Michael Chen is one of the best things to happen to Jedidiah and I recently got to spend a few moments to sit down with him and find out a little bit more about his life.
Michael was born on August 15, 1991 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lived in Milwaukee for a few years, then Nashville and then moved to San Diego in 2nd grade (so he assumes he was 7 or 8). Michael graduated from Torrey Pines High School in 2009.
Michael has been involved with Jedidiah for just over a year and was an intern during the summer of 2009. He was also an intern during the spring of 2010 and recently transitioned into being part of Jedidiah’s staff. His function at Jedidiah is managing the interns and basically all things visual. He does everything from managing online store product shots to banner graphics to lifestyle shots. He is also leading the interns in putting together a magazine (coming soon, keep your eyes open for it) that will be used for promotional purposes.
Michael grew up wanting to be a fighter plane. He then made it clear to me that he didn’t want to be the pilot, he wanted to be the plane. After a certain age, he just realized that he wanted to do something that he actually loved doing, which he says is totally happening right now with his current role at Jedidiah.
In his free time, he really just loves hanging out with his awesome girlfriend Priya and eating fish tacos. And his typical weekend involves the exact same thing.
His goal at Jedidiah is to further the visual representation of Jedidiah through imagery.
As far as music, Michael cited three bands: Delta Spirit, Bessie Jones and Justin Bieber (to which he added that he totally has “Bieber fever”).
San Francisco is his favorite place to visit and while he is there, he loves shopping at H&M and doesn’t have a particular favorite eatery, but loves anything to do with Thai Food.
When I asked him what inspires him, he responded “all of the non-profits we work with and the work the do. Our recent trip to Mexico is a perfect example of great people doing great things.”
A few things that Michael said people would not know about him are that, he really likes Justin Bieber, he is really into Chanel cologne, and he really likes shoes.
I asked Michael what one of the most defining experiences of his life was and he responded, “Realizing that I have the ability and responsibility to help others. Even though it was just last week, our trip with Amor was a great reminder of just that. I love what they do.”
Patrick: Anything else you want people to know? Michael: Nope. That’s it. Wait, let them know that I really like shaving. And that I love the 4×4 combo from Sushi Deli!
Thanks Michael for everything that you do here. It is amazing how easy you make it all look. To check out Michael’s photography, please visit http://www.fillmorephotography.com/.
