Meet Cameron Jay Harrelson | Owner, Defined Campaigns & Classic City Crime Podcast

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

Hi Cameron Jay, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Defined Campaigns because I knew the kind of work I wanted to do didn’t fit inside anyone else’s job description. I’ve always believed that strategy and storytelling—when done with heart and intention—can not just “move needles”, but can actually change lives. Too often, I saw organizations in the public, private, and purpose (nonprofit) sectors doing incredible work without the communications or capacity to tell their story, move hearts, or shift systems.

So, I built a business that does more than just marketing. Defined Campaigns is about clarity—defining the “why” behind the work, and then helping leaders move it forward with strategy that’s smart, storytelling that’s real, and design that resonates. I didn’t want to climb someone else’s ladder—I wanted to build the table and make sure there was a seat for everyone. And now I get to help others build theirs too. For that, I am grateful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to say that my career didn’t follow a straight line—it zigzagged with purpose. I’ve worked in nonprofits, community organizing, policy advocacy, and creative storytelling, and every stop along the way taught me something about people, power, and the importance of voice.

Defined Campaigns was born out of that mix—a consulting firm that helps organizations not just look good, but lead with clarity. I help folks define what they’re about, what they want to change, and how to bring people along for the journey. It’s part strategy, part storytelling, and part soul. What sets us apart is that we don’t do performative work—we build from the inside out, making sure the story you tell the world actually reflects the work you’re doing behind the scenes.

One thing I’m proud of is how I’ve brought my full self to the table, even when it wasn’t easy. Hosting the Classic City Crime podcast reminded me of the power of truth-telling—especially in hard places. That project taught me that stories can spark real change, and it gave me the courage to believe I could build something from scratch that mattered. And I bring that same energy into my business: honest, clear, people-first.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were plenty of moments I second-guessed myself—wondered if I should’ve just played it safe, gotten the “stable” job, stayed quiet. But I kept showing up, kept trusting that purpose was louder than fear. That’s the lesson: the work will stretch you, but it’ll also shape you. And if you let it, it’ll make you brave.

What I want people to know is that Defined Campaigns is more than a company. It’s proof that you can build something meaningful at the intersection of heart and hustle. We’re here to help people clarify their purpose and communicate it with power. Because when your message is rooted in truth? That’s when change starts to happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Athens, GA for the week, I’d want them to experience the soul of this town—not just the spots on a map, but the stories behind them. We’d eat our way through the city, starting with dinner at Five & Ten, where classic Southern flavors meet quiet elegance. ZZ & Simone’s would absolutely be on the list too—it’s cozy, elevated, and the kind of place where you lose track of time over good pasta and better conversation. And no visit would be complete without a stop at Condor Chocolates for the best sipping chocolate or a sweet to-go moment that feels like a hug.

We’d catch a show at The 40 Watt Club—because Athens isn’t Athens without live music echoing through your chest—and we’d carve out time for quiet, grounding moments too, maybe walking through the State Botanical Garden or sitting with coffee at a tucked-away local spot.

But the heartbeat of this town is its people, and I’d want them to feel that. So we’d roll up our sleeves for a volunteer shift at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, because philanthropy here isn’t just an idea—it’s something you do. There’s a generosity in this town that’s contagious, and I’d want them to leave knowing that Athens is not just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—there’s no version of my story that’s a solo act. I’d have to start with my grandmother, who taught me the power of showing up for people, even when no one’s watching. She never gave a speech or launched a campaign, but her life continues to be a masterclass in quiet leadership and unconditional love. That kind of foundation changes you.

From there, it’s been a chorus— mentors who challenged me, friends who reminded me who I am when I forgot, doctors who saved my life during a cancer battle, and clients who believed in my vision before it had a fancy name. I’d shout out every nonprofit leader who’s ever sat across from me and said, “We’re doing the work, we just don’t know how to tell the story.” You’ve given me purpose and a platform to build something meaningful. If you’re reading this, thank you for that.

And to the folks who poured into me in small, consistent ways—book recommendations, job leads, voice memos on the hard days—thank you. This journey is mine, but it’s also ours. We are better– together.

Website: https://www.definedcampaigns.com

Instagram: @definedcampaigns // @lifeofcameron

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronjayathens/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/definedcampaigns/

Twitter: @cameronjayath

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/definedcampaigns

Image Credits
please credit:

Newtown Photography Co.
https://www.newtownphotographyco.com/