We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Biondi and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jesse, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Being an entrepreneur and a creative while also being a parent has given me many opportunities to teach my children about life in ways that I never could when I was just working a regular 9-5 job. Over the last two years while my wife and I have been building our business, Creative Global Branding, we make a point to involve our two kids, ages 9 and 13, in not just the successes, but also the struggles.
Many parents shield their children from any information that isn’t positive, but we take a different approach to parenting. We talk to our kids about EVERYTHING! The good, the bad, the exciting, the boring, we discuss it all. What this does is it shows our kids how we process the things that happen in our lives. And as any entrepreneur out there knows, this is not an easy road to travel. It has come with many difficulties and obstacles, leaving us often questioning if we are even doing the right thing for our lives at times. Sharing these moments of doubt with our children shows them that their parents are human, that we struggle too, and that it’s ok to not know what the next steps look like, but to keep a positive attitude through it all and learn the lessons that come out of all of those experiences.
I could never be one of those parents that keep my kids in the dark. I want them to see what life is truly like so when they struggle through moments in their own lives, they can look back and see how their parents handled it and how to navigate those difficult situations with grace and dignity. Every time we sit down at the table for a meal or go for a drive in the car, we are having real conversations with the kids, teaching them the life lessons that will actually bring value to them. Speak to your kids like humans, because let’s face it, that’s what they are.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been a professional musician for the last 25 years, playing music around the country in various bands and solo. Over the last 4 years, I have started to self-produce my own music. This is something that has always been a dream of mine and it really changed the course of my career. It has taken a lot of hard work, educating myself and learning new skills. I am constantly growing and refining my skill set, spending time practicing and creating in order to really hone in my art. I have had the opportunity to produce music for not just myself, but for other artists as well. I love working with artists that have positive messages and are creating music that uplifts. The music that I make is conscious music, telling my audience that they are stronger, more capable, and more powerful than they have been led to believe.
I just released a brand new EP called “Breaking Point” on January 28th, 2024. This is a follow up to my two full length albums, “Taking Control” and “Power To Change.” It is a look into engaging with the power inside of us to make this world a place that is equitable for all people, giving hope to those that may be disheartened by the darkness that surrounds us. It is a call to be the light in this world and to shine brighter than ever before.
Our art is an extension of our voice. We all have a message that needs to be heard in this world. We may be the only people that can articulate the things that are important to us in a way that someone else needs to hear. We have to commit to continuing to create no matter how difficult it may be, because if we don’t, the world may miss out on the very thing that could change it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in North Georgia in a town called Gainesville. Though it is a smaller town, this area is absolutely beautiful and there are so many amazing things that it has to offer. For instance, in the little neighboring town of Flowery Branch is one of the absolute best burger restaurants I’ve ever eaten at called BullsEye Burgers & Chicken. They are family owned and operated and have high quality ingredients with amazing food! For a more upscale dining experience, I would take them to the downtown Gainesville square. On the square, there are some outstanding dinner options like Taquiera Tsunami, an Asian Fusion restaurant, and Cotto, an authentic Italian restaurant that is perfect for an intimate evening of fantastic food.
The things I would be most excited about showing visitors would have to be the amazing nature that we are surrounded with. From hiking trails in the Elachee Nature Preserve to Lake Lanier, we are surrounded with natural wonders. We would spend our days getting out and enjoying the beauty that is so abundant in this area.
For some entertainment, we would visit another neighboring city, Buford. I would take them to Tannery Row Ale House where there is live music and a great atmosphere to hang out and enjoy the night life. We could also drive about 45 minutes into Atlanta where there are endless opportunities for entertainment. Some of my favorites in the city are Smith’s Olde Bar, Johnny’s Hideaway, and Chapter Room, a super cool speak easy that you would never even know about unless someone told you. Of course we also have the tourist attractions as well, like the Georgia aquarium, the Coca Cola factory, and shows at the Fox Theater.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The one person that has inspired me the most throughout my journey is my wife, Melissa LeEllen Biondi. Before meeting her, my mindset was extremely limited, thinking that I was only capable of doing things that I felt really comfortable in. On a particular day a few years ago, Melissa got a little frustrated with my limited mindset and literally shook me to get me to realize that I could do so much more than I had given myself credit for. It was in that moment that my eyes were opened to the possibilities that were in front of me that I was unable to see because of the blinders that I had placed on myself. Though I was still nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone, I began taking more risks, putting myself in situations that made me sweat a bit. It was when I finally started putting myself out there that I truly began to see my potential start to transform into results. I began to gain more confidence, which has brought me to the place where not only do I feel qualified to help business owners to grow their businesses, but I get excited now when I get the opportunity to work with these other entrepreneurs. Melissa has been an inspiration to me every day, always encouraging me to be my best self, showing me the strengths that I never knew I had. She absolutely changed my life for the better, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.
Website: http://jessebiondi.rocks
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