Jeannie Cahalane
Nestled in Detroit, Michigan, JBS Studios exemplifies the intersection of creativity and technology. With a mission rooted in inclusivity and empowerment, the studio bridges traditional storytelling mediums like books and audiobooks with cutting-edge technological tools, most notably the ALICE Smart Pen. This vision stems from the deeply personal and innovative mindset of its founder, Leo JB Smith, whose engineering background and passion for design have significantly shaped the studio’s trajectory.
In this interview, we delve into the story behind JBS Studios, exploring its origins, mission, and future aspirations. Leo shares how his journey from building Lego spaceships to engineering the ALICE Smart Pen has transformed his passion into a platform that empowers individuals to tell their unique stories. Join us as we uncover the philosophy and groundbreaking projects that define JBS Studios.
Vision and Origins
Q1. What inspired you to establish JBS Studios, and how has your background in engineering influenced its creation?
Leo: From an early age, I demonstrated a deep passion for design and a natural curiosity about the world. At two years old, I was constructing intricate Lego houses, and in elementary school, I designed and built spaceships for my action figures, envisioning intergalactic adventures. My creativity was paralleled by an intense love of learning, nurtured by my father—a mechanical engineer and self-taught scholar. Despite growing up in a modest bungalow on Detroit’s east side, I had access to a large home library filled with hundreds of books and two sets of encyclopedias, Americana and Britannica.
As I progressed through middle and high school, I excelled academically, but at the same time, I developed a keen awareness of the inequities my peers faced in accessing educational resources. This realization ignited a personal mission to bridge those gaps. During college and into my professional career, I merged my love for engineering and human potential by designing an interactive smart ink pen infused with artificial intelligence to maximize productivity and focus.
This drive to create lasting and impactful solutions ultimately led to the merger of destiny and literacy, culminating in writing my first book: The Craftsman’s Path to Mastery, and the founding of JBS Studios to publish my book and audiobook. JBS Studios empowers underserved individuals by providing a platform to share their unique experiences and talents, from high technology to the fine arts, ultimately enriching their peers and inspiring future generations.
Technology Meets Storytelling
Q2. JBS Studios offers diverse platforms for storytelling, from books to cutting-edge technology. How do you see these mediums complementing each other?
Leo: JBS Studios provides a platform for individuals to express their stories and talents in the way that feels most authentic to them. In a world often defined by rigid structures and societal norms, we aim to offer a space where people can break free from these constraints and let their true selves and unique narratives shine.
Our technology component serves as a seamless extension of this mission, enhancing the ability of individuals to showcase their engineering talents while honoring the diversity that makes each person unique. At JBS Studios, we are committed to inclusivity, striving to provide a versatile medium for people from all walks of life to share their talents and stories with the world.
Q3. The ALICE Smart Pen stands out as a blend of advanced technology and personal productivity. What challenges did you face during its development, and how does it align with JBS Studios’ mission?
Leo: The primary challenge in introducing the ALICE Smart Pen lies in demonstrating its value in today’s fast-paced, instant gratification-driven world. Encouraging individuals to embrace the deliberate, thoughtful act of using an ink pen as a tool for managing stress, enhancing focus, and maximizing productivity requires a shift in mindset.
JBS Studios bridges creativity and innovation, fostering environments that prioritize mindfulness and expression. By doing so, we empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential in both productivity and creativity.
Q4. Who do you see as the ideal users of JBS Studios’ products and services, particularly the ALICE Smart Pen?
Leo: The ideal users of ALICE Smart Pens include writers, creatives, journal enthusiasts, high school and college students, and young professionals. These individuals seek effective tools to manage stress and enhance focus while navigating demanding deadlines and high-pressure environments.
The media and publishing divisions of JBS Studios are multifaceted platforms for everyone to share their unique experiences.
Inclusivity and Community
Q5. JBS Studios’ mission includes supporting underserved communities. How does this principle guide your projects and future goals?
Leo: JBS Studios is actively developing several impactful projects, including two fictional yet educational children’s books authored by a Master Teacher from Detroit Public Schools and a knowledgeable mother of two with expertise in early childhood education.
Q6. Looking ahead, what are your long-term aspirations for JBS Studios? Are there any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you’d like to share?
Leo: I am spearheading three groundbreaking projects:
1. Time Travel: An innovative digital short that explores new theories on the electromagnetic spectrum and its implications for capturing and understanding time travel.
2. Modern Human Nature: A compelling response to Robert Greene’s The Laws of Human Nature, reimagined through the lens of a Gen Z perspective.
3. Building the Impossible – Gordie Howe: A full-length documentary chronicling the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge Project in Detroit, Michigan, where I serve as the Construction Manager.
Conclusion
JBS Studios exemplifies the power of combining creativity with technology to amplify voices and empower communities. Under Leo JB Smith’s visionary leadership, the studio continues to push boundaries, merging traditional storytelling with innovative tools like the ALICE Smart Pen. From fostering inclusivity to driving technological advancements, JBS Studios is paving the way for a more connected and expressive future.
As we look to the horizon, JBS Studios’ dedication to innovation and accessibility promises to inspire countless individuals and redefine the possibilities of storytelling. At AIPressRoom, we are excited to see the studio’s continued evolution and its impact on both local and global communities.
