We recently had the chance to connect with Jay Nostalgia and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jay, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I recently became unemployed and decided to focus on my journey in media & creativity. I’ve applied to so many jobs but I am tired of stressing about someone giving me an opportunity, so I am creating my own opportunities. When I was employed it was so hard for me to not be stressed or too tired to focus on my goals and my dreams outside of work. Now, I am taking a risk and betting on myself. Most importantly, i’m letting go of control and fully trusting God.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Jay Nostalgia. I’m a creative director, storyteller, and the founder of Nostalgia HQ, a multifaceted creative house that brings together branding, photography, production, and creative direction under one roof. I’m also the host of A Touch of Nostalgia, a podcast that explores meaningful conversations rooted in culture, memory, and identity.
At the core of everything I do is a deep love for storytelling, especially stories that reflect where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going. Whether it’s helping someone build a brand, producing visuals that feel timeless, or crafting a conversation that sparks reflection, I aim to create work that resonates on an emotional level.
What makes my work unique is the intention behind it. I’m not just creating content, I’m curating experiences rooted in authenticity, culture, and creativity. Right now, I’m focused on expanding Nostalgia HQ into a full-scale production company while continuing to collaborate with other artists, build powerful visuals, and develop platforms that give voice to underrepresented stories.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that bent, dimmed, and edited myself to fit into spaces that were never built with me in mind, that version has served its time. The version that prioritized everyone else’s comfort, validation, and expectations over my own voice, vision, and well-being. That chapter is closed. I’m releasing the habit of shrinking, second-guessing, and softening my truth just to be digestible. From here on out, I’m choosing radical alignment, with who I am, what I believe, and the future I’m building. No more compromising my authenticity to be understood by those who were never meant to get it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: You were never too much—you were always just enough, and more than worthy of everything you dream about. Keep imagining wildly, loving deeply, and showing up as your full self, even when the world doesn’t quite know what to do with you yet. The things that made you feel different are the same things that will one day set you apart. Hold on. You’re not lost, you’re being led.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m fully committed to building Planet Nostalgia, a creative universe that honors storytelling, culture, and community. It’s more than a brand; it’s a world where my projects like Nostalgia HQ and A Touch of Nostalgia all live, connect, and expand. The vision is to create a space physically and digitally where artists, thinkers, and dreamers feel seen, supported, and inspired. Whether it’s through visuals, conversations, or collaborations, Planet Nostalgia is about building legacy through creativity. However long it takes, I’m locked in.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light I’ve been dimming is my boldness, the part of me that dreams out loud, takes up space, and knows I was never meant to blend in. For a long time, I played it safe, made myself smaller, and waited for permission to shine. But that light? It’s loud, it’s visionary, and it’s tied to my purpose. I’m done shrinking. It’s time to let that light lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaynostalgia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jayynostalgia
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@jayynostalgia
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayynostalgia?_t=ZP-8xrlTGcfnV0&_r=1
