FWM: Tell us about your background in the entertainment industry.
I grew up in a family that has always been gifted and talented in music and film. My mother was a piano player and singer for our family’s music group who had an album out called The Rays of God in Akron, Ohio. I went to school for performing arts for music, ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and acting. As a child, I was highly active in sports and performing on stage. I played basketball and track, I sang in choirs, and I have had a bit of experience in showbiz onstage and behind the scenes. In 2004, I was signed to a record label with a 4-girl gospel singing group and I also became a solo rap artist. In 2005, I went to school for broadcasting in radio and television and from there I started my own video production company, mostly specializing in weddings, commercials, and much more. In school, I learned the importance of networking and began to network in Akron, Ohio, New York City, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles, California. I interned and worked at a television station, a radio station, and did some work for the NBA playoffs in 2006 with the CAVS basketball team. I built a media department from the ground up training and placing employees for a non-profit organization in Akron, Ohio. I am on tv shows, a couple of movies, red carpets, and I currently am building a production company.
FMM: You are using your talents and networks to manage a “new movement.” How are you helping Artists?
Many people will not make it in the industry unless you either know someone or you are born into it. Having those two on my side, I begin to understand that people need someone to open that door. A lot of doors come to me that I don’t necessarily want, so I decided to give my doors to that artist that needs the next push, allowing a new movement to take place for an artist we’ve never seen.
FWM: Tell us about Shay-J Entertainment.
Shay-J Entertainment is a public-private organization that offers a great deal of education and opportunities. We are public that we exist but private with our services to our members. Our business is to help others by using our gifts and talents. We provide business and services for unique partners and clients. If someone needs to find someone or some resource that is rare, Shay-J Entertainment is the place to come to. It provides visions for visionaries and dreams for dreamers and then pair them up to help each other. The business works for bosses and simply sees what it is lacking in their business and then trains the dreamers to come help to build the vision together. We also financially educate the clientele, so they understand how money works for them and how to keep it after they get it
FWM: What can Artists expect when working with you?
They can expect to get from where they are to where they should be. They should expect their life to change, expect the company to be a vehicle to get them to the next level, and expect a pathway and a key to their success. They will get tools and resources they need to help them transition from their old into their new lifestyle. We network, educate, and rehabilitate our members, so they can live, learn, and launch their dreams into reality.
FWM: Share a few success stories.
My company is known for networking. There are countless times I have connected someone that was just perfect for the group and project. In the years of 2018-2020, I connected 3 Television shows that have already come out on multiple streaming apps with the right investor, actor, and management team. I have helped a major music artist get a new deal in a new genre that is coming out at the end of 2021. This company has saved multiple people from harming themselves and has given people hope that did not have it before.
FWM: Tell us about your Reality Series.
This Reality TV series is based on my journey to launch my company and seek help from people who are already doing what it is I want to do. I go on a search to find a celebrity to help me help people and create jobs in the entertainment industry. It will show the behind-the-scenes in what it takes to make it in this type of field.
FWM: What do you look for in an Artist?
I look for unique qualities and if the artists believe in themselves. I tend to choose artists with a story of struggle without the proper help. I look for drive, purpose, and what kind of goals in life they have. I want the artist to help me, help them, help me, help them so much more.
FWM: Have you always been altruistic?
I have been this way my whole life. I am uncomfortable if I have not helped someone in need for days at a time. It is really a daily basis for me. It gives me purpose. Even if I say I am upset and will not help another person again, I will still help them. I come from a family of church ministers that have always helped feed and shelter others in need. It definitely runs in the family.
FMM: Share your projects/goals for 2021.
In June of 2021 I will be officially launching my company, starting a reality tv show, and helping raise funds for my charity program that looks for 300 men to put 6-figure incomes, a vehicle, and home behind them and teach them how to create wealth and success out of their talents and gifts.
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