by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
At only 22 years old, Jonathan Jaxson has been in the television industry for almost a decade, and he wants to use his celebrity contacts to put the First Coast in the national spotlight.
Jaxson was raised in Jacksonville, but he started appearing on national talk shows like “Sally Jessy” when he was 15. He hosted his own, self-syndicated program called “The Edge” and headed up publicity for the Backstreet Boys’ personal record label. Most recently, his wedding – to Jeff Ward, a local construction manager 20 years his senior – was broadcast on a Bravo reality television series, and he produced “An Evening with the Stars” benefit for Make-a-Wish in Jacksonville last year.
Now, Jaxson is launching his own, self-titled event-planning and public relations firm. He says he plans to organize more celebrity events in Jacksonville by spreading word about the city to friends he’s made in New York and Los Angeles.
“Jacksonville is a great city to live in and we have a lot of famous people: golfers, athletes,” said Jaxson. “I think there’s a lot more that Jacksonville has to offer ... When you have names like Jessica Simpson and John Mayer holding hands and it [the celebrity tabloid] says, ‘Jacksonville,’ people at that point put it on the map.”
Jaxson said some of his current clients – including Diana Ross’s daughter, Chudney, and “All My Children” star Aiden Turner – are thinking of purchasing condominiums in Jacksonville. He said the city will see more buzz and tourist revenue as more celebrities spend time in and talk about Jacksonville.
“People want to know, ‘Where did they stay?’ ” said Jaxson. “Especially Downtown, with boat shows and other events – those should all have some celebrity involvement.”
Jaxson said he’s excited to promote Jacksonville and continue to live here because he sees the city getting more of an urban environment and attitude.
“I’m in Chelsea on 7th Avenue [in New York City] right now,” he said. “It’s loud, it’s crazy, it’s busy, every night there’s two or three things to do.
“That’s great, but Paris Hilton gets old after a while ... In Jacksonville, it’s quiet at night. There’s a hospitality there. Living there, I feel comfortable.”
Jaxson said he’s more interested in focusing on other people’s entertainment careers now rather than his own. Despite his youth, Jaxson said he thinks he can stay competitive.
“Life’s too short,” he said. “I may be very young, but I’ve been around for a long time. They don’t take me seriously, but I keep adding clients. It’s all about what you can do and your motivation.”
Jaxson said he was inspired to take a risk on his own company after he was held at gunpoint last summer. He said he’s still working to overcome depression and anxiety that made him lose focus and ambition for a time.
“I wanted to begin my dreams,” said Jaxson. “I want to be a voice for them [celebrity clients] ... like an attorney, without the degree or the education.”
Jaxson said he doesn’t have any particular events planned yet, but he will return from New York soon to develop his business.