and entrepreneur launchpad in Las Vegas. ⠀ ⠀ Anxiety on 1000%, finally releasing some of that through working out. Still haven’t made it to the gym except for the quick 13min workout at @hardrocksd’s gym, but have managed to squeeze in 200 daily pushups, 150 daily pull-ups, mixing tricep dips and curls in when possible. Planning to consistently hit the gym from here on out. It’s the only way to reach my target body goal, and fight this anxiety. I’ve gotta stop funding the dispensaries 🌱🤦🏽‍♂️.⠀ ⠀ 📸@jasenhudsonphoto⠀ ⠀ #Journeydoesntend #entrepreneurlife #pushthrough #beastmodeon #nevergiveup #controlyourshit #neverdoubtyourself #fakebuff (at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGXP4Ygj4c6/?igshid=6xfwxdpqlop7

"I need to see my own beauty and to continue to be reminded that I am enough, that I am worthy of love without effort, that I am beautiful, that the texture of my hair and that the shape of my curves, the size of my lips, the color of my skin, and the feelings that I have are all worthy and okay."⠀ - Tracee Ellis Ross⠀ ⠀ @brittanysmason you obviously killed this shoot! But your personality and perseverance with what you’ve faced and has to overcome in this industry is admirable. It’s a story I wish was rare. Keep pushing forward, creating, and exemplifying Black Excellence.⠀ ⠀ It’s been an honor creating content for @vuliwear, you’ve gotta check out their super dope eyewear. Always an honor to work with another Black Owned Business dedicated to producing the highest quality merchandise.⠀ ⠀ Couldn’t decide between the two. ⠀ Which is your favorite?⠀ ⠀ 1: Color⠀ 2: Black & White⠀ (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCGmaQuDvRE/?igshid=165693027pm0p

Someone TOLD me "Entrepreneurship is easy". ⠀ ⠀ "Oh yea? Are you willing to work for 4 months at your job to then wait 2 months to get paid?"⠀ ⠀ Don't believe the hype. ⠀ ⠀ Everyone supports the wins.⠀ ⠀ You lose friends, relationships and family. ⠀ ⠀ There are a very few, if any, that are there to 100% support the journey.⠀ ⠀ It's lonely, stressful, hard. Period. You'll be betrayed by those who you gave everything for, belittled and demeaned by those you love(d) the most. ⠀ ⠀ You'll begin to learn that you're all that you have.⠀ ⠀ And that's the point where growth begins. The point where self-confidence is exemplified, and survival tested. ⠀ ⠀ I've wanted to give up on everything in life more than once. ⠀ ⠀ But didn't. ⠀ ⠀ Everyday I wake up 4 am, or stay up throughout the night, continually fighting to prevent "losing" to the extreme mental, emotional, physical and financial battles. ⠀ ⠀ So many devastating things have happened in my life, personal and business related in the past 3 years that have situated me so far from where I need to be to live stress & drama free resulted in having everything but a prayer on the side of giving up. ⠀ ⠀ I don't know what give up means.⠀ ⠀ At my lowest, I'll suppress the negative emotions, and channel positive energy. Constantly push my business, my brands, and double down on my confidence in my work ethic. No matter how depressed, down, or financially strained at the time, I just can't stop. I honestly don't know what else I would do. All I know and have known is to keep pushing and not give up. Not matter how much I want to or feel like it's the only option.⠀ ⠀ Worrying about the invoices or relationships lost does nothing. ⠀ ⠀ Nothing changes unless the situation changes. The situation changes if you keep pushing forward. ⠀ ⠀ A resolve that inadvertently and incorrectly translates to "they're doing great, they're happy, mentally ok." When in fact, we're not. ⠀ ⠀ We're #entrepreneurs, not superheroes. ⠀ ⠀ And often need more support than we'll ever ask for.⠀ ⠀ I'm not ok. ⠀ ⠀ And that's ok. ⠀ ⠀ I will be. ⠀ ⠀ That's how it goes.⠀ ⠀ Check on your entrepreneur friends, you'd be surprised how close to the edge we may be. https://www.instagram.com/p/B04ARssD6d-/?igshid=q2yvns23l8tc

Been a while since I’ve posted any work to this page. I plan on doing that a bit more once I get back into my creative zone here in California. That being said, TAG your favorite California model, wardrobe stylist, and hair stylist. Looking to network and build a super strong west coast team to knock out a slew of creative projects up and down the state. • Model @lizeyyymarie • Makeup @zsazsabeaute • Wardrobe @jeantrix • Photography @jasenhudsonphoto #fresno #losangeles #california (at Fresno State University) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPGBbiAOef/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=m46p8k9puf6y

Throwing it back to 2017’s international adventures the homie @inmaxwellshouse and I had. Toured England, Spain, Italy & rocked out on stage with @thechainsmokers in Milan, hung out with @craigdavid, before hearing Jay-Z perform 4:44 for the first time in London. So much fun, but I really I can’t wait until our schedule allows us to hop the pond. @zsazsabeaute and I have been busting our asses, focused on achieving our short term goals and setting up the blocks for our long term ones. It’s been such a journey, nobody knows a fraction of the BS we’ve had to persevere through. But our love, support, affection for each outer has never wavered. Let’s go see the world baby! @inmaxwellshouse, you ready bro? . . #tbt #fakefancy (at Milan, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuKB5AEAfUt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=zelb9otjgfzk

While in the process of redoing my severely outdated website, always tend to put client’s projects first, came across this gem from a decade ago. 2009, 2 years after our first shoot, @kendragmedia stepped into the studio channeling her ever-present, not-so-inner @beyonce. The fan came on, lights flashed, my “high definition” 🤣 8MP Canon Rebel went to work. But we captured magic. Still one of my all time favorite shoots! We went on to shoot a few times after before she was scooped away to Chi-town. Proud of you and all you’ve accomplished this far! Time to start planning for our 10-year remake! (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsotgiQgbZ4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qtij6help7ea

A wishful fella who slid into bae’s DM’s with hopes of “taking her breathe” away, yes, “breathe”. I’m not sure what’s more disturbing, the lack of effort and intellect or the evermore present disregard for the sanctity of relationships / marriages. It’s become so accepted in our generation that finding a partner who replies with this photo & “I have all I need” a block. The fact that I feel so privileged to have an honest and loyal partner, who I’ve never doubted or had to worry about, that I want to share this funny occurrence, is an issue within itself. We as a generation must do better at reestablishing a respect for our own and others relationships. Reinforce the mentality of loyalty and respect as the standard. If not, what’s the point of it all? 🤷🏽‍♂️ . Sidebar; this is our #couplesfitness starting point. We have quite a ways to go 😩 and are going to be privately documenting our individual and collective fitness journey. Our bodies have been all over the spectrum this past year as we worked to discover what feels the best and which physique we’re happiest with. We’ve locked those goals down and a plan to match. Would love to connect with other couples / individuals on similar fitness paths to inspire and aspire together. (at Fresno, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOAF2_ANlM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10i0gdjih3hes

I was 10 years old when my parents brought home a $2500+ computer (crazy investment in 1993). 1 hour later I had dissected it into a dozen pieces. I just wanted to know how it worked 🤷🏽‍♂️. That began my fascination with computers. I started my first web development company in 1995. I was at 12. Fast forward past tech jobs, companies created, 2004 I move from California to Philly to study at @drexeluniv. Attending full time for my Master’s in Software Engineering while working full time overnight at @gsk as a network analyst. I loved my job, but photography stole my heart. 2007; changed my life. 3 months after posting my first “pro” photo on MySpace I left the corporate life, and created a 6 figure / year business that exploded into a conglomerate of successful business and creative opportunities over the past decade. I had no help when I started. No savings. Given bad advice from those who were in my field and called themselves “friends”, fed to slow my progress down. Nothing held me back. I had to figure it out on my own, so I did. Over the past 7 years I’ve mentored and helped those in my similar position, chasing after their passions in an effort to replace their 9-5. I’ve always been an open book, giving advice and sharing resources to dozens of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs I’ve had the pleasure to meet. I have finally decided to create a platform to facility my desire to provide these resources publicly and create an open forum for sharing concepts, ideas and getting answers to technical, social media marketing, website design, and incorporating questions. I will be working with highly skilled professionals to supplement resources and provide tools to to win the entrepreneurship battle. . If you’ve ever had a product or service you’re passionate about and want to turn that into a successful business, comment below with ☝🏽☝🏽☝🏽 . If we have ever crossed paths or advice shared has helped you or your brand in any way, I’d love to know! Comment below with a 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 . Feel free to repost or tag an #entrepeneur, #creative or anyone you know who may benefit from these resources. . Let’s help each other be great! 🙌🏽 (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqh3gvplTKQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d8x64b5rc3dc

Sometimes you must get dirty to get the shot. . Life can be super random and deliberate at the same time. We meet @kdusse_ at the secluded James Bond Beach in Oracabessa Bay and start chatting. Come to find out she knew us from IG, and apparently we look MUCH better in real life than in photos 🤷🏽‍♂️. Lol. Come to find out she sent me a message ages ago about setting up a shoot which I never saw. So we made that happen! The chance to put an even bigger smile on her face showing her the photos, fresh makeup by @zsazsabeaute, and how she rocked every pose. The reaction from those I work with, THAT’S what I live for. . Thanks bae for always capturing my best angles @zsazsabeaute . #drone #mavix #dji #mavicair #jamaica #paradise #fitness #booty (at Ocho Rios, Jamaica) https://www.instagram.com/p/BphVLWwHHsF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1j66l7gngroaq

Change your expectations to appreciation, and your life will change. . . I’ve given up a lot, sacrificed more to uncover true love, friendship, purpose and value. Blessings abundant from those sacrifices came. We hoard material assets to proclaim success or worth, bypassing true appropriation of value; what’s within. Conscious transitioning from “needing” affirmation to needing happiness was essential. Change expectation to appreciation; that failure instead of success, lesson in disguise. Betrayal over loyalty; dead weight cut early. Solidify your happiness; life falls in line. (at Hideaway at Royalton Negril) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpPc7INnVFz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=n2sovo0qkly

The only thing I needed more that this trip, is to be here with you. ❤️ . . #royaltonnegril #mavicair (at Hideaway at Royalton Negril) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpKhwoGni3k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kwi94ixk2ojc

So proud of my brother @aaronlacy! If those hundreds who attended #MILK didn’t know previously how dedicated, driven, and focused this man is, you do now! Last night was a testament to how surrendering to your passion will result in nothing short of greatness. And you’ve reached that Aaron. . . From when you first moved to California back in mid 90’s with that “unique” hair style and basketball skills (no lie, easy NBA contender), and we became friends. Fast forward 18~ years later when you began to pick my brain a bit about photo gear, lighting, editing techniques. And like everything else you may have come to me for a bit of info in, you skyrocketed beyond measure. You took those morsels of knowledge and cultivated them into passions, businesses, brands, and more. . . See, from the moment I started shooting full time in 2007, I had no resources, those I asked for mentors for admittedly fed incorrect advice to stunt career growth, I vowed to always be an open book and whomever wanted to know how to get into photography, web design, or entrepreneurship, received any knowledge I could share. No fee, admiration, no “I taught” or “made them” complex. I give freely with one unspoken condition; be THE BEST at whatever you’re striving to be. And @aaronlacyart, you are one of the very few who I’ve seen capitalize on every bit of wisdom gained, and pushed through the ceiling in every aspect. Y’all already know this man is an extremely talented artist. But you’ve only seen a sneak peek of his excellence. Add to that #creativity, a career engineer, software developer, awesome husband to his equally talented and amazing wife Dr. @allycinhicks, and the most genuine and knowledgeable person you’ll ever meet. . . So here’s to you Aaron! Continue to exacerbate those technical, creative, and social boundaries. The world is yours! I’m honored to call you a friend, and a brother. Keep pushing, inspiring, and motivating other creatives and entrepreneurs like myself to be better everyday. (at EXHIBIT A GALLERY) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZdHH4n5Ws/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pyuvkr7z12ro

February 2017. Around the time we transitioned from friends to “casually” dating... aka, wasting each other’s time. See, it’s hard to really put all of your energy into something if you haven’t fully healed or learned from our faults in the past. And this is where our disconnect began. What happened is that she fell so in love with the kid, like, immediately, damn near ready to propose to me 🤣. And me being set on “not looking nor ready for a new relationship”, but that was in one ear out the other. She wanted me, nothing else. . . We became toxic. Couldn’t even be around each other. Continued to date others, taking the good aspects from those situations and applying to our current relationship, learn from those faults or negative experiences and correct them. I’m thankful for those who have come before and contributed to helping me develop into the best version of myself. I’ve never loved myself more, been happier and more free to love unconditionally without reservation, allowing me to be the best and most support partner. . . Who knew that such a perfect fit would result from something that began so tumultuously. Couldn’t be happier and will continue to love you more each day @zsazsabeaute #♥️. (at North Bowl) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoRjX8OHExK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uuddmg9xuylu

In 2007, 3 years into the corporate life, making $3500/mo at GlaxoSmithKline as a Network Analyst, I picked up and left to pursue photography full time. (I know, crazy right?!). With no savings, I was young and devoted all my free time to traveling, I was devoted to making it work.... and it did! A year into shooting I was booked to shoot former Mayor Michael Nutter and late Dr. Ackerman for a back to school campaign than ran city wide from newspapers to buses for months. It felt great! By 2009 I reached a personal milestone when I broke the 6 figure mark! . . Fast forward to 2013, I’m hired to develop a mobile app, (yea, I’m a nerd 🤓). After negotiations, we settled on a price tag of $65,000 of which a $30,000 deposit was received. I wanted more for my life and my family. I took the 30k and moved from a 1 bedroom bi-floor duplex in south Philly to a newly renovated 4 bedroom townhouse in northern liberties to give my daughter her own room and her mother her own makeup room. I signed the lease for my very own studio / event space, and decided it was time to rebuild my credit (and spoil myself for my 30th birthday). I bought Canon. . . After messing up my credit when I was young, worked to rebuild but still needed a massive down payment to keep my monthly under $400. So, yea, I dropped $14,000 down for her, this baby, loaded #BMW X5, then I wrapped her Matte #PhiladelphiaEagles green, with blacked out lights... loved her. . . See, I had it backwards. The key to growth and success is to not celebrate temporary pleasures. See, we sometimes go so long WITHOUT that once we have the opportunity to be WITH, we splurge. Growth, learning not to value materialistic things and instead set yourself up to procure lasting WEALTH instead of dwelling in the temporary satisfactions. . . @zsazsabeaute and I promised to each other that we’ll set ourselves up for that exact lifestyle, focus on traveling, happiness, and establishing WEALTH. Now our credit is exceptional, I’ve parted ways with my beloved Canon, we’re consolidating with the goal of buying an income property and our new house next year. With the continued blessings such as those we’ve had thus far, we will! 💚 (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoE06-Nnczm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=748n99xgy5g1

Never thought that I’d find my perfect match. I mean, think about it. We all know what that dating game is like, the push & pull, hesitancy to go all in, playing both sides of the fence until one person pulls away, then the other tries to get them back. A damaging and exhausting cycle. Adding the urge to present oneself as being more successful, attractive, etc. to lure in those we think best for us. I eventually gave up on the notion that I’d find my soulmate (another loosely used term). And that I’d end up forfeiting certain requirements I’d need in a life long partner, in order to “pick the best from the Bunch”, essentially settling, and try and make it work.... . . And then there’s @zsazsabeaute. . . I just can’t explain it with any other adjective aside from PERFECT. And yes, she’s gorgeous, but her personality and what she embodies as a woman, a daughter, a partner, how loving and caring she is towards everyone. Bro, we finish each other’s most random sentences ALL THE TIME. Like who else would use the word “flapjacks” referring to..... nevermind... but flapjacks y’all! We’re always on the same page! Little cute things like that, to knowing that if I ever needed anything, she’d be there to give up all she had to make sure I was good. And knows without a doubt that I’d do the same. . . Equally yoked. The bliss of it all. Knowing that you’re with someone as driven and focused as you. Someone who’s never been about a quick come up, or out in the streets. She’s the glue to her family, and my life. There’s nothing in the world she doesn’t deserve. And my purpose is to show her in every way possible how appreciated and loved she is. @zsazsabeaute thank you for being as amazing as you are and helping me discover what real love and a happy, healthy relationship is all about. To my forever #wcw, I love you. (at Montgomery County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnoQlbdncDf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=s3kh1ed9fbo4