Hi Jacky, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of perseverance and grace. There have been many starting points along my journey but as I reflect on what I’ve accomplished thus far, I always think back to the summer of 2008, that’s my marker for when I took the leap of faith. At that time, I started managing a lounge in Philly (Strongbox), my homey and I had these crazy parties on Tuesday nights, there’s never been anything like what we had going on. One time, the Cavs were in town and we had a private party, it made SportsCenter. From there, I transitioned into the world of music. I was in Atlanta working as an A&R for Tyrese Gibson, that move led me to become an artist manager. In the summer of 2015, I moved to LA cold turkey. In hindsight, that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Within the first year, I ended up managing R&B artist Kenyon Dixon while also becoming the day-to-day for Michael B Jordan. My work with MBJ allowed me an opportunity to work on Marvel’s Black Panther, that’s an experience I’ll remember forever. From there, I began freelancing for BET, I worked on numerous BET Award shows, activations and private screenings. At that point, I made the decision that I would focus my entrepreneurial efforts into becoming a tv/film producer, as well as launching my lifestyle brand wrighteous™. As of recent, I’ve worked with Comedian and Actor Tone Bell. I was an Executive Producer on Tone’s first comedy album, “One Night in Austin”. I’ve produced YouTube Original content with HOORAE (Issa Rae) and I just completed production on a new pilot series for MTV.

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 a smooth ride but the struggles have certainly been worth it! I have been doing the work for some years now and I make sure to learn from each and every opportunity that comes my way. It wasn’t until my first few years of living in Los Angeles that I came to this realization, regardless of what individual or brand I was connected to or currently working with, it was important for me to continue to pursue my own path while supporting others along the way. In the past, I allocated too much of my time and resources into others when I could have been pouring into my own endeavors. That pivot has been a tremendous step in the right direction.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a producer and entrepreneur I take a more general approach in defining what a producer is. I view myself as someone who supplies goods and services within the entertainment industry. I want to be connected to and tell stories that are compelling and authentic. As an entrepreneur, I created my lifestyle brand (wrighteous™) with the hopes of inspiring others to fulfill their purpose.

I don’t think I’m known for one particular thing, but as I continue to grow in this industry, I think I have an opportunity to really leave my mark. One of the main ingredients for being a great producer is to have people skills and I think that’s one of my strongest attributes. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to stay in the game this long regardless of any and all adversity that has come my way.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
1. Map out a plan and execute: You don’t need all the answers, you just need to take one step at a time, you’ll figure it out as you go.

2. Build genuine relationships and find your tribe: You’ll go farther in your path finding like-minded individuals that share your passion and want to grow individually and collectively.

My advice for anyone just starting out is to just start. As cliche as it sounds, the first day you start is one day ahead of someone who was just thinking or talking about it. Everyone’s path is different but as long as you pray and stay dedicated I believe things will work out in your favor.