Movers & Makers: Jason Yarborough
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Introducing Jason Yarborough, founder of The Wild Letters and Director of Strategy at Social Fresh. His eclectic style and way with words is inspirational and entertaining. Over the course of our day together, he took us to some of his favorite haunts. Everywhere we went someone would enthusiastically greet him by his nom de plume: “Yarby!” Read his story below.
Name:
Jason Yarborough
Profession:
Founder of The Wild Letters. Director of Strategy at Social Fresh. Storyteller. Traveler. Helper.
Passion:
People, traveling, writing, new experiences, community, helping others.
Dog or Cat:
Dog, her name is Lucy.
Briefly, what is your story?
I’m 35 years old and live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the beauty of community is still alive. I’m the Director of Strategy for Social Fresh, as well as, a social media consultant by day, recently founded The Wild Letters out of my passion of traveling, writing, and telling people’s stories. I didn’t have the opportunity to travel extensively growing up, but after college, I was able to travel all over the world, both for work and pleasure. After traveling to Italy and Australia a few years ago, I was hooked. Now I live for the road trip as much as I do the far and away trips. There’s so much more to experience when you can drive, veer off the pre-determined path, the possibilities of exploring and experiencing are endless.
How would you define your style?
Sartorial with a liberal kick. I love a custom made jacket and a perfectly cut button-up paired with some selvedge denim… I’m not afraid to pair all that with a pair of Nikes or Vans. And in the fall/winter fun socks always make a statement.
What inspires you?
New experiences, people, possibilities, and legacy.
What is your favorite piece of clothing/accessory?
A custom tailored jacket by my friends at Abbeydale.
What is your favorite thing about living in your city?
The community of people that make up Charlotte and the possibilities that are opening up for young, driven professionals. I would consider it to be one of the top up-and-coming cities in the country.
Where is your favorite local place to eat?
That’s a tough question to only give one answer to, so here are some of my favorites in Charlotte: Bonsai Fusion for sushi, Common Market for a good sandwich, Queen City Q for some infamous Carolina BBQ, 5 Church for a solid dinner, Not Just Coffee for coffee, and the Punch Room for the best drinks.
What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Spend time with friends.
What are you currently reading?
Satori in Paris by Jack Kerouac, Scary Close by Donald Miller, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
What is your travel must-have? What do you typically carry when traveling?
My iPhone. I always have a backpack – in it you will always find a laptop, 2 books, a notebook, a pen and headphones.
Favorite place in the world?
Florence, Italy
What Moore & Giles products do you use?
Crews Backpack in Waxwear Rangertan & the Cleland XL Duffel
Any travel tips?
Take the time to meet the people around you and to explore the experience of your trip. That doesn’t mean to find all the great coffee shops, bars, and donut shops (although you should definitely do that as well). I mean you should reflect on what the experience has to offer and what it means to your life at the moment. Each trip, every destination, has something to offer us, and a way of shaping us. Discover that and explore your experiences with intention. I wrote more about that here.
What is it about leather that you think resonates with men?
It’s rugged, durable, ages with grace, and with more wear and tear, the better it gets.
Follow Yarby’s travels here: http://www.thewildletters.com
On twitter & instagram @YARBY
