Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamar Miller.
Hi Jamar, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Jamar Miller, also known as itsPeace. Owner of Focus Thoughts LLC. South Minneapolis born & raised. I’ve always been someone who paid attention to expression, whether that was through design, words, visuals, clothing, or simply the way people connect with emotion and meaning. Over time, I realized that creativity wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it became a way for me to communicate perspective, growth, and focus. As an independent creative, I’ve worn many hats from artist, multi-media & graphic designer, poet, entrepreneur, content creator and rea speaker. I built my brand and content around the idea of staying mentally focused while still being authentic to yourself. That’s where projects like Focus 101 and Focus Thoughts The Brand really began to take shape. I wanted to create more than just visuals or clothing.. I wanted to build something that speaks to people internally and reminds them to think deeper, move smarter, and continue evolving. So now I’m here (Smiles) hoping to inspire.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say the journey has been smooth, but it hasn’t been as rough as I use to believe. Everything that happened actually happens often when your building. I think the struggles are what shaped me the most. Learning how important growth is outside of creativity. Even these interviews taught me lessons. (Laughs) I remember saying in a previous interview that my mother was always at work and she definitely corrected me after seeing it. So I’m here to correct it while I have the opportunity. What I really meant to say was (Haha) that when she wasn’t working, she was home taking care of me and my sister. She’s is amazing mother. Truthfully the only person that ever truly showed up for me when nobody did. I definitely had to clean that statement up properly. I Love you mom. If I’m being transparent though, the biggest challenge for me hasn’t even been business or creativity… it’s been making my mom and my kids proud of me. Fatherhood has been the biggest factor. Trying every day to become a better person is one thing, but a better father physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially is probably the hardest responsibility I’ve ever carried. There are moments where I struggle with feeling complete, moments where I question if I’m doing enough or moving fast enough, but I continue pushing forward because I know I still have a long way to go. Every long night learning art & designs, every hour studying branding, every mockup I design, every social media ad I’ve learned to run, every risk I’ve taken creatively has all been connected to building a future not only for myself, but for my children as well. Even learning Ai and expanding my creative skills became part of that process. There are days where the weight of trying to build is overwhelming. But I remind myself constantly that the work I’m putting in today is bigger than temporary struggles. It’s about creating something meaningful for the future. Every step, every sacrifice, every lesson since 2022 has been progress, even when it didn’t feel like it at the time. So for my kids, if you ever get your hands on this interview one day remember daddy loves you, always. Follow your heart, believe in yourselves, and never stop becoming who you’re meant to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the creator behind all of it, it’s honestly an entire creative ecosystem at this point. I build and manage the website, create the fashion, create all graphics, develop all mockups, organize visuals, work with models and influencers, run social media campaigns and ads, handle customer emails, create weekly Focus Journal blogs, create daily Focus 101 motivational video content, and video produce the poetic projects like Focal Views. One milestone I’m proud of is securing two independent company contract print jobs through my brand, to design and produce custom apparel for their team. which showed me that my work and vision were beginning to reach beyond just fashion and into real business partnerships.
I’m proud beyond the creative work. I’m proud that I survived storms people never fully saw. I’m proud of maintaining my sobriety for over five years. Staying away from my old people, places & things, protecting my health, staying spiritually grounded, and continuing to move forward despite setbacks or uncertainty. My birthday just passed on 8th, and moments like that always make me reflect on the journey. For me success isn’t loud, it’s simply continuing to evolve without giving up on yourself. As far as what sets me apart from others, I think it’s the honesty behind what I create. I don’t approach creativity just to chase attention. I approach it as a form of reflection, healing, and communication. A lot of my work comes from real experiences of my own, the mistakes I made, the lessons I learned, and mentally developing how to remain focused in a world full of distractions. I think people connect with authenticity, and I try to create from a place that feels human rather than manufactured.
I also think being independent taught me how to value every stage of the process. When you’re becoming the person you need for the job you develop a deeper appreciation for the journey itself.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk is a part of growth whether people realize it or not. Every major decision in life comes with uncertainty attached to it. For me, risk-taking was never really about trying to look fearless or reckless. It was about believing there was something greater waiting on the other side of discomfort. One of the biggest risks I ever took was deciding to completely change my lifestyle and separating from habits that no longer aligned with who I wanted to become. Rebuilding myself mentally, spiritually, socially, emotionally, even financially. Sometimes people underestimate how difficult it is to walk away from environments you once considered normal. But I knew if I wanted a future for myself I had to take accountability for my direction. Creatively, I think taking risks comes with being independent too. Investing your own time, money, energy, and belief into something that doesn’t come with guarantees. It requires faith in yourself before the results are visible. There were definitely moments where I questioned things, but I kept going because I believed the process itself was shaping me into something powerful. At this stage in my life I try to take purposeful risks, risks connected to becoming a better man overall. I think real risk-taking is about having enough faith to keep moving forward even when you don’t fully know how everything will turn out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftsx222xtuuu/
- Twitter: https://x.com/itsPeace4eva
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialfocus101
