Today we’d like to introduce you to Jameela Jackson.
Jameela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Los Angeles native who grew up in Pasadena and went to Cal State University, Long Beach. I started working in the music industry by planning a listening party for a local R&B girl group called Isyss who was signed to Arista Records. From there, I started working as an intern and assistant with the group’s production company, which was spearheaded by music producer Billy Moss. I went on to do an internship at Virgin Records with Mar Brown (Rest in Peace), followed by a personal assistant position for singer/songwriter Robin Thicke and actress Paula Patton.
After that, I switched my career gear to Entertainment PR, having managed high-profile Publicity & Consumer Marketing campaigns and events for iconic brands like Disney, FOX, Sony, and Toyota. I started managing my own events and clients on the side and eventually launched my own boutique PR firm called The Velvet Rope Agency, which planned and executed private events hosted by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Russell Simmons, Chris Brown, Mario Lopez, NBA player Trevor Ariza, and more.
About two years ago, I launched the Hollywood chapter of Startup Grind to help bridge the gap between local entertainment and technology startup communities as well as provide resources for both the industry’s aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives. As Director of the Hollywood chapter, I plan and moderate live monthly fireside chats featuring some of the business world’s most prominent thought-leaders, influencers and innovators.
Today, I am a bustling entrepreneur, single mother and aspiring TV show host who is passionate about culture, and the tech and entertainment industries. I founded Hustle x Glow, a digital media and experiential platform designed to provide content, culture and community for underrepresented entrepreneurial women and I’m currently balancing a career as a PR consultant, speaker/moderator, and tech community leader.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think challenges shape and mold people into who they’re supposed to be, so I’ve definitely taken any bumps in the road in stride and learned from them immensely. They’re only struggles if you don’t learn how to apply the lessons and persevere.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’ve been known for doing PR & Events for many years, but I’ve become part of the tech world and am beginning to be known for the work I do with Startup Grind Hollywood and Hustle x Glow. Overseeing a startup community, helping connect entrepreneurs and investors, and moderating live talks. I’m now invited to be on panels and moderate other discussions. I regularly moderate talks at a weekend live event called Brunchwork and was recently invited by Mayor Garcetti’s office to moderate a panel for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.
So many people come up to me at events and tell me that what I said inspired them, so I’m definitely most proud of my ability to do that.
I’m extremely proud to work in partnership with Google, as well as having interviewed some of the most prominent names in the entertainment and tech culture including Karen Civil, Everette Taylor, Julian Mitchell, Kellee Edwards, and executives from Sony, Epic Records, Disney, Netflix, MeUndies, Issa Rae Productions, and the list goes on!
I also keep hearing that I would be amazing on my own TV Show, so I’m pursuing that now!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I no longer believe in luck; I believe that we create by our own realities with our thoughts, intentions and inspired actions. I wish I had learned this sooner in life! Through doing that now, I continue to grow, learn and remain blessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HustlexGlow.com www.StartupGrind.com/Hollywood
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jameela_jackson @hustlexglow.com @startupgrind
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hustlexglow
- Twitter: VelvetRope_PR
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