We had the good fortune of connecting with Jalia Pettis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jalia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my business it was with the thought that I knew I wanted to work for myself, I saw my mother become an entrepreneur and realized the freedom she had. I worked in corporate HR Management so I was the person who hired and fired, that is a stressful position to be in day in and day out! So, when it came to starting my business it allowed me to use the creative side of my brain. When I was younger I modeled and I knew how difficult it was as a black woman to be accepted or not accepted based on physical attributes. I noticed young men and women like myself not being able to comprehend what that entailed and out of that birthed 3Jay Productions. Over the years it has evolved to offer multiple services that assist individuals as well as small to mid-size businesses within the fashion, beauty, and entertainment spaces.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Two years after starting my business I began my journey within the beauty industry. I recall reaching out to those in the beauty industry and becoming frustrated with not being able to find anyone to style their hair or apply their makeup. So, I said forget it, I will learn how to do it myself. I had no idea what I was doing and it was difficult. I was juggling a full-time job, two children, pregnant with a third, my business, and learning about the beauty industry. I don’t know how I did it but I knew that I had to juggle it all. I wanted to build something that eventually my children would be able to take part in. I didn’t use “Google”, I had to pound that pavement to learn about laws, NACIS codes, and network with decision-makers. I recall visiting the local SBA office almost weekly during my lunch breaks for months to ensure I was going about business the right way. This taught me perseverance and that if you want something you absolutely have to be willing to work tirelessly for it. I also learned that everyone is not meant to understand your journey. I had so many people telling me “I was doing too much” and that was from family and friends; it became discouraging. Nonetheless, my kids were and continue to be a constant motivation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What is funny about this question is I convinced my best friend to relocate to Phoenix from Detroit and she has been here two years now! One of our favorite spots is Papago Mountain, we have hiked the small trails and have had several photoshoots in that area. We enjoy the food at Trapp Haus BBQ when we finish a long day on set or Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant when it is time to unwind with chips & salsa. I enjoy Old Town Scottsdale with my kids and the Andaz Resort is great for a personal staycation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is one person who has seen me endure the struggles and the successes and that is LaJuana McCaskill. She is not only my best friend but my Creative Partner within 3Jay Productions. A sounding board when I have or wanted to yell, laugh, cry, and/or throw in the towel.

Website: www.3jayproductions.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaliadp
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2861025/admin/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/3jayproductions
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaliapettis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRyJvZNcTOsQMvlCC8P3wQ?view_as=subscriber
Other: www.jaliapettis.com www.facebook.com/3jayproductions www.instagram.com/3jayproductions

Image Credits
Collective of images by The Social Photog, Umberto Lukama, NBMA Photography & Matt Martian

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