Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan (Jon) Hales.
Hi Jo), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a content creator since I was about 15. I’ve always been drawn to making videos, mostly because I love it, but also because I’ve always gone against the grain. That might just be the Asperger’s (autism) talking, honestly lol.
Back when I was 15, I started out doing smaller things online because it was easy money at the time. Pretty quickly, I realized the real money was in views and advertisements. The moment that completely shifted my reality happened on Snapchat spotlight: I made almost $60,000 in a single day. Prior to making this money I was a straight A student, I didn’t want to miss a single class, however after this money, my whole perception changed on life.
I put that money straight into the stock market, doubled it, and had nearly $100,000 at 16 years old. From that point on, I knew I could never look back. I was built to be an entrepreneur, a creator, and my own boss.
I also became a failing student, my grades were pretty much all Cs, Ds, and Es…
Getting where I am today wasn’t a smooth ride whatsoever. I remember a teacher telling me that what I was doing was “stupid” and that “I’d never make it.” Comments like that cut deep, and it often felt like nobody believed in me except my family and close friends. I have tried a million different side hustles. I built a successful business when I was 18, a funny text T-shirt brand that did $240,000 in sales in a year and a half, but I have also lost a lot through trying different ventures. I lost around $20,000 testing out NFTs when they were huge. But I learned early on that you have to fail in order to grow; failure builds success.
Living with Asperger’s and dealing with heavy mood swings/depression has made it incredibly hard to fit in. I’ve always known a typical 9-to-5 job isn’t for me. I literally couldn’t survive in that environment because my brain just doesn’t function that way. I’m not like most people, and it’s hard to explain to outsiders. Personally, I don’t think Asperger’s should have been combined with the broader autism spectrum—to me, it feels like it minimizes what nonverbal or severely disabled kids go through. I can talk to absolutely anybody, but I’m constantly “masking” to do it, and it is exhausting. Every couple of months, I hit a massive burnout where I have to crash and completely recharge.
But Asperger’s is also my superpower. Years of studying human behavior, society, and emotions so I can fit in, have given me a unique perspective. Ironically, I use posting on social media as a way to build up my confidence, because deep down, I’ve always been one of the least confident people you’d ever met.
My path has been full of dark chapters. I fought serious addictions to gambling and nicotine (though I’m proud to say I’m almost three years nicotine-free now and have made great strides with gambling) I also got hooked on marijuana after doctors misdiagnosed my Crohn’s disease for six months when I was younger. Left with the choice between heavy painkillers for the chronic pain, or weed, I chose weed, but it severely damaged my lungs.
Last year, I survived an overdose. I shouldn’t be here today. I’ve been through immense suffering, and I’m not looking for sympathy—I just want to bring awareness to how hard this world can be when your brain works differently.
For years, I searched for peace and joy in everything I could.. You know the typical vices, I don’t have to list them.
I looked through several religions as well..
What truly saved my life and changed everything was strengthening my connection with God through the Eastern Orthodox Christian Faith. Before I found the Orthodox Church, everything felt completely hopeless, I had no answers whatsoever.
Now, my passions are simple: Jesus Christ, animals, and people. I know what it’s like to be in a dark place, which is why I want to help others who are hurting.
In 2024, I went on a mission trip to Kenya, and it was the best thing I have ever done. I miss the people, the food, the culture—all of it. I actually felt like I fit in there because people were straightforward. Nobody beat around the bush or dealt with the hyper-sensitivity we have here. People had nothing, yet everyone was smiling.
Kenya feels like a calling from God. My ultimate goal is to save enough money to go back, buy land for a farm, build a church, and genuinely help the community. Your money goes a lot further there, and I miss making those people smile and letting them try American candy.
If I had to sum myself up in one paragraph: I’m an autistic guy who loves God and loves to help people because I know what it feels like to hurt. I do social media to make ends meet because I can’t function in a typical workspace, and I’m just using the tools and talents I have to build the life I’m called to live.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
it has definitely not been a smooth road.. Some struggles I face are self doubt, criticism from others, and a genuine feeling that my own society is against me.
These are probably my three biggest.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make content! Most people don’t do this so I feel it’s kinda unique!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was a smart and funny kid, I have been told I was a mini Albert Einstein as a kid and I was always drawn to talking to adults; not people my age.
This is still true today.
Pricing:
- Nope. Maybe help me get to Kenya lol
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jon_hales
- Facebook: Jon Hales
- Youtube: Jon Hales
- TikTok: @jonhalesmain
