“Hustle Hard. When you hustle hard, you understand and appreciate your hustle. You become the best.” That is just one of the remarkably insightful views held by Ja’dan Johnson (JJ).

17-year-old Ja’dan Johnson is the founder and CEO of his own registered company called Vybz Media Group. This endeavour is a full-scale Digital Marketing company. However, currently his company is primarily doing business as Triz Creative Agency. Recently, teenBOSS (TB) held a conversation with Johnson in order to further understand his pursuits.TB: How long have you been a TEEN entrepreneur? What are your ventures? 

Johnson currently attends Munro College in St Elizabeth. He shared that he values a solid education. Johnson stated, “I chose not to quit high school. I strongly believe that while we can accomplish so much, we must always strive toward continuous learning. Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life, came from being an entrepreneur and a student simultaneously. I’m looking forward to university. It will be an opportunity to formally master my skills, and explore my talents.”

JJ: I’ve been a teen entrepreneur for 5 years. My entrepreneurial pursuits began with my very first venture, Vybz TV. Vybz TV helped me to share my passion for media and entertainment. After some chats with Dad, we got the business registered and currently operate as the Vybz Media Group.TB: What are some of the projects that you have worked on? 

JJ: Since recently, I’ve worked with Digicel Jamaica’s marketing team at the regional headquarters. I also remember most vividly managing the social media for Venue Blue – an event for Special Olympians in Los Angeles, USA. I’ve worked on some major projects, but the Venue Blue event is the most outstanding.TB: How do you balance the life of an entrepreneur and being a regular teen?JJ: You don’t really get to balance them. It takes a lot to run a company, and it also takes a lot to be a ‘regular teen’. So I’d say the balance is a work-in-progress. On the other hand, I consider myself to be a regular old teenager with an interesting twist. TB: What has been your most fulfilling experience in your career in Marketing thus far? JJ: One of the most fulfilling experiences for me thus far, was my summer job as a Marketing Intern at the Digicel head-office in Kingston. This was my first time having ‘a boss’ and it was interesting. Especially, considering I was able to see first-hand how one of Jamaica’s power-house brands (and the first telecoms company in my portfolio) handles its marketing and communication.TB: What are your long term life-goals? (10 years) 

JJ: I’ve got a huge bucket list and I’m looking forward to ticking-off some of these crazy to-do’s. I do want to launch my own investment portfolio, and in 10 years (or less) launch my very own investment firm. But, for now I’m taking the time to help young Jamaicans explore their skills as entrepreneurs, developers and innovators.