"I think I had to say 'No’ to a plan B. I remember coming here and thinking there's no going home, there's no other option. I have to make something of myself here."
For our next JXSTSAYNO Moments we introduce to you, James Soria. James runs a modeling agency called Further in Seoul and has a handful of other titles. Model, skater, boxer, and DJ. As a man who wears many hats and bears a plethora of responsibilities, it was pretty evident to us that we had to talk to him about his JXSTSAYNO Moments.
And so in this next segment, we get into it with James about those moments in which he utilizes the word “no” to keep focus and progress in his journey and career. Peep the whole read to see how the word “no” becomes a tool for self-betterment and self-empowerment in different ways.
Q: For those who don't know you, who are you? Tell us your brief history - where you come from and what you do.
A: My name is James Soria and I'm from northwest Indiana, a small town about 10 minutes from southside of chicago. I currently model and run a small agency called Further with some friends in Seoul.
Q: Can you tell us about Further? What is its mission?
A: The biggest problem I saw was the percentage modeling agencies were taking from these foreigner models. It seemed really unfair to me and based on some conversations I had with other models, most of them didn't even know what percentage was being taken. So my thinking was we can undercut these other agencies, make everyone more money and be completely transparent in the process.
Q: In what moments do you find joy and fulfillment in the process of your activities?
A: I've been doing martial arts for my entire life so almost whenever I can do it. Skating for me is whenever I land something I've been working on or getting the “oooo” reaction from the homies is always validating. I love music so much that it's always a blessing to play and show people music I like. The best feeling is when you take a risk on a song that might be too “weird” and it pays off. Honestly it's just crazy that I get paid to do things I love.
Q: What is your first impression of the phrase, “jxstsayno”?
A: I thought it was an anti-drug campaign.
Q: With all the things you do and having achieved some level of success in them, can you recall any specific moments when you had to ‘jxstsayno’ to accomplish your goals and maintain focus on the process at hand?
A: I think I had to say ‘no’ to a plan B. I remember coming here and thinking there's no going home, there's no other option. I have to make something of myself here. I came here basically with no visa, 8 Korean contacts, only speaking English and made it happen. So any idea of failure was a no from me.
Q: What are some other things you ‘jxstsayno’ to on a regular basis? Whether in regards to your personal beliefs, personal health, or any other matters.
A: I quit smoking and drinking heavily which I'm sure you know is kind of difficult in Korea. They basically give you a pack and a bottle of soju at customs. I'm trying to say no to things I don't want to do. When I first got here I was paranoid about missing out on things and saying “yes” so much really exhausted me mentally and emotionally.
Q: Do you believe that the commonly held, negative perception of the word “no” can be changed into one that is frequently perceived with positivity and the idea of empowerment?
A: I think when it’s used to assert yourself it can be really positive. “No” can be really disruptive when someone might be speaking out of line or making assumptions. Having a set of things you say “no” to is an integral part of being an individual.
Q: What are some things we can look forward to in the near future from you? What have you got in the works?
A: I'm trying to get Further to branch out into other fields of entertainment and culture. We're trying to figure out how to work with DJs, personalities, photographers and skaters. With skating, hopefully locking in tre flips and inward. Dj-ing once the covid restrictions are lifted. I would also like to box a few amateur fights in Korea. I might do a few Tik Tok dances and box a Korean influencer if the money is right.
As a brand exuding not only nuance but also positivity, JXSTSAYNO is all about changing the common, negative perception of the word “no”, into a positive one. We believe that the word “no” can always be used as a tool for self-betterment and self-empowerment. To utilize that tool, one must have the discipline to know when not listen to what others say. To actualize your vision, there are many things you have to just say “no” to. Sometimes you have to 'JXSTSAYNO' to the things which keep you from accomplishing your higher goals and progressing in life.
