Meet Josh Schafer | Editor-in-Chief and Brand Manager / LUNCHMEAT

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

Hi Josh, how do you think about risk?

Taking risks is how you grow, both professionally and personally. Betting on yourself can be scary, but it can also be extremely empowering. It’s one of the key ways you truly learn about who you are, and how you operate, what you’re capable of. You learn from it. And that’s huge. Taking risks and pushing yourself to do whatever you can to get your art, your voice, your message out there, is one of the most important aspects of being an entrepreneur. I think risk equals opportunity. It’s a chance to see how far you can take yourself.

I’ve taken a lot of risks over the past few years. I’ve moved to a whole new place, knowing no one, with a brand new career, a brand new set of goals. That helped me grow a lot. And that job that I took and moved my whole life for, it didn’t work out because of the pandemic. Then, with what I learned, I decided that I didn’t need another company to believe in what I was doing. I believe in what I’m doing, and that’s enough. You have to believe in your own voice, your own art. Because at the end of the day, success, for me, is defined by how you feel about what you’re doing. Fiscal gain, fandom, et al., that’s all great; but it’s really about how YOU feel about what you’re striving to achieve, and finding happiness in that. If you don’t take a risk, you’ll never know what could have been, and that’s way more devastating than failing at something: not trying at all and never really knowing. Believe in yourself, and know that your dreams and aspirations are worth that risk. You and your ultimate goals are worth taking that chance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’ve been covering VHS and video store culture for well over a decade now. I think LUNCHMEAT is set apart because we celebrate every aspect of VHS and video store culture, from nostalgia, to cultural influence, to the films and material, and the the experiences that are bound to the VHS format and video stores.

I’m most excited about connecting and cultivating a community of like-minded people, and getting new people turned on to the idea that VHS isn’t a dead format, and it’s one of the most significant and groundbreaking pieces of media to ever exist. There’s a whole rewind world out there, just waiting to be revisited, rediscovered, or seen for the first time. It’s that excitement of connection and discovery that means the most to me.

I got where I am by staying true to my vision, and working on it every day. It’s not just my art anymore; it’s a lifestyle. I think it’s important to remember that your voice, your message, your brand, whatever it is, it rings more true when you are fully dedicated to something. It’s definitely not easy. LIfe happens. Things get in the way. But having this thing there for you, whenever you want, to express yourself, connect with others, and make cool stuff that can potentially make people happy, it’s worth every single second you pour into it.

Lessons are many. You learn every day. You have to learn every day. You have to take something from your everyday experience, and use those things to help shape your growth. If I had to boil it down to one lesson, it’s that you have to stay true to yourself, dedicated to your craft, and thankful for every moment you have to do it. I’ve learned that it’s easy to take things for granted, and I never want to do that. It’s a gift to be able to do something you truly care about. I keep that notion with me always.

I just want people to know that your passions can take you anywhere. Keep going. Don’t let the fear of failing or the thought of “not making it” bog you down or make you stop what you’re doing. Everyone struggles. It’s the strength to keep moving forward, and staying in love with that something you do, that will separate you from the rest, and make you an individual.

For my brand in particular, I just want people to know that I’m grateful for all of the connections, opportunities, growth, and goals that have come from it. I want people to know that VHS is Happiness isn’t just a slogan: it’s a constant reminder as to why we do what we do. That the memories, the history, the art – everything tied to VHS and that culture – it should bring happiness. We want LUNCHMEAT to be a hub for that mindset. We want people to have fun, be happy, and watch weird, wonderful, and radical VHS tapes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to skip this question, unfortunately. Honestly, I would have taken them to Video Vortex, the video store I helped create for Alamo Drafthouse. Without trying to sound self-serving, that was the coolest place on earth for a little while – specifically for the film lover. It was a hub of cinema culture, of people-to-people interaction. It embodied everything I loved about video stores, movies, and human connection. That’s gone now, though, and probably not coming back. Honestly, I don’t go all that much, and work on my art most of the time. But I think that echoes back to everything I’ve been saying: stay true to yourself and what you want to do; never stop working on your craft; prove to yourself that you can do whatever you set your mind to do. That’s the best time ever, for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everyone in my life influences me one way or another. I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with people that love you, challenge you, and pick you up when you’re down are the most vital elements of growth. It’s my parents, my friends, my colleagues, the VHS community – they’ve all helped me grow and get where I am today. It’s also important to recognize and consider people that don’t understand what you’re doing – try to be curious rather than judgmental about it. Every single thing that happens, every person in your life, they have the power to help you make decisions. It’s just vital to remember that no one can make your decisions for you. So, really, I want to shoutout everyone that’s ever supported me, challenged me, or just listened when I needed a friendly ear. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.

Website: LUNCHMEATVHS.COM

Instagram: @LunchmeatVHS

Twitter: @LunchmeatVHS

Facebook: LUNCHMEAT VHS

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJIevG6PrK43UtWxNZDDtA

Image Credits
All Credit: LUNCHMEAT