Meet Jermaine Edwards | Hybrid Designer & Chauffeur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jermaine Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jermaine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be honest, my first business (Jmegraphix, LLC) was never fully thought through. I just knew I wanted to create a platform that would provide jobs for other designers. Once I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Graphic/Web design I created my company back in 2016 and instilled it in everything I did. From networking to even applying for jobs. I used my business as a forefront to get where I needed. Now for my second business (Obsidian Concierge), this was a little more strategic. It took me a few years to find the right investors to make it lift from the ground. My intentions though, are still the same. Creating jobs.

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.
Well there isn’t much that sets me apart from others. I can say my drive and perseverance is what got me to where I am today. There were times where I actually questioned my direction and even thought about quitting. But something in me just wouldn’t let me stop what I already started. That’s one thing I am most proud of. Sticking it through even when there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

How I got here professionally was the circle of like minded individuals I surrounded myself with. It wasn’t easy juggling being a full time student working two part-time jobs and an internship. I overcame my challenges with that perseverance and realized that my ups and downs don’t last.

I’ve also learned that your “network is your net worth”. Surrounding yourself with people that are like minded or in the position that you want to be in truly helps make your vision that much clearer and seemingly more tangible. People have these grand idea and/or profession but don’t see them in action which it almost makes it seem delusional or unrealistic. Which causes people to quit prematurely in my opinion. I want the world to know that we all dream but without action, a dream stays a dream.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends know that I am a more adventurous type so this wouldn’t be a normally itinerary. First off, sky diving in north Georgia is well worth the excitement! But if my friend wasn’t that risky then iFly would be a good choice for a warm up. Tybee Island and Lake Lanier are great places to visit for some sun and sand. Tubing down Chattahoochee River with an ice cooler is also a great way to unwind. Atlanta is also brunch city. So many places I don’t believe I have enough space to mention them all lol. Our Caribbean carnivals rival some of the countries other carnivals as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my friends from the Arts Institute of Atlanta for making the grind easier and more enjoyable. Without them I wouldn’t have gotten to this point in my life. Also, my ex-director Jerry of the Georgia Aquarium that gave me and my first company the chance to be able to make something out of nothing.

Website: https://www.jmegraphix.com

Instagram: @unruly_tyrant

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/jermaine-edwards-45900424

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/jayme2deep