My name is Stephanie J, serial entrepreneur and new author. I am the proud owner of She Brands, Inc., The Biz Plan Shop, & SJ Media Group. I also just dropped a book called BLAQlisted.
I am a celebrity publicist who services music artists, writers, and small businesses. I have my Bachelors in Journalism and my Masters in Business Law. Mother of 2 adult children. I have been in business for myself for over 20 years and I am often referred to as the Olivia Pope of Business.
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1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to be an entrepreneur for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I was much younger when I started my business. But even then, I knew I was way too creative for your traditional 9 to 5. That would never cut it for me. I mean kudos to those out there in the work force, but it was never for me.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established entrepreneur, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other entrepreneurs out there?
Oh no, we don’t do that around here! The worst thing you could ever do is compare yourself to somebody else! What does that even mean? Like how do you compare your level of success to somebody else’s not knowing what they did or how they did it to get to that level? I can promise you that I am my own competition. I have no idea what other people are doing. That’s how you lose focus, trying to keep up with the trends. I AM the trend!
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
I would say dealing with the stigma that some industries are made only for men. That’s nonsense. I worked very hard to get here and I have no plans on leaving. Now true enough, some industries are male dominated for sure, but we as women don’t deserve to be put in a box. I mean, the last time I checked, the person IN the box, was a MAN named Jack!
4.) How do you motivate yourself to get up and grind? What is your process?
I am a natural born hustler. I can sleep when I’m dead! Honestly I feel like if I’m not working, I’m slacking. I know that’s not true, but to me, the grind never stops. I have goals to reach. I have people depending on me, clients, family, etc. That’s motivation enough.
5.) Unfortunately the entertainment industry is full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. How do you help an up and coming artist stand out and get noticed?
Well as a publicist, my job is to seek exposure opportunities for my clients, whether it be by a blog review, speaking engagement, appearances or online marketing. I make sure they get in front of the people who matter. I have worked with some incredibly talented people, indie artists as well as established artists, and it’s really no difference in the industry. A great artist, entrepreneur, or person of the people, really never stops working hard to obtain a fan base, you could never really have too many fans!
6.) Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not?
OMG never. I’m good with the brand I’ve built for myself. These big corporations are overrated. And that’s for lack of better words. I built my businesses from the muscle, on my own. Why would I want to dedicate my time, expertise and skill to a company who could dispose of me at the drop of a hat? You can’t fire me from my own business, love. Besides, as an entrepreneur, you’re building and establishing your dream. Working for someone else? You’re building and establishing theirs!
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the entertainment industry and how artists are able to market themselves?
Oh social media has improved how people can get the word out about practically anything at this point. It has its good and bad with it too, but the fact that with a status or a tweet, you can make or break your brand is a powerful tool.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy?
I honestly would say that depends on the artist. Some artists are lucky enough to have sponsors and investors who fund their careers, so they have a budget for marketing and branding, etc. For those who don’t, and they pay for everything from their own pocket, yes without the power and influence of social media, it might be harder. Even more so for those who don’t take advantage of social media as a marketing and branding tool.
9.) Artists who try to create art for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your art stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I strongly believe that anyone who does what they feel is a good move for their career is not a sellout. People have done worse and don’t get criticized for it so I don’t feel an indie artist who is really trying to make something out of nothing should be considered a sellout! Everybody started at the bottom, be humble!
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now?
I see myself continuing to put more people on the map, working less but still being a massive influence on those who need me. I’ve been in business a long time, and I don’t think I will ever really stop what I do. I hope to have a whole army of people behind me who learned from me, to lead the way in the future.