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Justin Liwen is an 18-year-old entrepreneur who started his digital marketing agency, Feuhle Media, two years ago. Growing up in a relatively rural part of Virginia, Liwen spent most of his time on social media. Seeing over the years with each new social media app making access to virality easier and more accessible, Feuhle Media was born. His agency provides extensive services from PR stunt creation, TikTok algorithm “hacking,” ad automation, and more, having employees operate in different company sectors. The question is, what pushed Liwen to do any of this?
When asked about his background, Liwen explained his parents take college and school very seriously, “No matter what level Feuhle Media scales so I’ll be forced to get a degree, there’s no way around it.” Liwen has simultaneously balanced success in both academics and work for over two years now, which comparably is a lot more than the average student does. Providing some insight, he explained that knowing he’ll always have to balance work and school from a young age has taught him discipline and organization. His goal, following many entrepreneurs alike, is to only work for himself. Liwen noted, “Competition is at an all-time high in digital consulting; my peers get more involved in the adult workforce daily. It’s facilitative stress to keep going constantly. The one day you decide not to progress further is the one you get behind.” In the world of entrepreneurship, it’s essential to discuss the snowball effect complacency can cause. It’s a risky career path because you must earn your income, and when plans don’t go as expected, it can be detrimental to self-esteem and motivation.
He discussed his previous ventures, “I’ve always been a creative kid with big aspirations. I was heavily involved with creating my clothing brand before Feuhle Media. I was investing every paycheck into screen printing equipment and fabric, but realizing it requires too much capital. Looking for ways to blow up the clothing on social media organically was the connection to opening a marketing agency.” He explained that he could apply the same creatives he puts into clothing into his public presence, content, and business. That alone motivates many, as Liwen created a career doing what he loves. We saw eye to eye on this matter, explaining, “The entrepreneurial dream is to build your own from the ground up and then succeed with your creation; who wouldn’t want that?” Recognizing at a young age that exercising creativity is outlooked in many ways. It directly correlates with mental health. Many adults constantly focused on the workforce neglect having their creative outlet, advancing further into their careers, only neglecting that aspect of their life more.
Liwen says besides facilitative stress from the Competition and loving the creative aspects of entrepreneurship, a key motivation is leaving an impact. Noting, “I keep in touch heavily with my friends on campus at college, and a lot of them hate it. They’re pursuing career paths they don’t enjoy or want to keep putting all their time into. Building up an agency where I can employ them and provide them another option is an unbeatable feeling.” It’s no secret that it’s a difficult transition for many teens from high school to college. Liwen wants to keep building his platform and says that building your future is possible. He urges his peers to explore their true interests and formulate them into a career, speaking from his success, knowing it’s possible to balance school. Including “Sitting on social media scrolling all day, sad and worried about your future is no way to live. I’ve been there, and it isn’t pleasant. Simply putting that time you waste into research and self-exploration reaps the immense benefit. Figure out who you are and what you want.” The most prominent entrepreneurs today have different backgrounds, but all know what they want and how they will get it.
Liwen didn’t build Feuhle Media and his career by getting lucky. Being an entrepreneur in 2023 requires effort and grit; no get-rich-quick methods or handouts exist. However, Liwen’s story shows it’s always early enough, proving all the motivation you need is drawn from oneself. Soon, Liwen wanted to get more involved with the political and ample company space. He is exploring new fields away from over-saturated markets for potential clients.
0For more information, please visit Justin Liwen’s website or connect with his social media.
https://www.instagram.com/justnliwen/
info@justinliwen.com
