Meet Jackson Bailes

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

Hi Jackson, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Leaving a stable job in accounting wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew my true passion was in the photo and video industry. With my business degree and a desire for something more fulfilling, I teamed up with my roommate, who was skilled in marketing. Together, we started Restart Creative, our own agency, right from our small two-bedroom apartment.

The journey was tough. We spent long hours developing our brand identity and figuring out the unique value we could offer. Over time, we found our niche and now specialize exclusively in photo and video production for small businesses and event coverage. Eventually, I took over the company entirely and now run it solely myself.

There were challenges and uncertainties along the way, but being involved in the industry I always dreamed of has been incredibly rewarding. Every step forward has reaffirmed that taking this risk was worth it, and pursuing my passion has brought me more satisfaction than I ever 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.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I’ve made many mistakes, but I learned the importance of learning from them and not repeating the same error twice. Everything has a learning curve, and from what I’ve noticed, the only common denominator among the successful is persistence. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that life and business are really about communication and navigating the intricate dialogues between people—be it negotiating, management, seeking advice, or customer service.

Perhaps it’s because I’m part of the millennial generation, but I find that soft skills are a monumental part of running a business. I’ve always aimed to make my company a place where problems are solved, where anyone can come to discuss any project and find solutions, whether we get their business or not. On the other side, when working with freelancers and vendors, I strive to maintain open lines of communication to solve these problems and to listen to everyone’s point of view on the situation.

Over time, I’ve learned there are a million ways to approach a problem, and some are better than others. But to find the best option, you have to understand everyone’s perspective, and that requires listening.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve had the pleasure of discovering some of Charleston’s hidden gems while living here. I love sit-down breakfasts, but my time spent in NYC has made me appreciate on-the-go breakfasts even more. The first place I would have taken them for breakfast doesn’t exist anymore—Eastside Bagel. Since that’s no longer an option, I’d take them to The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery. The decor gives off a truly earthy vibe with plants and natural wood throughout. The baristas do a great job creating unique yet classic beverages, and the pastry display looks like the pastries grew right out of the ground, adding to the overall atmosphere.

After breakfast, we’d head to the “bridge to nowhere,” an isolated bridge covered in graffiti that leads to nothing but a chained-up field right by the water. It’s a great place to take a morning walk and enjoy your breakfast.

Next, we’d go to North Charleston to find some of the truly hidden seafood and soul food spots—this is what I think sets Charleston apart from anywhere else. Tater’s Seafood and Soul, operating out of a ghost kitchen, is something you have to hear about. I highly recommend the smoked wings.

For dinner, I’d suggest Big Gun Burgers. Big Gun holds a special place in my heart from my college years. They serve some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. It looks like a dive bar, but the energy and community inside are something you don’t often find.

I’d end the night with drinks on a friend’s porch, overlooking the city and watching fellow night-goers perusing the streets.

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?
There are truly too many people to count who have supported me, but I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my loving and supportive parents. In their own worlds, they are business owners, leaders, teachers, and politicians. They helped me think critically and gave me the skills and bravery to go out on a limb with nothing but myself to count on.

Website: https://actionjacksoncinema.com/welcome

Instagram: @action.jackson.cinema

Other: https://restartcreative.com/ 

Image Credits
Ajoy Sarkar Zach Pollak Jackson Bailes