Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridgette Lewis. They and their team shared their story with us below:
FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING
From an early age, Bridgette Lewis had to learn how to survive. The product of divorce raised by a single special education teacher finding her way wasn’t easy. Marrying the wrong man at the tender age of twenty-three changed the course of Bridgette’s life, behind her ex-husband’s radiant smile was a deceptive controlling cocaine-addicted drug dealer.
Her former spouse’s immoral behavior could have cost Bridgette her life. Always on edge, shaken, and second-guessing every decision, she learned not to trust herself. The relationship was emotionally draining and toxic. His actions caused self-doubt and low-self-esteem until Bridgette discovered she was strong, smart, courageous, powerful, and resourceful. Every struggle, obstacle, and challenge helped her to find her voice.
Bridgette Lewis is President and Founder of CoffeeTalk Media Los Angeles, whose career as a writer and award-winning broadcaster will soon see her add another arm with the launch of the SWIB platform – (Successful Women in Business), the associated podcasts enjoy an audience share of 4.6 million online listeners. “Talking is my business.”
A true multi-hyphenate businesswomen, content creator, author of “From Pitfalls to Purpose” available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. A sought-after transformational speaker and executive producer for radio and television, Bridgette’s dream began her second act in 2007; her company idea sketched on a napkin while sitting in her bedroom during one of the lowest moments in her life. Her Mother was in crisis after she suffered a life-threatening aneurysm. Dealing with her mother’s illness as her full-time live-in caregiver, 10 years had come and gone. Losing her high-profile job and zest for life, she needed a new focus; music would serve as her anchor.
Bridgette leaned on what she’d learned in her 30-year corporate communications and marketing career. “I found I had a love of storytelling, and the best vehicle for me was writing in addition to using my gift of gab. This is where I found I had a natural wit along with an extraordinary imagination, I flourished. I also found my passion while helping to support, market, and promote independent artists nationally and internationally.
CoffeeTalk Jazz, Media Los Angeles is a full-service music marketing agency that specializes in creating music campaigns that leverage our industry relationships and expertise in radio, digital, and print media, working with musicians and songwriters globally.
With an ability to focus on developing artists, empowering women, and creating branded content. She has become a much-in-demand guest speaker, invited to interview A-list artists on the red carpet for elite events such as the Grammy’s, Emmy’s, and for American Billboard awards. “I have to pinch myself these days,” Bridgette says. “Never, when I lost everything to look after my mother, down on my luck, could I have imagined I’d be running several leading businesses, walking the red carpet, and helping to empower women. I never take for granted the joy each day brings”.
Book Quotes:
● “Love this book [From Pitfalls to Purpose] for how it gives practical, easy, and actionable steps and advice.” – Tina Y. Dallas
● “From Pitfalls to Purpose” Gives step-by-step instructions on how to move forward, great insights and a winning formula to act. Judy W. Boston
● “Her work creates a transformation that goes deeper than most other books I’ve read. There’s a lot of therapeutic work, spiritual teaching, and personal development here. Damita L. Portland
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth road!?! The road has been bumpy, filled with potholes, detours, and obstacles lots of challenges along the way. Preparing to start my life over after losing my home and career at 46 years of age, I felt lost; I felt as if I had failed because I couldn’t fix the problem.
After my mother’s life-threatening aneurysm, I attempted to return to the workforce, applying for a variety of jobs for which I was well-qualified. I was often called back for a second and third interview but never secured getting the job. The challenge I was older; I didn’t want to think that ageism existed, but it was real. I made the decision to hire myself, write my check, and create my idea job. I never looked back.
The other challenge I faced was funding my vision. I could see the vision in my mind, but I wasn’t quite sure how-to execute what I saw in my head. Not one to give up, I started looking for grants and ways to fund my idea. As an entrepreneur, I learned quickly the core team you initial hired at the beginning stage of your business while you’re trying to scale will not be the same team you keep as your vision evolves and grows.
What makes CoffeeTalk Music Marketing great?
CoffeeTalk Music Marketing is the top choice for indie artists looking for music marketing services. We deliver results that help artist build their brand organically while simultaneously securing booking artists for music festival appearances and securing licensing and sync placement opportunities for television and movies.
What are you most proud of?
I stayed the course, and I developed resilience and mental toughness. I didn’t quite or give up when my company wasn’t profitable the first three years.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult and challenging time for all of us. It has taught me to appreciate the small things in life and to stay strong in the face of adversity.
I cannot stress enough the importance of not waiting for the perfect moment to start something. There will never be a perfect moment, and the longer we wait, the less likely we are to act.
I have learned that it is better to start with what we have and work our way up than to wait for everything to fall into place. During the pandemic, I have suffered the difficult loss of three team members to COVID-19, my neighbor, and three close friends. These losses have been devastating, and they have taught me that we should never take life for granted.
Time passes quickly, and I have learned that we should do what is in our hearts and do it well without apologies or excuses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coffeetalkjazz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetalkjazz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeTalkJazz/photos
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgettelewiscom/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoffeeTalkJazz
- Other: https://www.successfulwomeninbusiness.com/
Image Credits
Mario F. Panzarino Jr. Jazz-Up Photography and Bettie Grace Miner Photography
