An Inspired Chat with Justin Burkhamer of North Side Chicago

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Justin Burkhamer. Check out our conversation below.

Justin, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My first 90 minutes of the day are about creating focus and energy. I begin with a moment of gratitude, then spend about 15 minutes stretching to clear my head and set priorities. From there, I take a shot of mineral salt water, have a light breakfast, and enjoy an iced americano from MUVE Coffee. With that foundation in place, I get showered, ready, and prepared to take on the day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Justin Burkhamer, the Founder and Owner of Just10 Studios, a creative agency that began in New Orleans and has since expanded to Chicago. We help brands tell their stories through bold visuals and strategic digital marketing, specializing in photography, video production, web design, and content strategy—all under one roof to give businesses a cohesive, elevated presence.

With a background in acting and film production, I bring a cinematic eye to every project we take on. That perspective allows us to create work that isn’t just visually striking, but emotionally engaging and story-driven.

What makes Just10 Studios unique is our ability to merge creativity with strategy. We don’t just make things look good—we design with purpose, ensuring every photo, video, and campaign connects with an audience and drives results.

Right now, we’re partnering with a mix of local businesses, emerging brands, and larger organizations to refresh their visual identity and launch new campaigns.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Who was I before the world told me who I had to be? Such a good question. The truth is, the world never told me who I had to be—and I don’t think I would have listened if it had. I’ve simply learned to adjust to situations while keeping who I am at my core. There’s this current that the world flows with, but my imagination sees things differently—so I tend to go against the current. I’ve always believed I could stay in the box, or I could step outside it and be a leader for those still inside.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For many years, the fear that held me back the most was the fear of success. I’ve always had big ideas for new ventures, but I would think so far ahead that I’d talk myself out of them—unsure of what life might look like after achieving that success.

Over time, I realized it wasn’t just about fear of the unknown; I needed to go deeper. I started checking in on my own goals, confronting my patterns of procrastination, and recognizing the ways I was self-handicapping without even realizing it.

All of this plays into how we approach success. Once I became honest with myself and addressed those patterns, I stopped trying to predict the outcome and focused on simply taking the next step forward.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is teamwork—but not the watered-down version. To me, real teamwork means showing up for each other, holding one another accountable, and pushing past comfort zones to hit big goals together. It’s about building a culture where everyone contributes, no one hides, and we move as one unit—stronger, faster, and better because we trust each other to deliver.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do—bringing ultra-talented individuals together to build something greater than ourselves. I’ve always valued teamwork, and there’s nothing more powerful than watching a group push through challenges, rise above obstacles, and grow side by side. They push me to grow too, but the best part is watching them evolve—individually and as one unstoppable team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.just10studios.com
• Instagram: @j10_studios
• Youtube: @officialjustinburkhamer
• Other: MUVEcoffee.com
  Instagram: @muvecoffee

Image Credits
Tyler Core
Justin Burkhamer