Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine Merritt.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jermaine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was in high school, I knew that helping people and making people happy was something that I wanted to accomplish, no matter the space it was done in. I found myself going to university straight after high school graduation and majoring in Public Relations and Advertising and finding a particular interest in social media and blogging. I love to write, tell stories, and express myself, and with the boom that social media and blogging had at the time, it was only right for me to join in, but nothing truly stuck for me. Through many quick started, and fast ending blogs, with years of rebranding, and finding not only myself, but my voice in the process, I was able to create something that I felt could be impactful for others, but for myself as well.
Over recent years I was able to reach the goal of receiving a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, to work with students who are in universities in various spaces, and although I love the career path I’ve chosen for myself, I still found a particular interest in content creation, people, and how to make this world better in more ways than one, and that’s where my site came into play. If I’m able to bring my love for helping and bringing light to others’ lives to meet my love for writing and content creation in this amazing city, why not make it so. That’s why ‘Maine Over Matter’ is here today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You know life is no crystal stair and neither was the journey. I’ve had any many times through my professional career where I had “imposter syndrome”. A sheer feeling that I wasn’t good enough and that everyone would see through my charade at any moment. That was a time where I had to have a call-in moment to let myself know that I deserved to be in any space that I was in just as much as anyone else.
Further, as someone who overthinks til there isn’t anything else to think about, it takes me a very long time to settle and be comfortable with ideas that I come up with. As any creative will tell you, you are at times your own worst critic, from photos, to blog posts, to story updates on Instagram. Given, a lot of that is fear of judgement from the outside world. This is another time where I had to have a conversation with myself because you know what? Everyone is going to talk about you and your work, whether the conversations are good or bad. If you know that you’ve given it your all, and you did your best, settle with that and know that no one can take that from you. You’ve done something.
Please tell us about Maine Over Matter.
I’m a lifestyle blogger in the DFW area, with a heightened focus on the Dallas area. This encompasses everything from current events, nightlife, dining, entertainment, and more in the world, and in Dallas specifically, all from the gaze of a mid-twenties young professional, for young professionals.
I’m currently in a stage were building up and polishing my brand is most important and what I’m also focusing on. For me, it’s important to put the best of the best that I can out into the world. From the posts, I write to the pictures I take, to the food and music that I review, only quality content. I think that’s what’s most important.
I also think honesty and rawness is something that’s done very well and has always been a part of my brand, and what ‘Maine Over Matter’ stands for. Giving true authenticity, 100% of the time. Of course, without being disrespectful, but honest nonetheless. In this time of social media, and blogging, and becoming online personas, it’s easy to lose who you are in the fog of trying to impress others and be liked, and I don’t want ‘Maine Over Matter’ to be that space for the sake of an ‘ad’. It’s a place for honest discussions and stories that you may not find anywhere else.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Mother has been my number one cheerleader, sounding board, fan, and stan, base since literally the beginning of my life. No matter where my paths have lead me, or the dreams I’ve brought to her, she’s always done anything and everything that she could to help me reach my goals, and I’m eternally grateful to her.
Aside from her, my friends have always been the largest support system that I’ve ever had. I’ve never had brothers or sisters, so my friends have always been that for me, and they’ve taken the job very seriously. They’re protective of me, but honest with me when need be. They let me bounce my ideas off of them when I’m stuck and don’t hesitate to share their opinions when my ideas are amazing, or… not so amazing. My friends have truly been there through this process of getting my site started, so A LOT is owed to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jermainemmerritt.com
- Email: jermainemerritt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineholdup/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaineHoldUp
Image Credit:
Jamal Smith
Coleman Mason
Shastaine Thomas
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