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

Hi Jordan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my love for photography started at a young age. My older sister received a camera as a birthday gift, which quickly became her favorite tool for storytelling. We would go on countless adventures together, turning every outing into a creative photoshoot. It was during those moments that I fell in love with the power of visual storytelling.

However, it wasn’t until the summer of 2022 that my perspective on photography—and my own potential—completely changed. While visiting Paris alone, I had a chance encounter with a street photographer on my way home. Without giving it much thought, I had a brief but enjoyable interaction with him and continued with my day. The next morning, I woke up to messages from friends back home, all saying the same thing—there was a video of me going viral.

At first, I was in complete shock. I had never created a TikTok or reel before, so I couldn’t understand how I had suddenly become the center of an internet moment. After being sent the video, I realized that the street photographer I had met—Jean_Black—had recorded our entire interaction with a GoPro on his chest. What initially felt like an unsettling realization turned out to be a life-changing experience.

Within days, people were recognizing me on the street, saying things like, “I saw you on that TikTok!” or “No way, it’s the street photographer guy!” It was surreal to have strangers approach me—not just in Paris, but in cities like Madrid, Venice, and New York. Suddenly, I had become somewhat of a mystery online, with people trying to figure out who I was.

Even though I reached out to Jean to ask if he could tag or credit me—and he declined—people still found my name. While it was frustrating to think about how much that exposure could have propelled my career had I been credited, it also served as a powerful realization: I had the potential to build something on my own.

That single video has now amassed 77 million views, over 16 million likes, and 1.1 million saves. More than just numbers, it became proof that millions of people found something about me compelling enough to want to see and learn more. That thought alone ignited an unstoppable motivation in me to pursue content creation.

This experience reconnected me with the same passion I had as a kid—capturing moments and telling stories through imagery. But now, instead of just sharing it with my sister, I have the opportunity to inspire and entertain an audience on a global scale. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with multiple fashion brands, using the image I built from this moment to carve out my own space in the industry.

Today, I’m actively working with fashion brands and creating content, driven by the realization that I can turn my passion into something even bigger than I imagined.

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.
My journey in the creative world started at a young age, developing a strong artistic vision alongside my sister. Growing up, we would spend hours storytelling through photography, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would later become my career. That early exposure to visual creativity shaped the way I see the world and how I express myself today.

Academically, I pursued a degree in Marketing at the University of Miami, with minors in Advertising, Finance, and Graphic Design. This gave me a well-rounded skill set that blends both creative and business perspectives, allowing me to approach my work with a strategic yet artistic mindset. Beyond formal education, my experiences traveling have broadened my worldview, feeding into my spontaneous nature—the same quality that led to my viral moment.

Transitioning into content creation wasn’t easy at first. The fear of judgment—what people might think or say—was a major hurdle. But I realized that once you’re pursuing something that genuinely makes you happy, external opinions become irrelevant. Working in social media, fashion, and modeling feels the most natural to me because it allows me to combine my passions in a way that’s both personal and impactful.

Modeling, in particular, was a challenge to break into—not just professionally, but mentally. Like many, I struggled with self-image growing up, which made my connection to fashion even stronger. Fashion has always been more than just clothing to me; it’s a form of self-expression and confidence. Overcoming those doubts and stepping into a space where I can inspire others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my story, it’s that where you come from, how you were raised, or whatever self-doubts you have—none of it should stop you from chasing your dreams. Opportunities don’t always come in the ways you expect, but when you stay true to what excites you, doors start to open in ways you never imagined.

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?
Some of My Favorite Spots to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Whether I’m in Milwaukee, Miami, or New York, these are some of my go-to spots for great food, drinks, and nightlife.

Milwaukee

Third Ward – One of the best areas in the city for shopping, art galleries, and a great local vibe.

The Outsider – The best drink spot in the city with a rooftop view and a great atmosphere.

Water Street – The top destination for a night out, packed with bars and energy.

Miami

Contessa – Easily the best pizza spot in Miami.

Uchi – The tasting menu here is a must-try.

Makoto – Known for the best crispy rice in the city.

New York City

ABC Kitchen – A solid spot for great food in a stylish setting.

The Flower Shop – A cool bar with a laid-back vibe.

Loosie’s – One of my favorite nightclubs in NYC.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my chosen family—the friends who have stood by me through every stage of my journey. Their support has been unwavering from the very beginning, and having people who genuinely believe in you makes all the difference. When my viral moment happened, they were the first to rally behind me—commenting my name, encouraging me to embrace the opportunity, and reminding me that I had something worth sharing.

What I’ve learned is that real friends don’t just celebrate your wins—they push you to take chances, believe in yourself, and keep going even when self-doubt creeps in. My chosen family has been that kind of support system for me, and I’m endlessly grateful for them.

If there’s anything this journey has shown me, it’s the importance of having people in your corner who uplift you. So, to my chosen family—this shoutout goes to you.

Website: https://www.jordanberrada.com/

Instagram: Jordan_Berrada

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanberrada/

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