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

Hi John, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It wasn’t the plan to go into business for myself, but after I moved to Texas freelance work was the only work I found. So I stuck with it. It’s challenging, but I enjoy being answerable only to myself, and not a boss or company that would replace me in a heartbeat if their bottom line changed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It hasn’t been easy getting to this point and isn’t easy now—though that’s been true for everyone in 2020. The key was to keep going and take pains to look out for my mental health. There were times when that was all I had the bandwidth to do. It took a lot of trial and error. My business model isn’t perfect, but I’m putting together something that works. As far as lessons go, I’d say this: – Take care of yourself, physically and mentally, however that looks for you as long as it isn’t harmful. – If you can, remove toxic people and situations from your life. If you can’t, protect yourself as best you can. Even if you feel like you can’t, try. I’m honestly still figuring out what sets me apart. I guess, ironically, the same thing as everyone else: a perspective on the world that’s unique to me. I’d like the world to know that I’m here, making things. Hopefully, those things make people feel something.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In pre-plague times, I’d say there’s a lot to do in Houston. We’d check out the museums, the art galleries, the bars and coffee houses, and incredible restaurants that I’m still learning my way around after almost four years here.

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?
Everyone who’s ever encouraged and supported my work.

Website: medium.com/@jbogna
Instagram: instagram.com/john.bogna
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/john-bogna
Twitter: @jbogna

Image Credits
All images were taken by me (John Bogna).

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