Today we’d like to introduce you to JJ EVANS.
JJ, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hi! I was born in Gainesville, GA, a small town about an hour north of Atlanta, in 1985. I grew up in a Christian home, where my parents valued love, faith, unity, and legacy. They started a music company in 1995 and it has been a major blessing for our family and community ever since. We currently serve our hometown community through sound, audio, and visual installation services. We also have an education sector of our company, teaching private piano lessons and mentoring youth in the public school system and the local community. I’m the second son of three and I have four nephews and one niece. So, as you can probably imagine, life for me is always full of great moments and surprises! Lol
I’ve sung since I was two years old, starting in the church choir. My great-grandfather is the founder of our home church back in Gainesville, so the church was more than just a Sunday service for me. It was the place where I felt a part of something greater than me… it was part of my legacy. Therefore, singing there always brought me joy and purpose in my life. I sang, directed the choir, and led worship there until I left for college in 2004.
I attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA, which still serves as one of the greatest periods of my life. I met a few of my closest friends during that time and I also built a great business network that has launched my career in many ways today! I served as the assistant director of our college gospel choir, and also began working in the music industry as a recording artist, songwriter, and professional background vocalist during that time. I always knew I wanted to do more in life than just music though. I received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Managerial Sciences in 2009. This achievement would support my passion for big business, art, travel, education, and style. Additionally, I knew I wanted to do what it took to create ways to support my passions and desired lifestyle. I felt studying business was my ticket in, so that’s what I did. This decision has proven itself to be a great milestone in my entire career.
By the time I graduated from college, I had recorded two independent albums, began traveling the world as a professional background vocalist, still working in our family company, serving in the education sector in my hometown community, and living a pretty successful life. I later recorded three more albums, toured with R&B artist, Monica, sang background for numerous televised award shows, produced and wrote songs for other artists, and had a dream to take my solo career even further!
Even as a child, I had big dreams to live in Hollywood and sit with the stars I admired growing up! I felt that I belonged there in so many ways, even though I found so much joy in being a country boy from the south. I knew it would happen one day but I didn’t expect it to land in my lap when it did. Back in 2017, I received a major opportunity to write and produce Korean pop music for a publishing company in LA. Joombas Music Group was run by a friend, songwriter, and music producer I met in Atlanta some years before. I decided to accept the offer and I made the big move to Hollywood, all in a month’s time. I had never lived that far away from my family and support system, so I was nervous, anxious, and excited all at the same time! It was a tough decision to make but I knew it was the best decision for me at the time.
With over 30 song placements and two years later, I’m still loving my new life in California! I’m currently writing and producing more K-Pop music, even expanding into the Chinese and Japanese markets. I’ve been blessed to now travel the world, serving as one of R&B star Kem’s touring background vocalists! I’m also working with my family back home to expand our business even further, launching a few other business ventures really soon, and always recording new music for myself. My life has been an adventurous and exciting journey thus far. However, it hasn’t always been easy. There have been many moments of sacrifice and humbling experiences that have gotten me to where I am today. I’ve also learned so much about myself and who I am at the core, which has led me to a life of unexplainable peace and joy. Most of all, I’ve discovered who God truly is and His divine purpose for my life. I now know my mission is to live my life through purpose and to empower others to discover theirs. I’m convinced that knowing who we are and why we’re here is the formula for living our best lives!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say the road to where I am has been a combination of victories and struggles. I feel that our journeys are always a mix of both, happening at the same time. I will say though the struggles and obstacles have molded me into the person I am today.
One of my greatest struggles has been to submit to God’s plan for my life over my own. I’m a natural planner so I like to know what’s going on in my life at all times. Throughout my journey, I haven’t always been in a position where I could say I knew all the details regarding my life. During these times, I’ve had to learn how to totally rely on my faith and trust that God would lead and protect me along the way. This alone has not been easy but I can say it has been worth it! I’ve received more blessings from God than I could ever imagine happening by my own will, knowledge, and power.
Another major struggle I’ve had has been accepting the level of sacrifice it takes to not only be successful but to operate in God’s purpose for my life. I’m a country boy at heart and I had a great childhood experience. My life wasn’t perfect by all means, but I always had unconditional love and emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual support. These qualities are so important when it comes to living a successful and holistic lifestyle. Therefore, it’s been hard for me to leave this environment in order to chase my destiny. However, I’ve learned how to use this strong foundation to fuel my success instead of keeping me from it, causing me to become more comfortable leaving my comfort zone.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I would say most people would know me as being a recording artist, singer, and songwriter, which is definitely true. However, now that I’ve been through a long period of self-discovery, I can now say I am a visionary, artist, and communicator. I am a lifestyle brand.
I’m passionate about my faith, family, music, education, and style. I love art, travel, food, and creating great experiences for others to enjoy. My mission is to create more opportunities that inspire others to live in their purpose, and ways that support my lifestyle using my gifts and talents.
I view myself as the new guy next door! I’m a country boy with city dreams and all things in between. I’m most proud of my new found discovery of who I am and the impact I’m able to make in the lives of others on a daily basis.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
At this point in my life, I define success as being able to live in freedom, doing exactly what I’ve been created to do, and impacting other people every day. I feel that anything that hinders me from living this type of lifestyle is not only a threat to my peace but a threat to my purpose for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jjevansonline.com
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