Jeremiah brent recalls first hire, reveals core values

Designer Jeremiah Brent credits a chance encounter on MySpace with launching his design career. The story, shared in an exclusive excerpt from his Substack, illuminates the values that continue to shape his firm today.

Early partnership forged on myspace

Brent, who lacked formal design training and business acumen, admitted to feeling overwhelmed at the start. “I knew I needed help,” he wrote, leading him to post an ad on MySpace. The response came from Beth, a woman with a design degree, business savvy, and, crucially, kindness.

He describes their initial meeting – a coffee shop interview – as a pivotal moment. “I realized she had all the skills I didn’t have,” he explains. Beth’s willingness to join him on what he calls a “crazy ride” proved to be a lucky break. Later, Beth revealed her decision stemmed from Brent's palpable enthusiasm. It underscores a key lesson: genuine passion resonates.

Now, years later, Brent says he seeks the same qualities in employees he saw in Beth: passion, integrity, professionalism, and a willingness to contribute. “Kindness and honesty,” he emphasizes, are paramount – values he extends to his own children.

The early days of Jeremiah Brent Design were far from glamorous. A lack of a car meant Beth often served as his chauffeur. But within that “crazy” environment, they immersed themselves in design, devouring books and challenging each other with “what if” scenarios. Brent realized early on that taste isn’t about wealth, but about curiosity – a principle that continues to guide his work.

The house that housed the nascent design practice became a crucible for learning. It was there they honed their skills, debated concepts, and laid the foundation for future success. That initial partnership, born from a simple online ad, wasn't just a business transaction; it was the genesis of a design philosophy.

Brent’s story is a potent reminder that talent alone isn't enough. It’s the combination of skills, a shared vision, and a generous spirit that truly fuels creative growth. And a little bit of luck doesn’t hurt.