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

Hi Isaiah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always worked in frameworks with an abundant creative spirit. Since I was a young boy, I have configured solutions to my problems; I also enjoy finding solutions for others with passion. Passion doesn’t at first pay the bills and I needed to find a solution to that.

I had learned about personal branding sometime in my high school years, and it shifted my narrative. I was now the author of my story and no longer the victim. This new applied knowledge set me forth on the search to find ways to monetize my craft- helping businesses change their narrative & find solutions to business growth. Granted I have always been creative growing up; from doing hair to modeling.

While at Mississippi State University, I started my first full service marketing agency. I honestly was great at simple designs, decent at strategy, and blooming with ideas. The business was decent but lacked structure. I would complete client work with no effort to build retention. I was more passion first than data & customer centric. I also wanted an opportunity to showcase my skills outside of an internship or brain picking session.

My thought process was based on good intentions, but needed real guidance for growth. I simply wanted a chance to gain experience & financial stability. My thought process now is slightly different in the sense that I care about my team, our work, our clients, and the impact we create outside of the office.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
First things first, nothing is ever easy. I have experienced situations that have made me a well rounded professional. I can enjoy life & work. I frequently get compliments on my personality & professionalism.

I dive head first into learning my industry and treat every client account with attention to detail. I have worked both internationally and on larger domestic agency accounts. Successfully crafting strategy that drives direct business results.

For the past year, I worked for one of the largest media companies in the world on two strategic teams. While at Hearst Newspaper I was able to see a few fruits of my strategy. It reinforced my belief & passion for advertising.

Again, I started my first agency in 2020 while in college. Nearly every opportunity I’ve taken has been based around marketing & advertising with a flare of philanthropy at times.

This leads us into 2025 where operations are looking amazing for me & ZD! Outside of my agency, I am the marketing director of Pride Houston 365, involved with ADWeek & CMO Alliance to name a few. I am also entering my third year on the board for the African American Marketing Association as Director of Programs.

Zayam Design is my advertising agency. We can service media spends past 7 figures and provide amazing strategy driving intentional business results. We’re growing and always looking to partner with more businesses ready for growth & retention.

I am actively looking to build our 2025 client partnerships & produce some amazing campaigns that drive business results.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is a very diverse city with multiple attractions, so a week here could look different every week. It can be limiting to stick to one weekly vibe.

For me, I like to switch things up. Let’s say its the summertime! The heat is up honey, but this is when we can go from brunch to a pool party to a wine tasting. Let’s explore a week in the summertime!

I start my days with emails and coffee at Minute Coffee. So after a quick workout, I’ll be catching up on my workday before any fun. Depending on their interests we can find an event to attend.

By Wednesday evening, we can grab wine and light bites at 13 Celsius. Then we can find vibes at Off The Record & Hearsay on the Green. Again, finding a event fit to their interests after that.

Wrapping the week, we have to catch a brunch & Sunday Funday. Houston is too diverse to have a set week of events for me. I don’t frequent one place often and enjoy new places & experiences.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many books that a person will read in their lifetime. Some text you read will hopefully shift your perspective on life. I would like to shoutout the award winning and world renowned Sean Covey.

When I was in my Jr/Senior year of high school, I graduated in three years, I was tasked with reading his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. This book paired with the thoughtful guidance of Susan Krichbaum, saved me in a dire time in my life.

I had moved out at 17, and while the story is known, that time period was perilous to my continuation of life. The book gave me a new perspective on my strive to survive. I felt I was “doing” the right thing when life was leading me to feel otherwise. I finished high school 36/ 202 students and have since instilled these values into my life.

Lastly, I give God the credit for everything I’ve learned, gained & experienced.

Website: zayamdesign.com

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/isaiah-mcswain-zd

Image Credits
Feed The Soul Foundation Media Team Oladipupo Olafuyi Jerrell Trulove

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