Javon Charleston is a professional videographer and the founder, owner, and operator of Simply Wavy, a videography company based out of Lexington, South Carolina.
Originally from Decatur, Georgia Javon relocated with his family to Gurnee, Illinois when he was only two years old. Primarily raised in that community, he attended Woodland Elementary and Warren Township High School, excelling in athletics with a focus on basketball, football, and track and field.
After high school, Javon enrolled in junior college in Greenville, South Carolina, later transferring to the University of South Carolina. He would ultimately graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from that institution. He also played on the University of South Carolina varsity football team, the Gamecocks, where his athletic performance would earn him a spot on the Southeastern Conference Athletic Honor Roll.
As he left college behind, Javon Charleston decided to concentrate his efforts on starting his own business. He founded Simply Wavy, a videography company, as a means of pursuing his love for shooting and editing footage in a professional capacity. Since launching his business, Javon’s work has been used in commercials, music videos, and sports coverage. Additionally, many of his videos are screened at special events, such as weddings and retirement parties.
When he has spare time, Javon Charleston volunteers his services as a coach for youth sports. He also enjoys maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
How have you achieved success?
I’ve achieved success by working hard, focusing on the job in front of me, and only returning quality work to my clients. In my experience, returning quality work is the single best way to ensure repeat customers, as well as positive word-of-mouth. As a small business, that is how Simply Wavy expands our client base, solidifies our reputation, and achieves financial success.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve overcome to reach the level of success that you’re particularly proud of?
I think the single greatest obstacle that I’ve overcome so far is launching the business itself. You don’t know how difficult something like that can be until you actually go through it. I will say that once it was done and Simply Wavy was properly established, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
What drives you to succeed?
Put simply, I love videography. Whenever I get an assignment, I feel an internal compulsion to do my best possible work. I’ve been like that ever since I first picked up a camera.
How has your definition of success changed over the years?
In school, my definition of success largely revolved around achieving good grades and performing well in athletics. Now that I’m an entrepreneur, that has changed. My new definition of success takes into consideration factors like growing the business, maintaining adequate profit margins, and acquiring new clients. I think of the long-term future much more than I used to when I was in high school and college.
What has achieving success meant to you?
It’s given me a great sense of purpose and fulfillment. Also, achieving success as an entrepreneur carries with it a sort of indescribable feeling of freedom. So long as the business thrives, I’m answerable to no one but my customers. As an example, should I happen to have a slow day, there’s absolutely nothing stopping me from taking a few hours off to tend to personal affairs. In the end, all that really matters is that I meet my deadlines and produce high-quality work. Everything else is negotiable.
Do you have advice for others on how to be successful?
The best advice I can give to other entrepreneurs is to keep at it and never lose sight of your original vision. There will be times when that vision is the only thing that keeps you from giving up, especially if problems start piling up, as they inevitably will. Hold on to your original vision for dear life.
How do you feel a person reaching their definition of success affects their outlook?
I think when a person reaches their own, private definition of success, it causes them to set new goals. At least, that’s been my experience. Truthfully, now that I own and operate a successful small business, I also find myself caring about some things I never cared about before, such as taxes, marketing campaigns, and bookkeeping. But I suppose that goes with the territory.
Website — javoncharleston.com
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/people/Javon-Charleston/100084871161482/
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkuTsPfavG7kY2BGgYFzrYw
Crunchbase — https://www.crunchbase.com/person/javon-charleston-57d2