Story & Lesson Highlights with Jalia Pettis of Phoenix

Jalia Pettis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Jalia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
Honestly, it varies and that’s by design. No two days are ever quite the same, and I’ve structured both my personal life and my career that way. I thrive in that variety; it keeps things interesting and allows me to stay creative and adaptable.

On days that do follow a routine, professionally, I could be working anywhere from 10 to 14 hours whether that’s on set, teaching, or creating content. Personally, it might look like a low-key day at home: binge-watching a show I’ve been meaning to catch up on or experimenting in the kitchen with whatever dishes I’m craving. It just depends but that’s the beauty of how I’ve chosen to move through life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jalia Pettis, the Visionary behind 3Jay Productions a company rooted in beauty, fashion, and storytelling.

My foundation as a dually licensed beauty professional allows me to blend artistry with intention. Whether I’m leading a shoot, teaching emerging talent, or working behind the scenes, I bring a perspective that honors all skin tones, hair textures, and lived experiences. My journey from corporate America to full-time creative wasn’t a straight path, but it’s one that fuels how I lead, build, and create.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my educational reach, launching digital products and producing a visual series that explores the deeper dynamic between artist and client. Everything I do is centered around purpose, representation, and helping others realize what’s possible when they lean into their creative gifts.

What began as a project-based production company is evolving. As I look ahead to 2026, I’m shifting 3Jay to operate more fully as a creative agency offering strategic support, content development, and production for brands and professionals who want to show up with clarity and creativity.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and has to be released is the habit of conforming to other people’s opinions about what I should be doing with my life, my work, and even my personal decisions. To be honest, that release is a daily practice.

People always seem to have the best advice for others, even when they can’t apply it to their own lives. Early in my career, when I was still impressionable, I let other people’s opinions affect me; my self-esteem, my confidence, even my performance. I carried the weight of their expectations until I finally said, enough.

Looking back, all of those experiences shaped me. They prepared me to lead, to be an entrepreneur, and to build spaces where people are seen and respected. I’ve had some wild, painful moments in this journey, but they taught me what not to do and for that, I’m truly grateful. I couldn’t see it then, but I can now.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Whew—suffering has taught me that I do not look like what I’ve been through. I remember having a consultation with a woman who was interested in helping me grow my business. We talked for a couple of hours, and at the end of our conversation, she said something that stopped me in my tracks. She said, “You don’t look like what you’ve been through. I don’t think there’s anything I can do to help you because you’re already doing everything right. You just haven’t seen the fruit of it yet.”

Now imagine someone telling you that. Really imagine it….huh???!!’ I am out here grinding, pouring my heart into the work, and someone tells ME I’m doing everything right but the results just haven’t caught up yet. So I’m just sitting there wondering why my bank account doesn’t reflect my effort, expertise, or impact.

That moment reminded me that suffering doesn’t always show up in ways people can see. However it also confirmed that my path is valid, and my breakthrough is coming. Delayed doesn’t mean denied!

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I don’t have time or the desire to put on and take off a mask. That’s not fulfilling, and honestly, it’s just not sustainable. I’m not interested in being fake for the sake of perception.

I’m a mother of three; two adults and one young adult and they’re watching how I move. So if I’m out here pretending, what kind of example does that set? I want them to see someone who shows up with integrity, who’s consistent, and who’s unafraid to be human.

I laugh, I love, I cry, I get frustrated and I express that when it makes sense, and I hold it when it doesn’t. No matter what, I stay true to myself. I wish more people would stop performing for social media. Nobody has it all together all the time, and that’s okay. Real life is messy, beautiful, and everything in between and I’d rather live in that than a filtered version of reality.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
That’s a very real question and the short answer is, yes.

I’ve received accolades. I’ve won awards yet those things don’t define me. They don’t shape why I do what I do. I’m not chasing praise I’m building a legacy. 3Jay is named after my children so it’s for them, for me and for the people I’m called to impact.

I was created to create. I believe the work I do whether it’s seen, applauded, or not has to reach people at a heart level. That’s what matters most to me.

I’m not in competition with anyone else. I compete with who I was yesterday, and I show up every day striving to be better than her. That’s the measure of success that keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.3Jayproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram/3jayproductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpettis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaliapettis
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@jaliadp
• Other: https://www.jaliapettis.com

Image Credits
Photography Credits Include:
Travis Seale
Lindsay McOien
Gustavo Romero
Maranda Washington