Written by Bruce “Mr. Old Soul” Avery II
When it comes to highlighting Freelancers, Business owners, Entrepreneurs, Influencers, and Creatives on their journey to success and what advice they have for anyone trying to start a business or work for themselves; Today, we will be highlighting My boy John David Whiting II known as JD GATA, the CEO and Creator of “4D GATA”, located in Houston, Texas. I had the chance to catch up with GATA the other day. Here’s what we talked about during the course of our conversation.
BA: GATA it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with you. How's everything going?
JD GATA: Yeah, Yeah, what’s good brother? You alright?
BA: Oh yeah. You know me, always trying to find the next move. Speaking of which, let me ask you; who has been your mentor on your journey, and how did they impact your success?
JD GATA: My father, everything he said about life was true. Always told me to keep pushing and I was chosen to do this.
BA: That's Beautiful bro he saw the greatness in you. And I'm sure he’s proud of your success. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
JD GATA: Keep grinding and don't forget who you are. Nothing is personal, it's all business. Stick to the plan and don't switch up on things unless you have to, not because you want to.
BA: Man, if that ain’t the truth bro, we gotta stay grinding and keep trying to make a difference So have you experienced a turning point in your career?
JD GATA: Yeah Bro.
BA: What led to that breakthrough?
JD GATA: After getting laid off. Realizing that I was supposed to be doing what I was doing in life, and it wasn't a better time than now to get to it. It's always better to do your own thing.
BA: I heard that! So where did you find the best resources or opportunities to grow your business?
JD GATA: Having conversations with like-minded individuals at concerts and events. Networking online with other creators and collaborating also. School was a great place also to establish relationships and meet new contacts.
BA: Already so tell me How do you stay motivated and push through challenges as a Black American business owner? Especially with your label because I know that it can't be an easy thing to do.
JD GATA: I pray to God for motivation and spiritual guidance. I also may listen to some music, watch a movie, or watch a video. I remind myself of the hard times and reminisce about what I've been through, and what got me here.
BA: Praying, Spiritual Guidance, and music that sounds like one hell of a coping mechanism to me. So, what would you say was the most defining moment in your journey?
JD GATA: Having a daughter as a teenager was a defining moment because automatically, I was a man, a father. My attitude and actions had to be way different from my peers. Getting back into school for audio engineering and finishing was also a defining moment on my journey.
BA: Hey, that's an achievement in itself a lot of people can't get back into that, but you had a chance to do it, and you took it! How did your environment or community influence your success, and what advice would you give to those starting in different areas?
JD GATA: My environment has a huge influence on my success. The sound and the style of my music stem from my growing up in Texas and Florida. The diversity in both states is amazing. A lot of my style comes from being around so many different people in both places. Always remember where you are from and represent where you are.
BA: GATA it's always a pleasure to link up with you, where can people find your Work?
JD GATA: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, Amazon, Typhoon TV.
When attending school, we learn typically by using textbooks and videos which help us to prepare for a test that tests our ability to regurgitate what we were just taught. However, when it comes to life, the test that we tend to have to take often comes in the form of trials, tribulations, wins, and losses. When it comes to the school of life, it’s a given that we’ll most likely be caught off-guard and sometimes out right blind sighted as we experience things that we may not necessarily be ready for. When the adversities of life occur, it forces us out of our comfort zone and tends to help us develop, grow, and mature.
On top of that, it's safe to say that throughout life, there will be situations that will occur that may get you down and take more of your time than you would like; but keep in mind that these hard times are not the end. Things like Having access to the right social support system and the proper placement of your faith can get through anything and thus, no weapons formed against anyone that keeps his/her faith in God shall prosper. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Bruce “Mr. Old Soul” Avery II signing off, and until next time, keep your heads up and stay focused.
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