Check Out Jaylah Ash-Shakoor’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylah Ash-Shakoor.

Jaylah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had bigger dreams to enhance the world with my gifts and talents. As a small-town country girl from Como, North Carolina it was never about the talent but the limited access to show my talents off to the world. Nine years ago at 14 years old, I bared the news that I would be moving away from my hometown. For a child, it’s never easy leaving behind family, friends and the experiences that are a part of your growth. That was such a challenging time in my life and it was hard trying to adjust to new heights while learning to love the woman that I was becoming. In life, I’ve learned that in order to pursue success at an all-time high, a great deal of sacrifices must be made. What seemed to be the worst experience of my life was only the beginning of my greatness. I now have an Associate degree in General Business Studies, a Bachelors degree in Entrepreneurship and a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership. I am now a model and actress. I lived by three main P’s pursuit, passion, and perseverance! Despite the specifics of dealing with critics and people who just didn’t want to see me win, I conquered. So now, nine years later I am Jaylah Iman, a content creator and photographer of LadyJayProductionss, who believes that we are here with a purpose to aspire to inspire until our time has expired; through capturing our purest and authentic self. As I continue to impact the world, my truth is that the sky is the limit and I’m just a dreamer unlimited.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been smooth at all, but I am in love with the journey! My biggest challenge was leaving my career 9 to 5 job in an attempt to fully pursue being an entrepreneur. That was a fail! I struggled bad financially and mentally because no one tells you just how difficult it is to be an entrepreneur. No one talks about how rent, car insurance, and bills are still due even when business is slow and no one books a shoot for months. It was hard accepting the reality that entrepreneurship looks different for some people. I realized not everyone quits their 9 to 5 to be a business owner; some use it as their foundation. The 9 to 5 pays the bills while business profit builds the brand! So I returned to my 9 to 5 where I now invest my banking financial knowledge into helping my business as well as others gain capital.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of being a photographer, I am also a full-time personal banker. I specialize in helping customers and businesses maximize benefits within their financial relationship with the bank. I am here to support and coach individuals to financial freedom. I’m known for being the cute girl with the pretty smile! My customers and partners know that if I don’t have the answers immediately, I won’t stop until I get them. We achieve and celebrate financial milestones together. I am most proud of the fact that I enjoy providing the type of financial transparency that saves people money and frustration. In an industry full of harsh salesman I love that I don’t sell products, I provide solutions.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Take smart risks and maintain a persistent work ethic. People who are persistent are more likely to achieve their goals than those who start things and don’t continue. Back then, I wish I knew the power in believing in myself and continuing despite the number of supporters. Get focused, get real, and do the work! Don’t be afraid to be a student to the game. Learn basic business functions and then challenge yourself to work twice as hard in the execution phase.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ladyjayproductions_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaylah.ashshakoor 

Image Credits
Jaylah Iman Ash-Shakoor