A raw look at hustle culture, sleep deprivation, and the mindset required to keep building as a creative entrepreneur, parent, and business owner.

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steven D. Jackson shares a real-time reflection after running on just 33 minutes of sleep.From late-night event photography to parenting, business operations, and podcasting, this episode dives into the true cost of ambition and what it takes to keep showing up when you're exhausted but driven by purpose.This isn’t just about hustle—it’s about discipline, passion, teamwork, and seasons of sacrifice. <h3>In this episode:</h3>• What operating on 33 minutes of sleep actually feels like • The reality of balancing business, family, and creativity • Why passion can push you beyond limits • The importance of teamwork and community • Lessons from basketball and chess applied to business • Understanding seasons of hustle vs. seasons of rest • Why documenting your journey builds long-term valueThis episode is for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, podcasters, and business owners who are building something meaningful—especially when life doesn’t slow down. <h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ol><li>Hustle has seasons—but rest is still essential.</li><li>Passion can push performance—but it’s not sustainable alone.</li><li>Teamwork multiplies output and prevents burnout.</li><li>Documenting your journey = future assets (books, content, IP).</li><li>Strategy (chess) + execution (basketball) = business success.&nbsp;</li></ol> The Truth About Grinding With No Sleep as an Entrepreneur#EntrepreneurLife #HustleCulture #CreativeEntrepreneur #BusinessMindset #NoSleepGrind #PodcastClips #EntrepreneurJourney #MotivationDaily #WorkLifeReality #GrindSeason#ContentCreatorLife #StartupLife #SelfDevelopment #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #KeepGoing

33 Minutes of Sleep Building While Tired

From Faith to the DJ Booth: DJ Rev Dev on Weddings, Leadership, and Building an Entertainment Brand

How DJ Rev Dev Became One of Cleveland’s Most Trusted Wedding DJsCleveland DJ Rev Dev shares how faith, leadership, and passion turned a nickname from high school football into a powerful entertainment brand in the wedding industry. In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steven D. Jackson sits down with Cleveland DJ DJ Rev Dev to talk about the journey from high school leadership to becoming a respected DJ in the wedding and events industry.Rev Dev shares the story behind his unique name, how faith influenced his leadership style, and how those same qualities show up when he’s energizing a wedding crowd or hosting major events.This conversation explores what it really takes to succeed in the event industry—from professionalism and preparation to energy, branding, and building trust with clients.If you're a photographer, DJ, creative entrepreneur, event professional, or aspiring entertainer, this episode provides insight into the mindset and discipline required to stand out in a competitive industry. <h3>In this episode you will learn:</h3>• How DJ Rev Dev got his name and brand identity • The leadership lessons from football that shaped his DJ career • How faith and character influence business success • What separates a great wedding DJ from an average one • The importance of energy, crowd engagement, and preparation • Tips for creatives working in the event industryWhether you're building a creative brand or growing an event-based business, this conversation offers real-world insight from someone living the journey.Core lessons from the episode<ol><li>Your nickname or story can become your brand.</li><li>Leadership skills translate across industries.</li><li>Faith and values can shape how you do business.</li><li>Weddings require high energy, organization, and professionalism.</li><li>Creative entrepreneurs must learn to connect with people and read the room.</li></ol> DJ Business and branding tips.A podcast for creative entrepreneurs.

Devin Moore - DJ Rev Dev

How photographer PhotoCred Ned built a powerful brand, mastered event photography, and learned the business side of creativity—from charging $75 shoots to understanding value and marketing your work.

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steven "Photographer" Jackson sits down with Cleveland photographer PhotoCred Ned to discuss the real journey behind building a successful photography brand.Ned shares how he first discovered photography during a trip to the Dominican Republic, where his brother taught him the fundamentals of the exposure triangle, lighting, and motion before he even took his first photo.From charging $50–$75 for early shoots to developing a unique visual style and understanding the business side of creativity, Ned breaks down the lessons every photographer and creative entrepreneur needs to hear.This conversation dives deep into:• The importance of learning photography fundamentals • Why photographers must understand business and pricing • How marketing psychology affects photography (smiles, emotion, color tone) • Why networking events are gold mines for photographers • The difference between RAW vs JPEG shooting • How color temperature impacts emotional response in photos • Why collaboration with other photographers accelerates growthNed also explains why many photographers struggle financially — not because of skill, but because they don’t understand business strategy and value pricing.Whether you are an event photographer, content creator, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insight on turning your creative passion into a profitable business. <h3>Key Takeaways</h3>• Master the fundamentals of photography before worrying about gear • Photography success requires business knowledge, not just creative skill • Emotional images (smiles, laughter) perform better in marketing • Warmer tones often resonate more with audiences • Networking events can generate long-term revenue opportunities • Pricing confidence increases as your value becomes clear Photography business advice for anyone.Cleveland Photographers

Ned Sanders - PhotoCred Ned

How interior designer India Su'Juan built Su'Juan’s Decor, developed her creative brand, and turned passion for design into a thriving business in Cleveland.

From Cleveland Vision to Luxury Spaces: Interior Design Entrepreneur India Su'Juan on Building a Creative Business In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steven D. Jackson sits down with Cleveland interior designer India Su'Juan, founder of Su'Juan's Decor.India shares her journey from creative passion to building a professional interior design brand serving clients who want beautiful, functional spaces. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, creative discipline, client relationships, and what it really takes to build a successful design business.If you're a creative entrepreneur, aspiring designer, or small business owner, this episode will give you insight into building a brand, developing confidence in your craft, and turning creativity into income. <h3>In this episode we discuss:</h3>• How India Su'Juan started her interior design business• Turning creativity into a profitable business• Branding and positioning as a designer• The importance of client relationships and trust• Advice for aspiring creatives starting their journey• Lessons learned while building Su'Juan’s DecorThis episode is a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs, designers, photographers, and business owners looking to grow their brand and impact. Keywords for India<ul><li>interior design entrepreneur</li><li> interior design business</li><li> creative entrepreneur podcast</li><li> entrepreneur interview</li><li> interior designer journey</li><li> creative business tips</li><li> women entrepreneurs Cleveland</li><li> small business success stories</li><li> creative industry podcast</li><li> building a design brand</li><li> entrepreneur mindset</li><li> creative entrepreneurship</li></ul> "Your creativity can become your career if you treat it like a business."

India Su'Juan - Sujuans Decor

2026 Is the Shift: From Setbacks to Entrepreneur Growth

After weeks of setbacks, negativity loops, and emotional fatigue, this episode is a reminder to stay authentic, persevere, and use every challenge as fuel for growth. In this motivational episode of "Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk", Photographer (Steve) Jackson shares an honest recap of a tough few weeks — vehicle setbacks, emotional cycles, business pressure, and stepping away from the mic to reset.But instead of dwelling in negativity, this episode reframes hardship as a phase — not a permanent identity.You’ll hear:<ul><li>Why authenticity matters more in the age of AI</li><li>How to break negative mental loops</li><li>The importance of emotional discipline in business</li><li>Why you can’t force your product on the wrong audience</li><li>The power of supporting other creatives</li><li>Why 2026 is a declaration year</li></ul>Steve also makes a bold commitment: by 2027, he’s transitioning fully into entrepreneurship — running Alien Eyez Photos Media and this podcast full-time.This episode is for:<ul><li>Creative entrepreneurs</li><li>Photographers &amp; videographers</li><li>Podcasters</li><li>Artists &amp; media producers</li><li>Anyone navigating a “tough season”</li></ul>Reminder: Tough seasons are phases — like the moon.Stay calm. Take the breath. Keep building. Keywords this episode touches on:<ul><li>creative entrepreneur motivation</li><li>business resilience</li><li>entrepreneur encouragement</li><li>authentic branding</li><li>small business mindset</li><li>breaking negative cycles</li><li>leaving your 9 to 5</li><li>full time entrepreneur journey</li><li>photographer business advice</li><li>Cleveland entrepreneur</li></ul>This is ultimately how to stay motivated as a creative entrepreneur when life hits.

Motivational Encouragement Keep Going

A Cleveland entrepreneur’s real-life reminder: tickets, near-misses, and why gratitude grounds the grind

This follows the "Flat Tires to Business Upsells" episode. <a href="https://shows.acast.com/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/69754b44f5a4f675d7c2982c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shows.acast.com/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/69754b44f5a4f675d7c2982c</a>In this short, powerful episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Jackson (Steve Jackson) reflects after a string of setbacks — new tires, service upsells, a speeding ticket, and witnessing a driver asleep at the wheel — and explains why he remains “forever grateful.” He turns everyday friction into an entrepreneur lesson about health, perspective, and treating your assets (and life) with care. If you’re hustling between gigs, parenting, and projects, this is a practical reminder to protect your health, do the small checks, and practice gratitude even when it hurts.Money Takeaways: <ul><li>Real moments; car maintenance, dealer upsells, a speeding citation, and seeing a dangerously sleepy driver.</li><li>Why “asset vs. liability” matters for cars and businesses</li><li>A posture toward hardship: gratitude as a practical discipline</li><li>Reminder to value sleep, health, and small wins</li></ul> Who this episode is for: creative entrepreneurs, parents juggling work and family, service providers, and anyone who needs a simple reset to perspective. Forever Grateful. Be sure to listen the upsells episode that happened the day before this audio document.<a href="https://shows.acast.com/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/69754b44f5a4f675d7c2982c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shows.acast.com/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/69754b44f5a4f675d7c2982c</a>

Forever Grateful — Gratitude When the Bills Come Due

A winter breakdown in Cleveland turns into a real-world lesson on upsells, research, and running a smarter business—without losing integrity.

Car UpsellsIn this short but powerful reflection episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Steve Jackson shares a real-life winter experience in Cleveland, Ohio—getting two flat tires in freezing temperatures with his daughter in the car—and turns it into a practical business lesson every entrepreneur needs to hear.What started as a roadside emergency became a reminder about upsells, preparation, research, and decision-making as a business owner. From tire replacements to dealership sales tactics, this episode breaks down how upsells exist in every industry—and how to approach them with clarity, intention, and integrity.This episode is especially relevant for:<ul><li>Creative entrepreneurs</li><li>Small business owners</li><li>Service-based professionals</li><li>Anyone refining their offers, add-ons, and client experience</li></ul>Steve also emphasizes why doing your research before any “meeting”—even a visit to the tire shop—can reduce anxiety, protect your assets, and help you make confident decisions. <h3>In this episode, you’ll learn:</h3><ul><li>Why upsells are not unethical—they’re essential when done right</li><li>How real-life situations mirror business strategy</li><li>The importance of preparation before any transaction</li><li>How to evaluate offers without pressure or overwhelm</li><li>Why your car (and your business) should be treated as an asset, not a liability</li></ul>This is a reminder to make the offer, build the upsell, and stay informed—without being overly salesy. This will remind you how to create upsells in your business.

From Flat Tires to Business Upsells: Lessons on Preparation, Protection, and Profit

When Social Proof Pulled Up to Cleveland: A Reflection on David Shands, Podcast Summit, and Purpose

What David Shands Taught Me About Community, Podcasting, and Investing in Yourself?*Some audio cut out at 10-minutes, so I had to redo the middle and ending, but still great insights. Enjoy! A behind-the-scenes reflection on hosting David Shands in Cleveland, building community through podcasting, investing in yourself, and how one moment can plant seeds for generational impact. Who is David Shands? David Shands is an entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the Social Proof Podcast, known for teaching entrepreneurs how to monetize podcasts and build community-driven businesses.What is the Social Proof Podcast? A leading entrepreneurship and podcasting podcast focused on monetization, mindset, and execution.What is Podcast Summit? Podcast Summit is an annual conference created by David Shands that helps podcasters grow, monetize, and scale their platforms. In this reflective episode, I break down what it truly meant to host David Shands, New Jersey native turned Atlanta-based multimillionaire entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the Social Proof Podcast, when he pulled up to Cleveland.From organizing the day, documenting the experience, and witnessing David pour into young students, entrepreneurs, and podcasters, this episode highlights the real power of community, curiosity, and self-investment.David didn’t just speak—he activated people. He gave students actionable steps to make money that same day, rewarded quick execution, and showed what it looks like to lead with faith, discipline, and integrity.We reflect on:<ul><li>How podcasting can plant seeds long before you start your own show</li><li>Why community exchange matters more than clout</li><li>Lessons from Podcast Summit and Social Proof Podcast</li><li>The importance of staying curious as a podcaster and entrepreneur</li><li>Why investing in yourself is non-negotiable</li></ul>This episode is both a tribute and a testimony—proof that when you bet on yourself and build intentionally, opportunities multiply.🎙️ We’ll also be attending and vending at Podcast Summit 2026, continuing the journey that started with one yes. Brands Mentioned:<ul><li>Pull Up Experience Podcast</li><li>Creative Frequency</li><li>Alien Eyez Photos Media</li><li>Podcast Summit 2026</li><li>Social Proof Podcast</li><li>Beneficial Bae</li><li>Midtown Tech Hive</li><li>Create-A-Space</li><li>Gin Academy </li></ul>

David Shands In Cleveland

Ideas Are Cheap, Execution Is Everything: Building Community, Taking Action, and Doing What It Takes

Ideas vs Execution"Mastermind Inner Circle" In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and creative entrepreneur Jackson (Steve Jackson) breaks down a hard truth for entrepreneurs: ideas mean nothing without execution.Fresh off a multi-day mastermind, Jackson reflects on the power of community, shared ideas, and—most importantly—taking action. This episode introduces listeners to his Inner Circle community through Creative Frequency, where creatives and entrepreneurs move beyond inspiration and into real implementation.Through personal stories, early creative experiences, and real talk about growth, this episode encourages listeners to stop waiting, start executing, and surround themselves with people who actually do the work.If you’re full of ideas but struggling to move forward, this episode is your call to action.<h3>Topics Covered</h3><ul><li>Why ideas alone don’t build businesses</li><li>The difference between inspiration and execution</li><li>Power of masterminds and creative community</li><li>Teaching, mentorship, and the “Sensei” mindset</li><li>Investing in yourself before you’re “ready”</li><li>Early creative instincts and discipline</li><li>Building Creative Frequency as an Inner Circle</li><li>Strategy calls vs. surface-level advice</li><li>Accountability, consistency, and growth</li><li>Doing what you have to do to get where you need to be</li></ul><h3>Key Takeaways</h3><ul><li>Execution is the real differentiator</li><li>Community accelerates clarity and confidence</li><li>Teaching sharpens mastery</li><li>Action creates momentum</li><li>Early investment compounds long-term growth</li><li>Accountability turns ideas into outcomes</li></ul>Questions to reflect on:<ol><li>Do you struggle more with ideas or execution?</li><li>What’s one idea you’ve been sitting on too long?</li><li>Does community help you take action?</li><li>What keeps you from executing consistently?</li><li>Would accountability help you move faster?</li><li>Have you invested in yourself this year?</li><li>What would “doing what you have to do” look like for you?</li><li>Are you building alone—or with others?</li></ol> My ideas list for this episode were: Execution Over IdeasCreative CommunityEntrepreneur MindsetTake ActionInner CircleMastermindCreative EntrepreneursAccountability for EntrepreneursBusiness Execution Join our inner circle below:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/cw/onaCreativeFrequency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creative Frequency | Patreon</a>

Mastermind Inner Circle - Creative Frequency

For photography booking:<a href="https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz</a> Stay Updated and join the mailing list:<a href="https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe</a> For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:<a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67a4614e3e56448eb3773c8b/shows/67a47b2e3e56448eb37b83ac/episodes/AlienEyezPhotos.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AlienEyezPhotos.com</a> All Social Media: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency

Business growth podcast for creative entrepreneurs and business owners featuring cross-industry insights for scaling your service business.

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk with Photographer Jackson is a business growth podcast for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and service-based business owners who want to scale beyond their current limitations. Hosted by Cleveland event photographer Steven Jackson of Alien Eyez Photos Media, each episode delivers cross-industry insights and proven entrepreneurial strategies from successful business owners across diverse fields including photography, entertainment, technology, real estate, and professional services.Whether you are building a photography business, launching a creative agency, or growing any service-based enterprise, you will discover actionable frameworks for decision-making, abundance mindset development, business model innovation, and sustainable growth. Steven combines transparent storytelling from his own entrepreneurial journey with expert guest interviews to help you navigate the challenges of building a profitable creative business in competitive markets.This podcast serves as your strategic guide for transforming creative passion into sustainable business success, featuring real conversations about revenue generation, client acquisition, operational systems, and the mindset shifts required to evolve from solopreneur to established business owner. This is for creative entrepreneurs and those who desire to be.Let us share information and educate each other through media, visual arts, business/entrepreneurship, and new trends in various industries.From the creative mind of Photographer (Steve) Jackson of Alien Eyez Photos Media. This platform is a guide and inspiration to help you feel encouraged in your endeavors, through my personal entrepreneurial journey.Paired with special guest in different industries, hence "Industry Talk". Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk is the biggest marketing arm for the event photography brand Alien Eyez Photos Media, in Ohio.All things media.

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

Photographer Jackson's personal business journal. Business growth podcast for creative entrepreneurs and photographers that are business owners using cross-industry insights for scaling your service business.

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

Social Media

Follow

Your Hosts

Steven D. (Photographer) Jackson

Additional contact information