We recently had the chance to connect with J Corbin Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.
J Corbin, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I truly believe that people in 2025 struggle with their Identity. In this day and age there are way to many sources of false narratives and hope. I can go on any social media site and see into the private lives of people I barely know. I can see anything from a 13 year old streaming millionaire to a 80 Grandpa making his “Dreams come true” playing a videogame. These people were in the right place at the right time for these events to play out the way they have for them. But, just because it happened for them there is a tiny nugget in my head that says: If they can do it, So can I”. Granted, there is an element of truth to “I can do it to”. Does it mean that I need to travel the same path? There is a great big beautiful world out there waiting for us. We should develop the inner strength to carve our own path to happiness. Not look to the stars.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I can confidently say, “I am an artist”. Born in El Paso Texas, raised in Georgetown Texas, was a young black kid named J Corbin Jenkins, trying to find his way through life. From Advanced placement courses in high school as well as runner up for student of the year, you could call me an overachiever. I received my masters degree in Architecture and spent a year in Switzerland at one of the most prestigious Architecture firms in the country. I thought I had it made. Then life took a crazy turn as it tends to do. While overseas my girlfriend at the time decided to fly around the world to visit. It was a great relief to see her smile and feel her warm embrace. But, little to my knowledge, she didn’t feel the same way. I found a beautiful engagement ring, got on one knee and proposed. She accepted! But, It turned out that she had already said “I Do” to someone else and the divorce wasn’t even finalized. To add insult to injury she lied about accepting the terms to a prenuptial agreement. Shortly after I asked her to marry me she turned to the internet to share her joy, only to have the internet have it’s way with her. # KARMA No, I am not married today. I tell this story to say that the one person that I called to get me back on track was my mother. She comforted me like any mother would and told me to focus on my craft. That year I made a 4 foot plaster cast model and the company was awarded a multi million dollar project because of my efforts .
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a youngster I loved to laugh, anything funny on TV, I would watch. Especially the romantic comedies. The great man that’s misunderstood, meets the great, yet troubled woman in need of a knight. That was me! I could be a knight. I could save everyone. Especially the people I love. And that’s how I lived my life. Whoever I could help, however I could help, I would do everything I could to make them happy. But, as I grew into manhood I realized that I can’t make everyone happy. Happiness, true happiness comes from within. The people that I called my friends and who I stood by, were just using my energy, time and talent to their advantage. After that realization, I fought for myself and brought myself to the place I am now. I had to be my own Knight in shing armor.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Naps! What ever happened to the afternoon nap? Everything is moving so fast these days. I miss the times were we could just eat our apple slices and take a nap. I don’t know how many times I have sat in traffic on the way to work and fought the urge to pull over and take a nice nap. The next step in my journey is to have my very own maker center/ art studio and the first rule I’m going to make for my fellow artist is mandatory nap time like in other countries.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Everywhere! The “Smart” people I’m talking about are the techies. Day in and day out they are grinding on their laptops creating. But what are they Creating? A better future for our children? What I have seen lately is anything but. I know that times were hard back in the day, but I feel that is what made life fulfilling. Today we don’t even have to get up out of bed to get a meal. I remember when I had to write a handwritten note to the young lady I had a crush on. Now, the youth goes to Facebook or Instagram looks from afar then slides in the DM’s. Gross! Chivalry isn’t dead but romance definitely is. Not just personal romance but the romantic notion of looking out to the countryside with a ice cold glass of sweet tea. Now we grab a liquid death, stare at a screen and walk through hoards of the mindless. Bring back the good old days.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I don’t feel it is a matter of stopping. I would do every single thing I ever wanted to do without fear of death or reprisal. This life that was given to us is special. We only have one and if you’re lucky you can be reborn with a new purpose. Why not live life to the fullest? Why spend time in fear? why stop? Personally, I’m going to ride this life till the wheels fall off. Then I’ll get out and push.
