Exploring Life & Business with Kenneth Nelson, Jr. of Ray Media Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Nelson, Jr.. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Kenneth Ray Nelson, Jr. is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and the founder of Ray Media Creative, a visual storytelling agency focused on transforming brands through authentic, purpose-driven storytelling. 

A communication graduate of Michigan State University (B.A. 05’ & M.A.07′), Kenneth started his career at Michigan State, building and leading a million-dollar video production studio which serviced the University, Fortune 100 and 500 corporations as well as provided jobs and experiential learning opportunities for students. His accomplishments at Michigan State University led him to work with one of the most influential speakers in the world, Dr. Eric Thomas. 

For four years, Kenneth would go on to produce numerous viral videos for Eric Thomas. Kenneth was able to capture Eric’s essence and present it in a way that was impactful and transformational for viewers. The videos have amassed more than 100 million views worldwide and have helped launch Eric Thomas from a regional speaker into a highly sought-after, global speaker with a multi-million-dollar brand. 

In 2018, Kenneth wrote, produced, and directed his first feature film, Sincerely, Brenda, shot in Lansing, MI. The film has been nominated for 44 awards and won 19 awards, including Best Film of The Year in Rome, Italy; Best Director; and Best Cast. Sincerely, Brenda is a powerful film about trauma, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a black family. 

After the success of his film, Kenneth decided to combine his love for cinematic storytelling with his passion for brand development. Ray Media Creative was born. Kenneth understands that great storytelling can inspire action and shift culture. Partnering with impactful brands to help amplify their stories in a compelling and engaging way became his mission. 

Ray Media Creative now partners with businesses and organizations of various sizes, universities, hospitals, and entrepreneurs, creating authentic, purpose-driven content that inspires and transforms humanity globally. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I once read a quote, “If it’s too easy, it’s not worth it.” The road has not been easy at all, but I’ve grown so much personally, professionally, and spiritually and have a long way to go. The main struggle over the years has been having the confidence in my abilities as an owner to scale my media company. I’ve been a creative my whole life, and for so many years, I approached my business with creativity in mind but didn’t quite know how to actually run a profitable business. I was doing everything myself, along with balancing personal life and working full-time. I was burning myself out. 

In 2021, I really felt God was telling me to step away from everything. I was afraid to stop because it was all I ever knew. I thought, “What am I without creating. I’m nothing! I’ll lose all my momentum and get left behind!”. Although it wasn’t easy and took a few months to obey, I eventually took a leap of faith and stepped away from my business, filmmaking, every creative endeavor to rest and refocus on the vision. I spent a lot of time with my family, my wife, and 4-year-old son, and had faith that what I was searching for I would find. 

In 2022, I begin working on my business model, spending more time with the Lord growing spiritually, and being more present with my wife and son. Stepping away from social media and the pressures to show up and be present helped me tremendously. By isolating myself, focusing on the true vision of my business, and doing the hard work to redefine the value that I offer, I found what I was searching for. My business has been rebranded, and in a much better position to scale and bring in talent because I had the courage to walk away and trust the process. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ray Media Creative?
We are storytellers at heart. We tell stories through writing and directing Films, Documentaries, and Branded Content. We are particularly known for our editing and storytelling style. We find and shed light on the stories that go unheard. There are so many amazing people and companies doing phenomenal work in their communities and these stories are sometimes never told on a broad scale. I think what sets Ray Media Creative apart from other media companies, is our ability to get to the heart of a story that truly connects with and transforms an audience. It doesn’t matter if it’s a film or a corporate video; we excel at creating strong emotional connections with viewers through the art of creating authentic stories. At Ray Media Creative, we genuinely want to see people change for the better. We are also committed to highlighting those who are doing amazing work away from the spotlight.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is to be a good example of a man for my son. A good example of a father, husband, and child of God. It’s honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I have this saying, “A child shines a light on all of your deficiencies.” I’ve never had to face myself as much as I have with my son. A child presses all your buttons at the same time- he presses buttons I never knew I had. My wife and I have been stretched pass what we thought was our capacity in the last 4 years, and what it has done is grow us tremendously, not break us. So that’s what matters most. To pour as much goodness into our son and send him out to add value to the world, not take away from the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raymediacreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennelsonjr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennelsonjr
• Other: https://link.tubi.tv/jxezI6SHKtb