Meet Cameron Jo’van | Serial Entrepreneur & Digital Visionary

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cameron Jo’van and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cameron, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business isn’t just about creating a product or service; it’s about manifesting a vision into reality. Each startup—Hoppsy, Payper Plate, Get Slayed, and FeathAR—was born out of a desire to democratize access to resources, whether it’s social connection, quality food, beauty, or augmented reality. I wanted to put power back into the hands of the people, to create ecosystems where everyone can thrive, not just survive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Suppose you will; my ‘art’ lies in the alchemy of turning ideas into impactful ventures. What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of democratizing access to various facets of life—be it making service excellence universal through Hoppsy’s three-sided marketplace, helping foodies discover unique eats from local kitchens via Payper Plate, empowering individuals to discover local, independent beauty talent with Get Slayed, or finding and growing your flock through real-life connections enhanced by augmented reality with FeathAR. Each venture is a brushstroke on a larger canvas, painting a picture of a world where power and value are in the hands of the people.

Getting to where I am today was anything but easy. Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and the challenges have been numerous—from securing funding and building the right team to navigating market uncertainties. But every challenge was a disguised opportunity, a puzzle begging to be solved. I overcame these hurdles through grit, strategic thinking, and a bit of audacity.

The lessons I’ve learned are manifold, but if I had to distill them, I’d say:

Never underestimate the power of a strong team.
Always be adaptable; the market won’t wait for you.
Don’t just chase success; chase impact.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is simple: It’s not about me; it’s about ‘we.’ It’s about creating ecosystems where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. I’m most proud of the communities we’re building around each venture, communities that share our vision and contribute to it in myriad ways. And what excites me the most? We’re just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Culinary Adventure & Golf

Eat: Kick off the week with a fusion of flavors at Poor Calvin’s.
Hang Out: Head to Top Golf for an evening of friendly competition and laughs.
Day 2: Art & Culture

Visit: Spend the morning exploring the High Museum for a dose of art and culture.
Eat: Grab a refreshing smoothie at Squeeze Smoothie Bar.
Hang Out: Unwind at Piedmont Park with a stroll or a paddleboat ride.
Day 3: Nature & Scenic Beauty

Visit: Escape to Amicalola Falls for hiking and awe-inspiring views.
Eat: Pack a gourmet picnic to savor amidst the natural splendor.
Day 4: Urban Exploration

Visit: Discover the eclectic and bohemian vibes of Little Five Points.
Eat: Dive into the diverse offerings at Krog St. Market for lunch.
Hang Out: Spend the evening at The Interlock, a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Day 5: Waterfalls & Wings

Visit: Head to Dick’s Creek Falls for another day immersed in nature.
Eat: Enjoy some Sneaky Sancho Wings & Tacos by the falls.
Day 6: Boating & Lounge

Visit: Spend the day boating at Lake Lanier, soaking up the sun and enjoying the water.
Eat: Start the evening with modern Asian cuisine at Ruby Chows.
Hang Out: Experience the upscale yet relaxed atmosphere of the Moustache Lounge.
Day 7: Farewell Feast

Eat: Conclude the week with a seafood extravaganza at Ocean & Acre.
Hang Out: Cap off the night with some crafted cocktails at Gaslight.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Success is never a solo endeavor; it’s a tapestry woven from the threads of collaboration, mentorship, and unwavering support. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to a constellation of incredible people and sources of wisdom.

Firstly, I want to give a massive shoutout to my Hoppsy team—Max, Amani, Tosin, and Alexander. Your dedication and ingenuity are the engine that drives our vision forward.

I’m also incredibly thankful for the guidance and support of Peter Buchanan, Sandy Hussain, and David Culver. Your insights have been invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship.

Books have been my silent mentors, shaping my worldview and approach to business. Titles like ‘Zero to One,’ ’48 Laws of Power,’ ‘Superintelligence,’ ‘Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself,’ ‘Fizz,’ ‘Leaders Eat Last,’ ‘Outliers,’ ‘Intellectuals and Society,’ and ‘The Mom Test’ have been instrumental in my journey.

A special mention goes to two incredible local initiatives: the Atlanta Guy’s Dinner Group led by Sean Palani and Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) spearheaded by Chris Maier. Both communities have been invaluable sources of inspiration and are testaments to the power of local networks.

Last but certainly not least, my emotional bedrock—my mother, who has been an unwavering source of emotional support, and my father, whose feedback and inspiration have been my guiding lights. I also want to acknowledge my friend William McLane, founder of Yom Ice Cream, for being a constant source of friendship and entrepreneurial camaraderie.

To all of you, thank you for being part of my story. You’re the unsung heroes who make the journey worthwhile.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/camjovan

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/cameronjovan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/camjovan_

Other: Hoppsy- https://hoppsy.app Payper Plate – https://payperplate.app Get Slayed – https://getslayed.app FeathAR – https://feathar.app