Life and Work with La’Janee’

Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Janee’, Miss Education of the Stereo…type.

La’Janee’, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
“You should start a blog!”

Sitting at my desk, discussing an episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta with my co-workers. That’s how it all started, in 2012, while staying in Florida.

After that conversation, I started my first platform, I Can Repeat It, a website that would become a go-to for many entertainment gossip lovers. I was able to interview artists such as Chrisette Michele, Juicy J, Taraji P. Henson, LeToya Luckett, Mimi Faust, Andrea Kelly, and many more-as well as be a guest on TMZ Live and HuffPost several times.

After I realized my possibilities, when I attended the Blogging While Brown conference, I knew that ATL would be where I would thrive in this industry. I later moved to the Black mecca, in 2013, after hitting a ceiling in the corporate world.

Once I moved, I established my personal brand, outside of my website, as La’Janee’ Cosby. I cultivated healthy mutually beneficial relationships, covered major events and awards shows, gained multiple contracts with magazines, including the largest audited African American community newspaper in Georgia —The Atlanta Voice.

After six years of growing and living life as an ATLien, I was able to transform my brand to La’Janee’, Miss Education of the Stereo…type and finally become bi-coastal and move to LA.

 I have evolved and have so much more to talk about. This pivot encompasses who I am, in my totality–ratchet & refined, multi-faceted, intelligent, bold, vocal, genuine, and living in my flawed truth.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been an entrepreneur for seven years and for three years I have been self-employed full time. There have definitely been obstacles. From an eviction, non-paying clients, stolen content by a major platform, non-profit months, I have been through the entrepreneurial boot-camp.

I was able to get through that time with the help of my support system. There was a time where I was only able to do what I’m doing because of my tribe. If it wasn’t for their support, I’m not sure I would still be doing what I love, especially in LA.

The advice I would give women is to know what you’re choosing. For me, I quit my corporate job to pursue freelancing full-time. While it hasn’t always been easy, it has been so rewarding.

When you know what you’re choosing, you know what comes with it—good, bad, and the ugly. Just be prepared for whatever decision you make. There are pros and cons to everythang. Be sure to stay in alignment, not chase anythang. If you always chase, you’ll never actually catch what you need or desire. If you walk into alignment, the Universe will make sure what’s for you will come and it won’t slip through the crack of your fingers.

Please tell us about your work.
I obtained my B.S. Degree in Mass Communications from THEE Jackson State University and luckily, I chose to go into an industry that is very vast. As a multi-media professional—journalist, media correspondent, author, and digital marketer, I never get bored. 

Whether I’m helping a small business owner with a content calendar or brand awareness, creating healthy controversy with my articles and book, or assisting a corporate company with million-dollar digital campaigns—I have been able to craft a lifestyle of freedom and flexibility.

When you meet me, you’ll probably think that I’m a loud stereotypical Black woman. Let’s be honest, there’s a stigma attached to being loud—especially when you’re a loud dark curvy woman. But, I am also multi-dimensional. I may be loud but I’m intelligent, and I have relevant thangs to say. I’m known for my authenticity and my truth. After our interaction, you’ll probably say, “She’s loud as hell but she’s also intelligent.”

For example, my next book–Girl. Keep Going., which will be released in August, is inspired by a failed relationship and how I learned to love myself in a healthier way because of it. While I don’t go into the details of what happened, I do let my tribe know that I simply didn’t do a good job at protecting myself and my space, hence the outcome. With my choice to share my story so many women have received some sort of direction that encourages them to heal and seek a healthier sense of self.

Without my authenticity, I wouldn’t be who I am. I truly live my life out loud.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Podcasts:
Miss Education of the Stereo…type
To be or not to be Single
Gospel for the Culture
Baked Beans & Rice
Therapy for Black Girls

Books:
Giving to Yourself First, Iyanla Vanzant

The Self-Love Experiment: 15 Principles for Becoming More Kind,
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

YT:
Ty Johnson Anderson–Spiritually Bougie
Funky Dineva
The King of Reads
The Skorpion Show

Contact Info:

• Website: www.girlkeepgoing.com
• Email: workwithlajanee@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lajanee_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/438285830042826/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/_lajanee_
• Other: https://about.me/lajaneecosby

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.