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Meet Jalia Pettis of 3Jay Productions

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalia Pettis.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Becoming an entrepreneur was something that I knew was a part of my destiny. As a child, I remember wanting to open a restaurant. Every idea that I had as it related to starting a business I made some attempt at it until finally, my mother got me involved in modeling.

As a child, I did well was traveling and booked for various campaigns until one day I got that dreadful “NO”! I wasn’t in control, and people could tell me now if they didn’t like me… what??!! How can you do that to a child? It crushed my spirit for many years, and I began focusing on sports and dance. I did not attempt modeling again until my early 20’s when I was offered an amazing contract with Wilhelmina while pregnant with my middle child.

I was excited and fearful all at the same time because I was being asked to move to NY with one child in tow and pregnant with another. I couldn’t believe it, and this time I was in control and turned it down! Yup, what at that time was a dream opportunity for someone in their early 20’s I was the one who said “NO.” I went back and forth about whether I made the right decision for a couple of months and then 9/11 happened.

As horrific as that day was there was a sense of relief. I would have been in the city when that took place. All these thoughts flooded my braid, what if something happened to my child, my unborn child or to me? It put things into perspective in more ways than one and that fire for becoming an entrepreneur was once again ignited.

In August 2006, I started my company, 3Jay Productions while living in Columbia, South Carolina. I named the company three-jay as an ode to my two boys and myself whose names all begin with the letter J. I added productions because I believe that I was someone who could produce results. When I started the business, it began as a way to train and manage aspiring models who had dreams of being in the industry.

That changed after a couple of years because I was providing platforms for not only models to be seen by designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and musicians. When I changed the scope of the business, it also allowed me to create an event where each of these entities could showcase their talents. The event was three-days in length and brought in talents from surrounding states as well as featured varying industry movers who were on shows like Project Runway.

After six years in that market, I felt like I had reached a turning point and knew that in order to be more effective for those that I had on my team it was time to move to a larger market. In July 2012 I relocated to Phoenix and have been here networking and reaching new levels of success. It was rocky at first as is any time you relocate your family and your business, but it was one of the best decisions I have made.

Now the business not only offers development for those in the beauty and fashion industry but it also includes, event management, casting services, branding, and marketing, imaging, all for those in some form of entertainment. In addition, I have a team of licensed beauty professionals who travel and offer services to PR firms, trade shows, runway shows, brides and everyday people.

Last year in 2018, my business was awarded the American Small Business Championship for the state of Arizona through SCORE Mentors & SAM’s Club. It was an awesome feeling to be recognized for all the hard work I put into making sure other people’s businesses flourish. I started a new branch of business with another local entrepreneur, and we provide educational tools for those who need an overhaul as it relates to their branding and social media.

Last year we spoke at ASU and have been invited to return again this year. In addition, I am booked this year in various other cities/states to offer education to others as it relates to beauty and business.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha, the road has been very rocky. Many times it has felt as though I was on a roller coaster because there are so many ups, downs, twists and turns that it makes your stomach weak.

I learned that everyone cheering for you do not necessarily want to see you succeed. I learned that I had not to be so trusting just because someone was my friend or a family member. That is not easy because we all want to feel loved and supported. There were people who I allowed to get very close to me, and in turn, they took every idea shared in confidence and used it as their own.

At that point I was ready to dissolve my business, I couldn’t believe that people I allowed into my inner circle could be so cold. I remember sending emails to all my clients and the talents I had on my roster letting them know I was taking some time to re-evaluate things. It was humiliating, to say the least, but it also showed me that I allowed my personal life and business life to intertwine too tight and you cannot become successful like that.

After my hiatus, I vowed that I would use more wisdom and be careful about those around me. Business has to be just that business!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 3Jay Productions – what should we know?
So my areas of focus relate to the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries. As a whole 3Jay Productions provides brand development, brand management, social media marketing, public relations, contractual writing, casting services, fashion production/planning/management, art direction, conceptual styling, wardrobe and imaging, hair styling, makeup artistry, and stage management for various events.

Outside of 3Jay which I consider my umbrella brand most people know me in this market as a Licensed Beauty Professional. When a client comes to me they don’t realize all the hats I am wearing until we speak in depth. They know me as a Makeup Artist and Educator which is crazy because my business background is composed of over 17-years in Human Resources Management and Training.

I have come a long way from corporate business and believe that is what sets me apart. I have the perfect mix of beauty and brains. I can speak to the creatives, and they understand me, and I can speak to a room of business professionals, and they will understand me as well.

The last two years have been award-winning which I am very thankful for. In 2017, I was named Makeup Artist of the Year finalist for the North American Hair Styling Awards. The first time an African-American woman has held that distinction. Then last year (2018) as an American Small Business Champion representing the state of Arizona.

As of 2019, I embarked on a new role as the host for a web series entitled ‘Beauty with Jalia Pettis’ for a company called Beauty Bridge based in New Jersey. I have two segments each month that cover a variety of topics related to all things beauty. So, I would say this year I have big shoes to fill which are my own (lol). I will continue to have a passion for what I do by being a trend maker and rule breaker!

What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
I believe shifts take place no matter what industry you are in and growth should always be the goal. Trends often repeat themselves every other decade. Fashion and beauty in the US takes its cues from overseas so originality could definitely be improved upon.

The political climate has played a major role in the last few years. My hope is that people get back to creating in a space that is authentic to who they are and what they love. In the next five years, it is my hope that beauty reverts back to those who are licensed and professional taking the focus away from Instagram and YouTube enthusiasts…

As it relates to the fashion industry there have been a number of online boutiques, it would be great to see the return of the fashion houses. In both industries, I do expect to see big shifts that are more inclusive as it relates to size, color, and gender.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Pete Nguyen, BLOK Photo Studio, Umberto Lukama, Sonoran Living on ABC 15, Parkwood Photography StudiosThe, Social Photog

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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