Today we’d like to introduce you to Jewel Imani.
Hi Jewel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Jewel Imani is a Chicago-based Creative Director, Producer, and founder of Jewel In Focus—a multidisciplinary production company rooted in storytelling, visual identity, and cultural expression. My work sits at the intersection of film, fashion, events, and photography, bringing bold ideas to life through immersive experiences designed to resonate beyond the moment. I began at the age of nine years old with the program “Visions Blu” focusing on film, photography, and journalism. From there, I’ve grown to develop her own company in 2018 at only 16 years old, ‘Jewel In Focus’.
With a background spanning creative direction and production, I approach every project with a cinematic eye and deep respect for narrative. As the Executive Director & Producer of S.W.A.P, a Coordinator for the Chicago Week ‘Chicago Votes Give a Sh** Fashion Show’ , and “A Night in Bronze” during Chicago Fashion Week, I helped shape large-scale runway productions, translating that experience into visually compelling work across mediums.
My creative projects have been featured on various platforms. Most recently, I led as Associate Producer for artist Ariel J, contributing to projects blending sound, story, and visual identity. Whether developing films, producing fashion shows, or crafting campaigns, I center mood, movement, and meaning.
Through Jewel In Focus, I collaborate with both emerging and established creatives, building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate individuality. My work often explores identity and transformation, balancing polish with authenticity.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been relatively smooth considering everything happening in the world, especially navigating my business through COVID and the pandemic, when so much of my work relies on in-person connection. That season forced me to pivot, adapt, and really evaluate what I was building.
There were also moments internally where I realized I was saying yes to projects that didn’t truly align with my vision for Jewel In Focus or with who I am as a creative. It became a period of trial and error — experimenting with different creative directions, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and learning what genuinely fulfilled me versus what simply kept me busy.
One of the biggest challenges was recognizing that I wasn’t fully pursuing the art and projects I truly wanted to create. That self-awareness shifted everything. It went from capturing photoshoots to developing scripts and concepts for film projects. My projects felt more aligned with who I am as a creative. Now, I’m proud to say that Jewel In Focus has evolved into more of a production company, aligned with my long-term vision. I’ve grown more intentional about the work I take on, and I genuinely love the direction this journey is heading.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Creative Director, Producer, and the Founder of Jewel In Focus, a Chicago based production company working across film, live events, fashion, photoshoots, and visual storytelling. I specialize in creative direction, producing, and visual production, bringing concepts to life from idea to execution. My work often lives at the intersection of culture, fashion, music, and community.
Over the years, I’ve evolved from being solely behind the camera into leading full scale productions, from directing and producing videos to overseeing live stage production and executing annual fashion showcases. I’m especially known for creating experiences that feel intentional, immersive, and polished while still being community centered. I care deeply about the details, the energy in the room, and ensuring every creative element aligns with the bigger vision.
One of the things I’m most proud of is growing Jewel In Focus from a photography brand into a production company with a clear identity and long term vision. I’m also incredibly proud of producing our annual fashion show, now entering its ninth year, and leading live event stage production for major creative platforms in Chicago. Seeing artists, models, and creatives step into bigger versions of themselves through spaces I’ve helped create is what fulfills me most.
What sets me apart is my ability to see both the creative vision and the operational structure at the same time. I am not just focused on aesthetics. I understand logistics, timing, flow, and team coordination. I know how to build an environment where creativity can thrive while maintaining professionalism and high level execution.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m very intentional about what I consume because it directly impacts how I think, lead, and create. One book that genuinely shifted my mindset is You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. I got the book recently from one of my bestfriends, Sol. It helped me challenge my own limiting beliefs and step more confidently into leadership, especially during seasons where I was growing into bigger opportunities. It’s a reminder to stop playing small and fully own your vision.
I’m also inspired by books centered around creativity and discipline, especially ones that talk about trusting your instincts and building long term consistency as an artist and entrepreneur. For apps, I rely heavily on Google Calendar to manage production schedules, creative timelines, and team coordination. Structure gives me the freedom to actually be creative, and to not think about when I need to do something, or where I need to be. For visual development, I use Pinterest, Milanote, and Canva to build out mood boards and shape concepts before they move into production.
More than anything though, community is my biggest resource. Being in rooms at creative mixers, attending workshops, and more with other visionaries, producers, and artists constantly stretches me and keeps me evolving.
Pricing:
- • Photography sessions begin at $250 depending on concept and deliverables
- • Creative direction services are custom quoted based on scope and production needs
- • Music video and full production projects are priced per project following consultation
- • Event production and show producing services vary based on event scale and logistics
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jewelinfocus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewelinfocus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JewelinFocus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewel-baker-/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jewelinfocus2583
Image Credits
– Chicago Votes Fashion Show – Photo by Jermaine Thomas, II – ‘A Night in Bronze’ Fashion Show – Photo by Kindred – Lindblom Public Speaking – Photo by Sargent Lawson – ‘Big Day’ Film Set – Photo by M. Wade – S.W.A.P. 2025 Fashion Show – Photo by Demarko
