We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Elbaum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first started working for myself I was so strict. I tried to pretend like I was still in an office working a 9-5 job except I was at home on my couch or at my dining room table. I thought this was the most logical decision and that I would be the most productive this way. Then I realized that part of the reason I had always wanted to work for myself was because I needed freedom in my day and space for creativity. I needed the ability to get inspired from surroundings other than a cubicle. I honestly don’t think there is such thing as a “work life balance”. I think we should work when we feel most productive/creative and give ourselves grace when it’s just not happening. Sometimes it’s ok that you decided to do laundry and clean your house that day instead of shooting new content. The balance has changed for me immensely over time, but I think i’m most productive and creative and willing to work when I’m level headed and happy. When I’ve gone out with my dog and taken a long walk, or went and got coffee. I think the true balance is not making your entire world your work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I took some photography classes in high school but it was all film and black and white. I learned the basics of composition but honestly didn’t think it would ever become a career for me. In trying to figure out my “career path” as a college student, I couldn’t ever pin point it. I always came back to taking pictures of the food I made. Which I had to immediately dismiss in my head, because…what even is that Jordan? Not a job that pays money. Fast forward a few years, I made it my job. I started creating recipes, photographing them and posting them on Instagram. I had also been posting a lot of restaurant food at that point. I started writing for a blog that sent me to restaurants to review their food. It was so much fun! Then I started my own website and tried to figure out ways other people were making money doing these things. I did a TON of research. I took a food photography online course, I bought a camera and I practiced. Over and over and over again. When I felt confident enough with my images, I started reaching out to brands to partner together. In the very beginning, a lot of those partnerships were paid in product. This was super frustrating because I kind of needed to make money, as I had just lost my job when I decided to try to do this full time. I think the most important thing to remember is that if you have a great product (in this case, really great photography) and you’re a transparent person, the money is going to come. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned and continue to learn is that when you work for yourself and you’re a 1 man team, no one is going to advocate for you, except you. No one is going to ask for more money for you or care about your business as much as you do. I think it’s super important to stand up for yourself and ask for the money you deserve and realize what you’re worth. I think I’m proof that if you don’t give up – you can make money doing whatever it is that you want to be doing. It sounds so cliché but it’s so true. Prickly Fresh is an all encompassing wellness brand that focuses on healthy food, no rules and a happy lifestyle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
ooooh this is always fun! Breakfast/Coffee Spots: The Salty Donut Zak the Baker All Day Panther Coffee Threefold Cafe Brunch: Bulla Gastrobar Eating House Lunch/Dinner Spots: Aromas Del Peru Kae Sushi Sanguich de Miami Coyo Taco Ichmi Ramen 1-800 Lucky Fireman Dereks Sweet Melody Ice Cream Ariete Drinks: Concrete Beach Brewing Veza Sur Tacocraft Ball & Chain my fiance and i just moved to miami a few months ago. We were living in broward until we moved to NJ for two years and now Miami so we haven’t tried everything we’ve wanted to yet!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think all of our decisions lead us on the right path and happen for a reason. In 2017 when I was let go from my full time job, my now, fiancé as well as my family were the most supportive and really believed in my business (which wasn’t much of a business at that point). My fiancé was kind enough to “take one for the team” and see if I could make it happen. There are so many other great people along the way that have given me advice, or listened to me vent about the crazy things that happen to you as an entrepreneur and I appreciate them so much. I also am a die hard fan of the “You are a badass” books. They really make you feel like you can do anything and that helped me alot!

Website: https://www.pricklyfresh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pricklyfresh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pricklyfresh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pricklyfresh/?ref=bookmarks
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=myWKyQen5UO6slIjGlICNw

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