Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Grayson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story consists of the first time I discovered Asian youtubers. Once I saw the quality of relatable content from a person I didn’t know and see how it understood how I felt growing up. The videos impacted me a lot growing up and from that moment. I decided to start making videos that people can relate to as well. This was hard since, I do not know what type of content to make. Instead, I just released “stuff” that was relatable to me or random ideas into video perform. I did a lot of research on what to do and a “LOT” to find out the basics of making a video and the platforms to make it into reality. One of my first videos that made it up to 50,000 views. I think it was a bit more like, “Exploring the University of Central Florida”. I saw something was missing, a good video of what the campus looks like. I knew I had to make one without hesitation. I popped up on my Penny Board and skated around my campus and added a ton of content and ask my friend to help me with editing. I was still new to this and she was a film major making it much easier. I posted it on Facebook to as much UCF groups that were relatable. Boom! It was done. The best moment I received was, one of my “fans” approached me on campus at an ice cream shop. She said, “I saw you on youtube!” I was like, she had to be joking and I told her, “that wasn’t me, you got me mistaken aha”. “No, it was you! You did the UCF tour video!” – she replied. At that moment, I knew people watched my content and were probably one of the exciting moment of my freshman year of college and something I will never forget. After this, I was approached by the UCF Social Media Manager to make more content for the ACTUAL school! I was blown away that people discovered my content, from a thing I thought, was a video for fun. This led me to make more UCF content and more videos. Now, I learned how to make videos on my own and slowly but surely released a bunch of content! I remember one time, I was walking around with a selfie stick back in 2013 when it got released, the number of eyes that looked at me thinking I was weird. One kid said, “Is that a camera on a stick?” and I replied, “yes it was” whilst, I gradually walked away in the distance. I still make videos but not as consistent due to all the tasks that have to be put in my life.
I joined a fraternity and my sister said: “I wouldn’t like it”. But, knowing me I like to do what people say I can’t do and joined regardless. I hated the process but deep down got rewarded with a great brotherhood and knowledge afterward. Once I joined I realized I wanted to wear something that was comfortable and stylish. The letters we got was not comfortable and made on terrible fabric. From that moment, I knew I wanted to make a better shirt and design. I decided from that moment I wanted to start my own Greek apparel business. I gained a lot of experience from working at a t-shirt company called Impress Ink in Orlando and applied all the free value that owner gave me into my own business. Knowing this was going to be a difficult task, I dragged my friend along called Huan to balance the workload and noticed he had a passion to make a change in the Greek community. We got a record number of orders this past Black Friday reaching sales of over 2,000 dollars and was blown away. We both realized we can make money from this and started release new designs and worked on our social media channels. To this day I run two companies. One for my personal brand and a Greek apparel business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Youtube – I didn’t know how to make a video and I had to do a “LOT’ of research to make a progress and stand out from the herd. Knowing how to advertise/market on Youtube was difficult but doable. Choosing the song choice that depicts how people feel emotionally watching the video. Learning how to make thumbnails to stand out.
Greek Apparel – finding how to ship out shirts, opening a bank account, figuring out the correct fabrics and the process and cost of how much the shirt is too make. Handling a bunch of social media channels all at the same time.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Youtuber and AAGreeks Owner – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Youtuber – I make content that is relatable to a wider audience. I specialized in UCF – University of Central Florida videos and college experiences. I am known for a viral 50k videos of “Exploring UCF Tour”. I stand out from the herd since there was not a good quality upload of the “college kid” experience on campus and outdated ones. I am proud that people approach me that they saw my video before they met me in person. Probably the proudest moment when over 10 people approached me. From friends I had and new strangers I just met.
I specialized in quality, premium Greek apparel. Developed shirts, stickers, and letters to reach our crowd. We are known for outstanding service and unique designs that are not found online. The proudest moment one when we got 40 orders for one sale and had to grind/work the hardest. What sets apart is we are quality and knows our clientele since we are part of Greek life as well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan on making my YouTube channel as relatable as possible whilst I finish up my college experience. Building a good following from my content and personal brand. Reach the point, I become an influencer where people select me to advertise their products.
Also, to make my brand AAGreeks – the top place for all Greeks to get quality apparel to represent their sorority and fraternity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/c/hijean
- Email: jean.graysonay@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graphvcs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hijeantv/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/J1passion
- Other: https://www.snapchat.com/add/jeangrayson
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
