Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Papino.
Bridget, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2007, I met my current business partner Daniel Banks in 8th grade, locally through mutual friends and it has been history ever since. I met him at a time after I lost my father in 8th grade, and was also still dealing with the growing pains. Through our friendship we bonded over the same values. When I was in high school, i was president of Future Business Leaders of America, and raised money for a friend who had a near death accident. When I graduated high school I was missing that one thing that connected me to people that I valued. Still driven with a passion to help individuals, we began our company Jersey Turn’t Up Ent (now known as We Are Jersey) in 2012. As a way to bring together individuals of different ages and nationalities to be able to have fun in an area without any negative influences such as violence or drugs. Our audience wasnt interested in anything more than having fun and creating new memories. Our events were focused on ensuring that individuals had a great time while remaining safe. After several requests by guests who attended our events to play their music, or allow them to collaborate with us, we created a magazine that focused on giving them the spotlight they deserve. By 2015, it was official that our entertainment company expanded from events and grew into a magazine with a professional model team that was rapidly buzzing across the state. Our magazine has featured individuals from all over the country as well as parts of Europe and Austrailia. Despite obstacles, we kept our focus on being more than your average magazine as we focus heavily on the up and coming entrepreneurs and creatives. We aspire to get stories that will remind readers or listeners to maintain their faith in their purpose and dreams. Someone somewhere will find your story and realize it’s that push they needed to keep going.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. We have lost and regained a lot of relationships, time, and money, however, the vision and desire to work with individuals who truly love their passion, was never lost. The hardest obstacle for me was to continue going when I lost my mother in 2019. Many entrepreneurs strive to make their peak while their family is still here to enjoy the benefits. At that time, I felt more than empty because massive growth occurred especially without her. Despite the woes as a young adult losing both parents early, I only learne their presence is still here and felt and by keeping the faith that all the wisdom I was blessed to recieve during their time, will only propel me into the woman I am mean’t to become. The realization motivated me further into my purpose to use my company to help lift others and remind them to never give up.
We strive to make sure that individuals are captured in an uplifting light and their story remains truthful. It is often a struggle for business owners to maintain their integrity as they begin to rise especially because sometimes not every opportunity aligns with your bigger picture. Every obstacle we have had I used as a reminder that little bumps in the road does not mean it is over, push through it.
We Are Jersey – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our company offers marketing, brand development, photography, videography, graphic design, DJs, models and more.
I am most proud of how my team went from not only female models, but female businesswomen. I have such an amazing inside and out team of women who really bring the show all together for me. I am also a realtor which makes it harder for me to be available all day, but my team truly works together to make sure everything is done.
Our team as a whole is different from others though because it’s really about putting together people who love what they do and who together work together to make sure everything efficiently executes the vision. We also enjoy bringing out the best qualities of each individual we work with. Our models surpassed my expectations and also became entrepreneurs with so much knowledge. We want others to see it is achievable, and you do not need to suppress your beauty or personality for anyone else. There is room for everyone.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far was winning the New Jersey Black-Owned Business Award in 2019.
It helped me see how many lives I was really touching, and sometimes we need that reminder.
Pricing:
- Magazine Feature starts at $175
- Models start at $150
- Photography starts at $150
- Graphic Design starts at $125
- Videography starts at $700
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jerseyturntupent.com
- Email: jerseyturntupent@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wearejerseymagazine
www.instagram.com/jerseyturntup - Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearejerseymagazine
- Other: www.youtube.com/jerseyturntupent
Image Credit:
David Alexander Media, LacQuan Scott Design, Jersey Diamondz
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