Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalen Copeland.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story really started in my bedroom in the sixth grade, when I came up with the idea for a company called Nimbus Digital. Originally, I wanted to be a clothing designer, but that interest introduced me to graphic design and eventually photography and videography.
Growing up, I played sports, and my parents would record my games. Eventually, I started taking the camera myself, recording my friends and me fishing, riding four-wheelers, and just being kids. I would turn those clips into montages with our favorite music. What started as something fun eventually became a business that I continued building throughout high school and college.
I attended Winthrop University, where I majored in Digital Information Design and expanded my skills in graphic design, web design, app development, digital media, and technology. While in college, Nimbus Digital became a significant source of income through graduation photography, event coverage, and other creative projects.
After graduating, I began my career in school communications and eventually became a Director of Communications. During my first full year in the director role, my work earned three professional awards, including one statewide and two national awards. Today, I continue to grow Nimbus Digital, building websites, developing brands, photographing events and weddings, producing school and athletic media days, and creating digital content. It’s pretty special to see something I imagined as a sixth grader grow alongside me into both a career and a business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to balance everything. I started Nimbus Digital at a young age, continued building it through high school and college, and now manage the business while also working full time as a Director of Communications.
Another challenge has been learning that being talented creatively and running a successful business are two different things. Over the years, I’ve had to learn about pricing, contracts, managing clients, investing in equipment, marketing myself, and knowing the value of my work.
I’ve also had to learn how to keep evolving. Photography, videography, design, technology, and communications are constantly changing, so I never want to become too comfortable with what I already know. I try to look at every challenge as an opportunity to learn something new and become better at what I do.
The biggest lesson for me has been that growth takes time. A lot of what people see today is the result of years of learning, experimenting, making mistakes, and continuing to build.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Nimbus Digital is a creative media and communications company focused on visual storytelling, branding, and digital experiences. I help schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals bring their ideas to life through photography, videography, graphic design, website development, event and wedding coverage, school and athletic media days, and digital content creation.
I operate Nimbus independently and bring in trusted contractors when larger projects require additional support. What sets Nimbus apart is my ability to see the bigger picture. A client may come to me for photography but also need branding, a website, promotional materials, or digital content. I can help connect those pieces so everything feels consistent and intentional.
What I’m most proud of is that Nimbus has grown without losing the creativity that started it. My goal is not simply to create something that looks good, but to create work that tells a story, connects with people, and helps my clients strengthen their brand.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One thing I’ve come to learn is that success isn’t built overnight. What people see today is the result of me showing up, creating, learning, and improving consistently for nearly 15 years.
My advice is to start with what you have and stay consistent. You don’t have to have everything figured out in the beginning. Every project, mistake, and opportunity teaches you something.
Give yourself time to grow, keep evolving, and most importantly, keep showing up. Small steps taken consistently over time can turn into something much bigger than you imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nimbusdigital.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpegg._/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalen-copeland-baa137122/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NimbusUSA
